Sluggish growth and rising costs prevents SMEs expanding
Last week’s GDP figures from the Office for National statistics confirmed growth of just 0.2% in the second quarter of this year.
umbrella company
IT contractors could help fight cybercrime
IT umbrella contractors could be about to benefit from a newly launched cybercrime initiative.
Fraudsters to be offered disclosure facility
HMRC is to offer a disclosure facility to taxpayers, including umbrella company contractors, it suspects of fraud.
Are you finding it hard to keep up with the pace of technology?
Umbrella company IT contractors could be amongst those to benefit from an anticipated increased spend in IT and telecoms services.
Time for umbrella company contractors to learn about the AWR?
Last week, the REC attended an Agency Work seminar run by the JSB, which provided up-to-date insights on how leading organisations are gearing up for the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.
New anti-fraud technology will save HMRC millions
Umbrella company contractors might want to take heed of the news that HMRC has got some new anti-fraud technology that it hopes will save it up to £20 million a year.
Limited Company? Umbrella? Self-Employed Umbrella?
If you are entering into a contract with an agency you will no doubt have been faced with the daunting options of choosing your route – either going PAYE directly with the agency, going limited or using an umbrella company.
Umbrella company contractors need to check their tax calculations
The Low Income Tax Reform Group is urging taxpayers, including umbrella company contractors, to double check calculations if they receive letters from HMRC.
Small businesses are getting a raw deal from the banks
It might come as no surprise to umbrella contractors to learn that small businesses are losing faith in the UK’s banking system.
Should sole traders be exempt from certain legislation?
The British Chamber of Commerce recently called on the coalition to encourage sole traders to grow by making them exempt from certain legislation.
Can umbrella company contractors help organisations meet targets?
New research from the Hay Group shows that employees are too stretched to meet their business targets. 46% of employers admitted their staff already have too much on their plates even though CEOs have set ambitious growth targets for this year.
Contractors could be in line for tax rebates
Millions of taxpayers, including umbrella company contractors, could be in line for a tax refund after HMRC reconciles its books.
Young British workers are feeling highly stressed
Contractors are unlikely to be surprised to hear that British employees in the 18 to 29 age group are suffering from high levels of workplace stress and they believe they are been forced to bear the brunt of the credit crisis recovery.
Should female umbrella company contractors utilise social networking more?
It would appear that UK men are more savvy than their female counterparts when it comes to professional networking.
Time is running out to prepare for the Bribery Act
SMEs must beware the Bribery Act, according to a congress that took place in Brighton earlier this month.
UK umbrella company contractors unhappy with personal taxation
The Times newspaper recently asked readers to rank the UK against five key competitors for tax, business friendliness, infrastructure, skills and workforce.