Further Contract Eye Updates
Free umbrella company service launched for contractors
In a highly competitive market, a new entrant has come up with an innovative selling point - a free umbrella company service for contractors.
(Feb 2, 2010 in News )
Contractor group expresses concern over retrospective offshore tax case
Following yesterday's High Court ruling that HMRC could apply taxes retrospectively in a 'BN66' offshore tax case, the PCG has expressed concern that the judgement could be seen as opening the door to retrospection elsewhere within the tax system.
(Jan 29, 2010 in News )
Contractor loses case against retrospective offshore tax claim
Hundreds of contractors who have used offshore tax schemes could now be liable for millions in unpaid taxes, after the High Court ruled that HMRC could legally close a tax avoidance loophole retrospectively.
(Jan 28, 2010 in News )
Market for interim managers starts to rebound
The decline in the market for interim management skills appears to be over, according to a recent snapshot of 11,000 interim mangers.
(Jan 27, 2010 in Market Reports )
Private medical insurance (PMI) for contractors
Contractors looking to cover themselves and any dependants for specialist and hospital treatment costs may be interested in find out more about private medical insurance (PMI).
(Jan 26, 2010 in Contractor Insurance )
Paying your self assessment online? Make sure you use the right account details for HMRC
HMRC have asked self assessment taxpayers to ensure that they pay their liabilities into the correct bank account, or face having their payments returned.
(Jan 25, 2010 in News )
Contractor organisation hits out at agency worker proposals
The Service Providers Association has called on the government to better differentiate between the constituent populations of the professional freelance workforce in its application of the AWD legislation.
(Jan 25, 2010 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Number of job ads posted online plummets to 2004 levels
The number of online jobs advertised has plummeted to levels not seen since January 2004, according to an index which monitors the number or roles advertised by many of the leading job sites on the web.
(Jan 20, 2010 in News )
Contractors should watch what they post on social networking sites
Contractors should be careful what they post information on social networking sites as most employers now research potential candidates online.
(Jan 13, 2010 in News )
Contractors urged to file tax returns online by Sunday 31st January
HMRC has reminded taxpayers that they need to complete their annual self assessment tax returns online by 31st of January, to avoid paying a penalty.
(Jan 12, 2010 in Tax )
New chairman for Service Providers Association (SPA)
The Service Providers Association, which represents some of the UK's leading umbrella and accountancy firms, has appointed a new chairman.
(Jan 8, 2010 in News )
VAT changes for limited company contractors in 2010
Alongside the return to the old rates of VAT from 1st January, most contractors will also have to get used to filing their returns online from 1st April 2010.
(Jan 4, 2010 in Tax )
What is the outlook for the contractor mortgage market in 2010?
Many contractors thinking about taking out a mortgage (or re-mortgage) over the past two years will have been more aware than most about the increased scrutiny with which lenders view mortgage applications. So, what is the outlook for the contractor mortgage market in 2010?
(Jan 4, 2010 in Money / Investing )
Financial services contractor job offers up, but rates under pressure
The number of financial services job offers has risen this month, raising hopes of a lasting economic recovery. However, the large number of applicants has forced down contract daily rates.
(Dec 22, 2009 in Market Reports )
Delayed tax pain in Pre-Budget Report, but no corporation tax hike for limited company contractors
The Chancellor announced a number of tax hikes which will be delayed until after the election. The small companies' corporation tax rate will remain at 21% in 2010/11 after all.
(Dec 9, 2009 in News )
Contractor accountant provides Pre-Budget Report predictions
A leading specialist accountant outlines his company's thoughts and expectations for the December Pre-Budget Report, and the difficult task facing the Chancellor
(Dec 8, 2009 in News )
SThree sees recruitment market conditions stablising
One of Europe's largest recruitment agencies, SThree, says that the company has successfully weathered some severe trading conditions of late. The firm says that most job markets are now stable, or improving.
(Dec 7, 2009 in News )
Offset contractor mortgages in the post-crunch world
The mortgage market has changed markedly in the post 'crunch' world. Offset mortgages represent good value for many contractors.
(Dec 2, 2009 in Money / Investing )
New IR35 services for contractor accountants
Employment status experts, Bauer and Cottrell, have launched two new services aimed at helping contractor accountancy service providers with IR35 issues.
(Dec 1, 2009 in News )
Late payment epidemic - could the worst be over?
Another sign that the worst of the downturn may be over has come in the form of a marked reduction in the average time businesses are made to wait until their invoices are settled.
(Nov 30, 2009 in News )
Skills and flexibility the key to recent freelance boom
A major survey suggests that, after a difficult 12 months, freelancers and contractors are well placed to take advantage when the recovery begins.
(Nov 20, 2009 in News )
Contractors retain Agency Regulations opt-out choice
The Government has confirmed that contractors will still be able to opt out of the recruitment agency Conduct of Employment Agencies Regulations.
(Nov 17, 2009 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Wide industry support for National Freelancers Day
A wide range of events are being held to promote National Freelancers Day on 23rd November.
(Nov 12, 2009 in News )
Contractors await Pre-Budget Report - 9th December
The Chancellor has announced that he will deliver his Pre-Budget Report on 9th December.
(Nov 11, 2009 in News )
Limited company contractors could fall under Agency Workers Directive if caught by IR35 rules
A leading contractor accountancy firm has pointed out that limited company contractors who are caught by IR35 could fall within the scope of the Agency Workers Directive.
