Confusion on outlook for IT contractors
The KPMG and REC’s latest Report on jobs shows that recruitment demand for IT contractors has dropped for the 3rd consecutive month, whilst demand in all other sectors is rising.
Public sector contracts unlikely to dry up immediately
Umbrella company contractors working in the public sector can take comfort from recent comments made by Sir Peter Gershon. Gershon has already published a review into public sector efficiency in the UK and he was a special adviser to the Tories during the run up to the recent election.
Tough times ahead for HMRC
Morale is currently low at HMRC and employees have now been warned that they are in for tough times ahead. Chief Executive, Lesley Strathie, informed staff that they need to be realistic about the challenges they face.
Welcome announcement on red tape reduction
The coalition promised to cut the amount of red tape that umbrella companies and contractors are subjected to and yesterday Vince Cable announced the first stage of the plan.
IT contractors expected to do more with a smaller budget
A decrease in IT budgets could mean that contractors are expected to work harder this year. ReThink Recuitment conducted a study that shows that two thirds of decision makers in IT think workloads will increase over the remaining months of 2010.
Umbrella company workers affected by HMRC PAYE mistakes
Ten of thousands of people, including contractors and freelancers, have been affected by the tax coding problems caused when HMRC migrated their records to a new computer system earlier this year.
Recruiters cautiously optimistic about recovery
Employers and recruiters are becoming more optimistic and their confidence levels have reached their highest level this year, which could benefit those working through umbrella companies.
Flexible workers provide benefits for clients
The European Union has proposed a new set of guidelines for labour reform in the member states but the ARC is concerned that the EU agency workers’ guidelines depict contractors and freelancers in a negative light.
What does the budget hold for umbrella companies?
Small businesses, umbrella companies and limited company IT contractors will be in a state of 'limbo' until the emergency Budget is delivered on 22nd June.
What does the Queen’s speech mean for contractors?
The REC is understandably delighted that George Osborne has reversed part of the plan to increase NICs. They had opposed the move, as had all business bodies, as the potential cost would have prevented the jobs market recovering fully from the recession.
Current tax system “too confusing” for contractors
The Chartered Institute of Taxation has called on the new coalition to prioritise tax reform. They have written to George Osborne, the new chancellor, highlighted the need to simplify the current tax regime.
New MPs to review the agency workers directive
Contractors and freelancers with their own limited company, as well as interim workers who use the services of an umbrella company could soon discover exactly where they sit under the Agency Workers Directive.
