Further Contract Eye Updates
Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) - Useful guides and resources
The Agency Workers Regulations become law on 1st October 2011. Given the complexity of the new rules, we have listed some of the most useful AWR resources available on the web.
(Sep 29, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Businesses urged to act now to ensure readiness for AWR implementation
With just a few days to go before the Agency Workers Regulations become law on October 1st, businesses are being warned that they face large fines if they break the new rules.
(Sep 29, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Contractors confident despite economic uncertainty
A survey of over 2,000 contractors and freelancers shows that the sector remains impressively confident about the future, despite the threat of continued economic strife.
(Sep 28, 2011 in News )
Limited company contractors - what are dividends?
A guide to dividends for contractors and small businesses. How to calculate them, when to distribute them and what paperwork you need to complete.
(Sep 26, 2011 in Limited Company )
Startling drop in tax yield from IR35 status enquiries
Data released by HMRC shows that the number of IR35 status reviews has shrunk massively in recent years, as has the amount of tax yielded as a result of such enquiries.
(Sep 22, 2011 in IR35 )
PCG announces second freelance lecture to mark National Freelancers Day 2011
PCG's second annual freelance lecture will take place on 23rd November, in the LSO St Luke's in London.
(Sep 21, 2011 in News )
Poll shows public support for increased flexible working
A new survey, carried out by two of leading industry organisations, shows that the most people believe that the government should facilitate more flexible working to stimulate the economy.
(Sep 19, 2011 in News )
UK tax system slammed for being inefficient, complex and unfair
The Mirrlees Review has concluded that the UK's tax system is unnecessary complex, inefficient, and often unfair.
(Sep 16, 2011 in News )
How to join an umbrella company scheme
We look at the series of steps you will need to take when joining a contractor umbrella scheme.
(Sep 15, 2011 in Umbrella Companies )
New HMRC self assessment tax return penalties revealed
HMRC has introduced a new range of penalties for late tax return submissions and payments.
(Sep 13, 2011 in Tax )
Survey shows that most contractors have never even heard of the AWR
A new survey suggests that, with less than one month to go before the AWR become law, an incredible 88% of contractors working via agencies have not even been told about the implications of the new rules by their recruiters.
(Sep 8, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Contracting industry reacts to suggestion that PM may review AWR implementation
The contracting industry has reacted to a newspaper report that David Cameron may seek to review the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.
(Sep 6, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
How does IR35 affect umbrella company contractors?
In this article, we look at IR35 and how it affects contractors. Why umbrella companies are the logical choice for contractors caught by the IR35 rules.
(Sep 6, 2011 in Umbrella Companies )
Cameron might fight EU over Agency Workers rules
An article in The Telegraph today suggests that David Cameron is increasingly concerned about the impact the Agency Workers Regulations could have on the fragile economic recovery.
(Sep 6, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Parasol unveils its post-AWR umbrella company solutions
The UK's biggest umbrella company, Parasol, has announced that it is to offer several different solutions for contractors and agencies when the Agency Workers Regulations become law on 1st October 2011.
(Sep 5, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Simpler reporting proposals could reduce contractor accountancy costs
New proposals to ease the financial and corporate reporting requirements of small businesses, including most IT contractor companies, could result in lower accountancy fees and less red tape.
(Sep 5, 2011 in News )
UBS contractors told to swallow 10% rate cut
UBS is the latest bank to announce a series of job cuts, and contractors aren't immune according to The Register.
(Sep 5, 2011 in Market Reports )
HMRC and lenders join forces to combat mortgage fraud
A new Mortgage Verification Scheme has been launched, which will enable mortgage lenders to check applicants' income declarations with HMRC records in cases where fraud is suspected.
(Sep 4, 2011 in News )
Contractor recruiters divided over importance of CV covering letters
A recent survey has provided an interesting insight into how recruiters process CVs, with wildly differing views held on the usefulness of submitting covering letters with contract applications.
(Sep 1, 2011 in News )
Lib Dem policy paper calls for IR35 to be suspended
A new Liberal Democrat IT policy paper, to be debated at the forthcoming party conference, has called for IR35 to be suspended.
(Aug 30, 2011 in IR35 )
HMRC backdated tax claims against EBT users 'wildly innacurate'
A leading accountancy firm says that HMRC has launched its long anticipated clampdown against users of Employment Benefit Trust (EBT) schemes, but many of the claims for backdated taxes are 'wildly inaccurate'.
(Aug 25, 2011 in News )
HMRC warns contractors over new wave of tax avoidance schemes
In the latest in a series of 'Spotlight' publications aimed solely at the issue of tax avoidance, HMRC has made a statement on the emergence of a new wave of tax avoidance schemes, aimed at contractors and highly paid employees.
(Aug 24, 2011 in News )
London and South East home to two thirds of all new IT jobs
A recruitment company says that London is home 40% of all new IT roles being created in the UK, driven by a recovery in the financial sector and a new boom in technology start-ups.
(Aug 22, 2011 in News )
Number of IT professionals in the UK reaches record level
The latest e-skills report provides a positive outlook for the IT industry, with demand for IT professionals at its highest level since 2008, and private sector IT spending nearly pre-recessionary levels.
(Aug 17, 2011 in News )
Agency Workers Regulations amended to provide more clarity for agencies
The Government has made some amendments to the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), to provide clarity over the definition of agency workers, when payment between assignments starts, and how agencies can avoid liability for equal treatment claims.
(Aug 15, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
About Contract Eye / Contact Us
Some information about the site and our contact details.
