Further Contract Eye Updates
Contractors' Handbook - essential reading for contractors
If you thought that the web was the only source for quality contracting information, you might need to think again, as the Contractors' Handbook is launched.
(May 13, 2009 in News )
BBC seeks contractor views on IT work permit rules
The producers of BBC's File on 4 are seeking views from contractors on the intra company transfer issue, and how companies may be abusing the rules.
(May 12, 2009 in News )
Financial planning tips for IT contractors
A new tax year is a good time for contractors to review their finances. We look at how contractors can save money on everything from mortgages and ISAs to household and utility expenditure.
(May 7, 2009 in Money / Investing )
What should IT contractors do to survive the economic downturn?
Now that the economic outlook has turned bleaker, what should IT contractors do to prepare themselves to weather the storm?
(May 7, 2009 in Contract Work )
How to shut down your contractor limited company
In this article, we look at the processes involved in closing down your contractor limited company for good.
(May 5, 2009 in Limited Company )
Dormant limited company guide for contractors
A dormant limited company is simply one that is not actively trading, and no accounting transactions pass through it. Why would contractors use a dormant company?
(May 1, 2009 in Limited Company )
Financial IT contractor offers up, but no overall recovery yet
New figures suggest that the worst may be over for IT contractors in the financial sector, although a wider recovery may be some way off.
(Apr 28, 2009 in Market Reports )
National Freelancers Day - 23rd November 2009
'National Freelancers Day' will take place later in the year, to acknowledge the contribution freelancers, contractors and consultants make to the UK economy.
(Apr 27, 2009 in News )
Contractor pension tax hike ahead as tax relief cut from 2011
In Budget 2009, the Chancellor announced that higher rate tax relief on pension contributions will no longer be available from April 2011 if you earn over 150k per year.
(Apr 24, 2009 in Money / Investing )
Fujitsu IT contractors latest to suffer contract rate cut
Contractors at Fujitsu are the latest to be told to accept a 15% rate cut.
(Apr 23, 2009 in Market Reports )
How contractor developer skills are faring in the 'downturn'
We look at how the demand for IT contractor developers has changed over the past few months.
(Apr 23, 2009 in Market Reports )
Main points from Budget 2009 for IT contractors
In an uninspiring Budget for contractors, the Chancellor announced a headline-grabbing new 50% income tax rate from 2010, but no announcements were made on IR35 or other relevant issues.
(Apr 22, 2009 in News )
UK contractors "sorely disappointed" by Budget
The PCG says that many contractors will be "sorely disappointed" by today's budget announcements.
(Apr 22, 2009 in News )
Number of IT contractor jobs advertised plummets
The number of IT contracts advertised has fallen by a third over the previous quarter, and by a shocking 62% since the same period last year.
(Apr 21, 2009 in Market Reports )
Most freelancers find new work via 'word of mouth'
Most freelancers secure new work via word of mouth, according to new research from a leading freelance advice site.
(Apr 21, 2009 in News )
Contractors may face security clearance problems when applying for public sector roles
An interesting article in The Times highlights the problem of gaining security clearance for Government contracts.
(Apr 20, 2009 in News )
Are some IT contractors' clients abusing the immigration rules?
The PCG is seeking evidence from contractors that some clients may be abusing the points-based immigration system (PBS).
(Apr 20, 2009 in News )
File your P35 online this year and receive a tax-free cash sum from HMRC
If you are a limited company contractor, you can claim a modest tax-free sum by filing your employer annual return (P35) online this year - even if your accountant files on your behalf.
(Apr 16, 2009 in Tax )
New subsistence rates for umbrella company contractors
HMRC has announced new 'benchmark scale rates' for subsistence expense claims from employees who travel away from their normal workplace.
(Apr 15, 2009 in Umbrella Companies )
Long-term contractor unemployment low despite downturn
A recent survey suggests that the number of long-term unemployed contractors is far lower than it was five years ago.
(Apr 14, 2009 in News )
Government urged to close work permit 'loophole'
APSCo has called on the Government to close a loophole which allows companies to hire non-EU workers without having to first advertise the job vacancies in the UK.
(Apr 14, 2009 in News )
Are Cash ISAs a worthwhile investment for contractors?
With interest rates at their lowest in over 300 years, cash savers are taking a hit. Could this sound the death knoll for Cash ISAs?
(Apr 14, 2009 in Money / Investing )
BT cuts contractor rates by up to 30%
BT is to cut contractor rates by up to 30% following poor results from its IT services division.
(Apr 13, 2009 in Market Reports )
Abolish IR35? Be careful what you wish for
Kate Cottrell responds to recent calls for the abolition of IR35. Could something even worse be implemented in its place?
(Apr 9, 2009 in IR35 )
Clients putting pressure on contract rates
A top 20 agency reports that clients are exerting pressure on contract rates due to the poor economic environment.
(Apr 8, 2009 in Market Reports )
Contractor group calls on Chancellor to repeal IR35
The PCG has called on the Chancellor to abolish IR35, and other barriers to contracting, in the forthcoming Budget.
(Apr 7, 2009 in IR35 )
Income Tax, National Insurance (NIC), Dividend Tax rates - 2009/10
The latest income tax rates, taxable bands, dividend tax, and National Insurance (NIC) rates for the 2009/10 tax year.