(Nov 10, 2009 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Contractor group calls on Chancellor to scrap IR35 rules
In its submission to the Chancellor ahead of the much-anticipated Pre-Budget Report, the PCG has called for IR35 and other restrictive measures to be scrapped in the interests of the economic recovery.
(Nov 9, 2009 in IR35 )
Contractor Calculator guide looks back at a decade of IR35
A leading contractor news site has published a special report, looking back on 10 years of IR35 - including insights from some of the leading experts in the contracting industry.
(Nov 5, 2009 in IR35 )
Perm and contract jobs markets continue recovery in October
The latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs for October 2009 provides further evidence that the worst of the downturn may be over, as the number of permanent and contract roles continues to rise.
(Nov 4, 2009 in Market Reports )
More IT contractors expect to see rate rise in 2010
The latest research by contractor services provider, giant group, provides further evidence that confidence is beginning to return to the contracting market.
(Nov 2, 2009 in Market Reports )
What do freelancers contribute to the UK economy?
As National Freelancers Day nears, a survey has been launched to help find out more about the role freelancers and contractors play within the challenging economic climate.
(Oct 30, 2009 in News )
Surge in demand for IT contractors during third quarter
The demand for IT contractors has jumped significantly over the last quarter, rebounding from one of the worst dips in demand ever recorded, although average rates are slightly down on last year.
(Oct 30, 2009 in Market Reports )
HMRC forms used by limited company contractors
A summary of the most commonly used HMRC forms used by limited company contractors and their accountants.
(Oct 26, 2009 in Tax )
Self cert mortgage ban penalises would-be entrepreneurs
Following on from the FSA's proposals to ban 'self cert' mortgages, the ACCA has said that such changes would have serious implications for many would-be entrepreneurs, including contractors.
(Oct 21, 2009 in Money / Investing )
New guide to flexible working published
Bel Grant, a recent Contract Eye article contributor, has published a new guide on flexible working, which should appeal to contractors who use recruitment agencies.
(Oct 20, 2009 in News )
Tax deadline reminder for contractors
If you want to keep tabs on all your personal and business tax deadlines, you might like to download a handy PDF summary.
(Oct 20, 2009 in Tax )
Will FSA 'self cert' lending ban affect contractor mortgages?
How will the proposed ban of 'self cert' mortgages by the FSA affect the IT contractor mortgage market?
(Oct 19, 2009 in Money / Investing )
Surge in number of IT contractors 'lying' on CVs
The number of people lying on their CVs has hit a three year high, with a massive increase in the number of IT contractors providing false information.
(Oct 19, 2009 in News )
Demand for IT contractors on the turn, at last
Demand for IT contractors, having declined for over 6 quarters, appears to have stabilised, with advertised roles on the increase and positive noises being made by some leading recruitment agencies.
(Oct 14, 2009 in Market Reports )
Comparing umbrella company charges - gross and net of tax
Umbrella schemes may advertise their weekly or monthly charges net of tax. How to find out how much you will actually pay, depending on your personal tax status.
(Oct 11, 2009 in Umbrella Companies )
New Companies House forms for limited company contractors
Limited company contractors will need to get used to a new set of forms when they inform Companies House of any changes to their circumstances.
(Oct 6, 2009 in Limited Company )
What is employers liability insurance?
An overview of employers liability insurance for contractors, what the legal requirements are, and how to get an EL insurance quote.
(Oct 5, 2009 in Contractor Insurance )
Many top BBC presenters are limited company contractors
The mainstream press has expressed its 'shock' as it has been revealed that many BBC personalities - including Jeremy Paxman and Chris Moyles - 'avoid tax' by working via their own limited companies.
(Oct 4, 2009 in News )
Why do most contractors work via agencies?
Why do so many contractors work via recruitment agencies in the UK, and what are the benefits of contracting via an agency?
(Sep 28, 2009 in Contract Work )
Limited company contractors - Companies House form changes from 1st October 2009
Many of the forms limited company contractors have previously used to interact with Companies House will change format on 1st October 2009 following the final implementation of the Companies Act 2006.
(Sep 24, 2009 in Limited Company )
IR35 - how to manage evidence of your employment status
If your contract falls outside the IR35 rules, it is important that you gather and keep supporting evidence to show that this is the case.
(Sep 22, 2009 in IR35 )
Contractor accountant launches iPhone application
SJD Accountancy has launched its own iPhone application which shows limited company contractors what their take home pay would be for a given hourly or daily rate.
(Sep 9, 2009 in News )
Companies Act changes for limited company contractors
Limited company IT contractors should take note of the latest implementation of Companies Act changes, which come into force on 1st October 2009.
(Sep 8, 2009 in Limited Company )
How to impress during the contractor interview process
With competition for contract roles tougher than ever, what can you do to improve your chances during the interview process?
(Sep 7, 2009 in Contract Work )
How to open a limited company bank account
If you are a limited company contractor, one of the first things you need to do is open a dedicated business bank account. We look at the steps you need to take complete the process.
(Aug 27, 2009 in Money / Investing )
What is IR35? Find out on YouTube!
A contractor accountancy firm has launched a series of videos aimed at helping contractors understand exactly what IR35 is.
(Aug 25, 2009 in IR35 )
