Don’t mess with the Agency Workers Directive!
Vince Cable has pledged to review the incoming agency workers directive but some employers are warning him not to jeopardise a deal that was previously agreed with the unions.
news
The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
Computer game contractors affected by tax break loss
The government’s decision to scrap video game tax relief has caused both Sony and Activision Blizzard to reconsider investing further in the UK, a development that could affect umbrella company contractors.
How do umbrella companies stand out from the crowd?
Each month a new umbrella company bursts on the scene with an offering that inevitably boasts a competitive weekly fee, ‘world class’ customer services and a bullet proof, ‘HMRC-compliant’ expenses policy.
CFOs uneasy about economic outlook
Chief financial officers in the UK are feeling less confident about the economy according to Robert Half.
Road to cloud computing to benefit IT contractors
The cloud services market is growing and this could benefit umbrella company contractors and sole traders working in the IT sector.
Concerns over affect of immigration cap
The REC is concerned that the government’s proposed immigration cap will lead to a greater skills shortage in certain sectors. However, this has annoyed some contractors who feel threatened by cheap labour from outside the EU.
Umbrella company IT contractors not happy with budget
IntaPeople, an IT recruitment company has warned that key IT personnel, including those working through umbrella companies, will resign from the public sector and secure better opportunities elsewhere.
Umbrella companies could be hit with pension hike
Both the BCC and the CBI have hit out at the coalition’s proposal to abolish the default retirement age from April 2011. The BCC’s director of policy, Adam Marshall, says this will restrict the ability of businesses to manage their workforce.
Concerns over tax avoidance measures
The government has announced that they will once again look at whether a general anti-avoidance rule should be introduced as a measure to deter limited company tax evaders.
The REC responds positively to Tuesday’s budget
Contractors could be better off as a result of George Osborne’s announcement that the income tax threshold will change. The REC said that temporary agency workers who only work for short periods will be especially delighted with the budget announcement.
Will the employer’s NIC holiday benefit my umbrella company?
The FSB had urged George Osborne to give small businesses time to implement any changes to the VAT rate and he did indeed do so in his budget speech yesterday.
Go easy with tax increases says the BCC
The British Chamber of Commerce has warned George Osborne to tread carefully with his plans to increase taxes in today’s budget. UK umbrella companies will also be watching with interest.
Employment index shows signs of growth
There are more opportunities available for IT contractors according to the latest Monster employment Index report. 11% additional vacancies were advertised online in May compared to the previous month.
Future not so bright for freelancers in the public sector
Freelancers and contractors who rely on the public sector for contracts could find themselves struggling to find work according to the CIPD.
Umbrella companies need to plan ahead for emergency budget
Small businesses and umbrella companies should plan ahead in order to cope with the changes that are likely to be introduced in next week’s budget.
Debate on economic outlook for contractors
Welcome news for temporary workers and freelancers comes in the form of the REC’s JobsOutlook report for June and the ONS.