(Apr 5, 2009 in Tax )
Corporation tax for contractor companies - 2009/10
Corporation tax rates for the 2009/10 tax year remain unchanged from 2008/9. IT contractor companies will continue to pay 21% on their profits.
(Apr 5, 2009 in Tax )
Demand for good quality IT contractors strong in 2009
Leading recruitment agency, Robert Walters, has published its latest salary survey which suggests that the demand for high quality contractors may actually increase in 2009.
(Apr 3, 2009 in Market Reports )
Aviva to lay off 590 contractors
Over 1000 permanent staff and 590 contractors are to be axed from Norwich Union Life over the coming months as another company cut costs in the face of the economic downturn.
(Apr 3, 2009 in Market Reports )
Now public sector prepared to slash contractor rates
Following on from cuts at many of the UK's largest companies, now Leeds City Council has decided to slash its IT contractor rates.
(Apr 2, 2009 in Market Reports )
Dealing with IT contractor recruitment agencies
How IT contractors can make the most out of their relationships with recruitment agencies.
(Mar 31, 2009 in Contract Work )
New HMRC penalties regime from April 2009
Contractors should be aware of the tough new HMRC penalty regime which comes into play from 1st April and applies to errors made on tax returns and related documents.
(Mar 27, 2009 in Tax )
Why is the Dragonfly IR35 case important?
A concise overview of the recent Dragonfly Consultancy IR35 case - and its importance to the future of IR35 status rulings.
(Mar 26, 2009 in IR35 )
VAT staff hire concession abolition could hit agencies
Many recruitment agencies will be dreading the withdrawal of the VAT Staff Hire Concession from 1st April 2009, as the costs to non-VAT registered clients of hiring temporary workers will increase significantly.
(Mar 25, 2009 in Tax )
Contractors welcome Early Day Motion calling for IR35 to be abolished
Contractors have welcomed an Early Day Motion to remove barriers to business in light of the economic downturn and to abolish IR35 as soon as possible.
(Mar 23, 2009 in IR35 )
IT contractor trashes systems after application to become a permie is rejected
An IT contractor has been indicted in the U.S of damaging his client's offshore oil rig computer systems, after his application to become an 'employee' was turned down!
(Mar 20, 2009 in News )
Contractors' guide to claiming benefits during downturn
The PCG, which represents UK contractors and freelancers has uploaded a new guide to accessing the benefits system for people who find themselves out of contract.
(Mar 19, 2009 in News )
Parasol umbrella company employee portal launched
Parasol, a leading PAYE umbrella company has unveiled a new portal for its employees.
(Mar 19, 2009 in News )
Most companies are 'paying too much' for IT contractors
New research suggests that most IT directors feel they are paying too much for their IT contractors, and that 'flexible resourcing' could provide a cost-effective alternative.
(Mar 18, 2009 in News )
Guide to the company Annual Return - Form AR01 (363a)
Limited company contractors will be aware that, each year, they have to submit an 'Annual Return' form to Companies House. So, what is the purpose of Form AR01 (Formerly Form 363a)?
(Mar 17, 2009 in Limited Company )
Guide to invoicing agencies + invoice template
IT contractor's guide to preparing an invoice for your agency / client. What to include on the invoice, plus a free sample invoice template.
(Mar 13, 2009 in Contract Work )
IT contractors and company car taxation
There are some important tax considerations to bear in mind when deciding whether to buy a company car, or claim a mileage allowance for business use of your own car.
(Mar 13, 2009 in Tax )
VAT accounting methods for limited company contractors
The different ways contractor companies can account for VAT - the 'standard' VAT accounting, flat rate VAT, annual accounting, and the cash accounting schemes.
(Mar 10, 2009 in Tax )
Foreign IT worker numbers in UK reach record levels
New data, obtained from the Home Office, reveals that the number of overseas IT work permits issued in 2008 was almost three times higher than during the dot com boom.
(Mar 10, 2009 in News )
Tenth anniversary of IR35 rules, but no-one's celebrating
It is ten years to the day since the Government penned its now notorious 'IR35' press release from which the tax legislation takes its name. How the IR35 rules came into being.
(Mar 9, 2009 in IR35 )
Leading agency reports sharp drop in contractor numbers
Just months after announcing solid results for 2008, one of the leading contractor recruitment agencies - SThree - has reported a sharp drop in contractor numbers over the past quarter.
(Mar 9, 2009 in Market Reports )
Useful online tools for freelancers and contractors
A leading social media site has compiled a list of 85 essential online resources for freelancers and contractors - including invoicing, expense, billing and project management tools.
(Mar 4, 2009 in Directory )
Professional Indemnity insurance claims against contractors could rise due to downturn
A leading professional indemnity insurance provider warns that the recession may result in more claims against IT contractors by clients who claim that the services provided did not meet their expectations.
(Feb 27, 2009 in Contractor Insurance )
Microsoft contractors to suffer 10% rate cut
Microsoft's US contractors are the latest to feel the pinch as they have their contract rates cut by 10%.
(Feb 26, 2009 in Market Reports )