(Aug 11, 2011 in About Us )
Good outlook for financial services contractors, but public sector remains bleak
The market for financial services contractors looks set to grow strongly over the coming year, however the outlook for contractors in the public sector remains bleak.
(Aug 10, 2011 in Market Reports )
Recruitment body rejects claims that AWR will result in cull of agency staff
A report in the Sunday Telegraph this week claims that businesses are set to cut down on their use of temporary workers when the Agency Workers Regulations become law in October 2011; a view rejected by a leading recruitment body.
(Aug 9, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Poll reveals common complaints about contractor accountants
A recent survey by an online contractor accountancy firm suggests that many accountants have no, or little understanding of the IR35 rules. Common gripes include rising fees, poor communication, and late filing of important documents.
(Aug 8, 2011 in News )
PCG publishes complete guide to the Agency Workers Regulations
The PCG has released an informative guide to the Agency Workers Regulations, aimed at service providers who work with freelancers.
(Aug 4, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Quarterly demand for contractors up 3%, public sector roles recover
The latest jobs market report from CWJobs and jobsadwatch.co.uk shows that the number of contract vacancies advertised during the second quarter of 2011 was up by over 3%.
(Aug 3, 2011 in Market Reports )
Forum discusses IR35 helpline and HMRC compliance measures
The minutes of the second IR35 Forum meeting have been published, and covered areas such as the IR35 helpline, and how HMRC's compliance units intend to operate in the future.
(Aug 2, 2011 in IR35 )
Supreme Court confirms Autoclenz ruling over sham employment contracts
The UK Supreme Court has upheld an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal that contract wording cannot determine the employment status of workers, if it doesn't reflect the reality of the working arrangements.
(Jul 29, 2011 in IR35 )
Contractor limited company naming tips
If you have decided to contract via your own limited company, one of the first tasks you need to do is choose a suitable name for your new enterprise.
(Jul 28, 2011 in Limited Company )
Contractor fails in bid to have BN66 retrospective tax ruling overrturned at Court of Appeal
IT contractor Robert Huitson has failed in his bid to have his BN66 retrospective taxation ruling overturned at the Court of Appeal this week.
(Jul 26, 2011 in News )
BN66 - an overview of the offshore tax avoidance rules
In March 2008, the Chancellor announced a crackdown on the 'abuse' of loopholes in the double taxation treaties which exist between the UK and other countries. An overview of BN66 in light of the recent Huitson/Montpelier High Court case.
(Jul 25, 2011 in Tax )
Improved market for interim management as rates return to pre-recession levels
Interim Managers are enjoying the first sustained improvement in market conditions since 2008, according to the latest Interim Management Survey findings.
(Jul 25, 2011 in Market Reports )
HMRC clampdown on pay day by pay day umbrella expenses abuse
HMRC has published further guidance to prevent unscrupulous umbrella companies from offsetting expenses against National Minimum Wage payments to their employees.
(Jul 23, 2011 in News )
Start-Up Guide :: Contracting via a limited company
How a contractor limited company works, and how to decide if its the right structure for you to trade under.
(Jul 21, 2011 in Start-Up Guides )
Parliamentary group to investiate why freelancers are under-appreciated
The first APPG roundtable was held at the House of Commons earlier this month, with MPs discussing how the Government can help to boost the economy by better utilising flexible working.
(Jul 20, 2011 in News )
Income Protection Cover for IT contractors
Income Protection for IT contractors - An overview of what PHI is and what to look out for when choosing a health insurance policy.
(Jul 18, 2011 in Contractor Insurance )
Limited company contractors should keep on top of their accounting obligations
A report by a firm of contractor accountants suggests almost half of the UK's small business owners lack even the most basic accountancy skills, and are therefore at risk from HMRC scrutiny.
(Jul 15, 2011 in News )
HMRC targeting under further scrutiny following Primary Path Ltd IR35 victory
A tax tribunal has found another contractor to be in business on his own account following an eight year IR35 challenge by HMRC.
(Jul 14, 2011 in IR35 )
Tax simplification body to examine how smallest businesses are taxed
The Office of Tax Simplification is to look at how the smallest unincorporated businesses are taxed, and to examine whether relief should be given to limited company owners who decide to disincorporate.
(Jul 13, 2011 in News )
Start-Up Guide :: What is IR35?
An overview of the IR35 tax legislation. What is IR35?, and what contractors should do to ensure that their contracts are not caught by the IR35 rules.
(Jul 12, 2011 in Start-Up Guides )
Start-Up Guide :: Contractor umbrella companies
How contractor umbrella companies work, and what to look out for when choosing an umbrella scheme.
(Jul 11, 2011 in Start-Up Guides )
EBT clampdown - Government updates disguised remuneration FAQs
Earlier this week, the Government published a revised set of FAQs relating to draft legislation which put an end to the viability of employment benefit trust schemes for contractors.
(Jul 8, 2011 in News )
Clampdown launched on VAT-dodging businesses
In the latest in a series of campaigns aimed at tax dodgers, HMRC is targeting small businesses who have failed to register for VAT when they should have done.
(Jul 6, 2011 in News )
Contractors motivated by more than just money when seeking new opportunities
A survey conducted by an IT job site shows that many permanent and contract IT workers view fighting boredom in the workplace as an important factor when looking for new roles.
(Jul 5, 2011 in News )
HMRC suffers another IR35 defeat - engineering contractor not an employee
In an IR35 defeat for HMRC, a tax tribunal failed to find any evidence that a contract of employment existed between an engineering contractor and his client.
(Jul 4, 2011 in IR35 )
