Robert Walters, a specialist recruitment agency, says that the HR sector is now actively looking for people with human resources and corporate responsibility skills. This should come as positive news for contractors who possess the requisite skill set.
The Voice of Small Business Index shows that confidence amongst SMEs deteriorated in the 2nd quarter of 2010.
Last month saw a surge in the number of IT contractors hired according to Powerchex, the pre-employment specialist. Between May and June, the amount of employment offers made to IT contractors soared by a massive 320%.
The latest employment statistics from the ONS showed a rise in the number of people who are working and this rise is in part attributable to an increase in the number of umbrella company contractors.
De Poel, the temporary procurement agency, says that industry ambassadors and the British press need to get their facts right in light of rumours that the coalition government intends to water down some of the Agency Workers Regulations.
The government’s public sector spending cuts will affect everybody including IT contractors and suppliers.
The REC has won a victory in its fight to persuade the government not to extend the Gangmaster Licensing Authority.
Umbrella company IT contractors may want to consider moving to the capital or the south-east of England in their bid to secure a contract.
1% fewer companies became insolvent in the 2nd quarter compared to the 1st quarter of 2010 according to the latest analysis from PricewaterhouseCoopers. 3,467 businesses became insolvent during the period, a drop of 28% from the same quarter last year.
The managing economist at the CEBR, Charles Davis, has cautioned umbrella company contractors that whilst the economy in the UK is recovering, the recovery is not yet robust.
The Low Income Tax Reform Group believes that HMRC’s decision to reduce the opening hours of its helpline will hamper it in its long term aim to move to online services.
The REC is calling for the current enforcement mechanism for the recruitment sector to be protected and enhanced.
The coalition launched its ‘Your Freedom’ website last Thursday; a move that has been welcomed by the FSB.
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.
Chief financial officers in the UK are feeling less confident about the economy according to Robert Half.
The cloud services market is growing and this could benefit umbrella company contractors and sole traders working in the IT sector.
