Further Contract Eye Updates
Average UK contract rates down, marginal increase in London and South East
The latest Parasol Insight Index shows that the average umbrella company contract rate has fallen over the past year, however the gender gap has grown, as has the pay gap between regions.
(Jun 24, 2011 in Market Reports )
Why don't IT contractors set up as sole traders?
The most popular way to start up in business in the UK is as a sole trader. So why do IT contractors avoid this route, and work via their own limited companies or via an umbrella company scheme?
(Jun 23, 2011 in Limited Company )
Is the future of the contract jobs market in LinkedIn's hands?
The days of sending agencies your CV via traditional email look to be numbered, as LinkedIn plans to let users apply for jobs instantly from recruiter websites, by converting profiles into instant CVs.
(Jun 22, 2011 in News )
Why was IR35 introduced in the first place?
We look at why the Intermediaries Legislation was created, who it is aimed at, and the problems that complying with IR35 has caused contractors since 2000.
(Jun 21, 2011 in IR35 )
Leading umbrella to host AWR seminars
Employment services provider, Parasol, will be hosting a series of online seminars over the next few weeks to address the confusion which surrounds the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.
(Jun 20, 2011 in News )
IR35 insurance - tax investigation cover
IT contractors may wish to take out tax investigation and/or IR35 insurance to cover them in the event of a status challenge by HMRC.
(Jun 17, 2011 in IR35 )
Contractors urged to declare offshore bank assets to HMRC and avoid harsh penalties
A specialist accountancy firm has urged any contractors who have undisclosed offshore bank accounts to come forward and avoid paying hefty HMRC penalties
(Jun 17, 2011 in News )
Security cleared roles still a closed shop for many contractors
Despite Government guidance to encourage a level playing field for all contractors, it appears than a sizeable number of job postings are still being made which demand that applicants have pre-existing security clearance in place.
(Jun 15, 2011 in News )
Demand for financial services contractors strong, contract rates up
Two independent reports show that the demand for contractors working in the financial services arena continues to recover, and rates have risen accordingly.
(Jun 13, 2011 in Market Reports )
What National Insurance Contributions do contractors have to pay?
Employers and employees must both pay National Insurance Contributions on income paid above the primary threshold. What rates are contractors liable for?
(Jun 12, 2011 in Tax )
Are there any decent iPhone apps for contractors and freelancers?
Given the massive consumer appetite for iPhone apps, it will come as no surprise to see some familiar contracting industry names joining in the revolution with their own mobile offerings.
(Jun 10, 2011 in News )
Date set for National Freelancers Day 2011
The third National Freelancers Day will take place on 23rd November 2011. This year's event is set to be the most impressive yet.
(Jun 9, 2011 in News )
How do I move from an umbrella company to my own limited company?
David Houston explains why switching between an umbrella and a limited company should be a fairly straightforward process,
(Jun 8, 2011 in Umbrella Companies )
Preparation and compliance key to AWR success
The FCSA has warned the industry that the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations in October 2011 will be painful, and identifies 3 ways forward for professional contractors.
(Jun 7, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Expert says IR35 Forum presents a real opportunity
Employment status expert Kate Cottrell tells us how the inaugural meeting of the IR35 Forum went, and what issues and challenges lie ahead.
(Jun 6, 2011 in IR35 )
IR35 Forum - progress made at inaugural meeting
The first meeting of the new IR35 Forum took place on 6th May 2011. The minutes of this inaugural gathering have been published online.
(Jun 3, 2011 in IR35 )
What should I do if I want to change my accountant?
If you need to change accountancy providers for whatever reasons, we look at the steps you should take to ensure the handover goes smoothly.
(Jun 3, 2011 in Contractor Accountants )
VAT schemes for limited company contractors
An overview of the main VAT schemes available to limited company contractors, including the standard, cash accounting and flat rate VAT schemes.
(Jun 2, 2011 in Tax )
Top tips for choosing a contractor service provider
Top tips on what to look for in a good contractor service provider - both umbrella companies and accountants, from FCSA Chairman Stuart Davis.
(Jun 1, 2011 in Umbrella Companies )
What is an IR35 accountant?
In recent years, an increasing number of contractor accountancy providers have marketed themselves as 'IR35 accountants'. Have these firms suddenly been gifted a silver bullet against IR35, or is this just a marketing phrase?
(May 27, 2011 in Contractor Accountants )
Guide to IT contractor insurance policies
Guide to IT contractor insurance - including professional indemnity cover, IR35 insurance, public and employers' liability cover.
(May 24, 2011 in Contractor Insurance )
Government confirms commitment to IR35 administration overhaul
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP, has confirmed the Government's Budget 2011 commitment to overhauling the way IR35 is administered.
(May 23, 2011 in IR35 )
Now HMRC targets entertainers for IR35 back taxes
An entertainment industry newspaper has reported that a number of leading actors who work via their own personal service companies have received backdated national insurance demands as the HMRC applies IR35 to the performance industry.
(May 20, 2011 in IR35 )
Olympic contractors warned over employment status of workers
Never far from the headlines, HMRC has issued a warning to companies working on the Olympic Games project to ensure that they do not avoid paying tax and NICs by deliberately misleading over the employment status of their workers and sub-contractors.
(May 20, 2011 in News )
Immigration controls for overseas IT workers still open to abuse
The Public Accounts Committee has delivered its report into the current ICT immigration scheme to ensure that overseas IT staff are not illegally transferred to the UK, potentially undercutting or displacing homegrown workers.
(May 17, 2011 in News )
IR35 victory for contractor after five year wait
A tribunal has found in favour of a contractor who faced a 50k backdated tax bill had she been found to be a disguised employee as per the IR35 rules.
(May 16, 2011 in IR35 )
What are the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR)?
The principal aim of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) is for temporary agency workers to be given the same basic working rights as other employees after 12 weeks on an assignment.
(May 14, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Do limited company contractors fall within the scope of the Agency Workers Regulations?
The final Agency Workers Regulation guidance for employers and recruiters states that limited company contractors should be excluded if they are genuinely in business on their own account.
(May 13, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
How to incorporate a limited company
If you are thinking of contracting via your own limited company, there are typically three ways of incorporating your new company.
(May 11, 2011 in Limited Company )
AWR - What is the Swedish derogation model?
Following the implementation of the AWR in October 2011, we look at the 'Swedish derogation model' as a potential solution for umbrella companies.
(May 10, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Putting expenses through your limited company
If you are a limited company contractor, you will incur a range of expenses while running your business. Here we look at what you can claim via your company, whether you're inside or outside IR35.
(May 9, 2011 in Tax )
How are limited company dividends taxed?
Limited company contractors, who fall outside IR35, draw income in the form of salary and dividends. How do you work out your tax liability on the dividends you declare?
(May 6, 2011 in Tax )
Exchequer Secretary promises real improvements in IR35 administration
The Exchequer Secretary has acknowledged the role contractors play in the business community, and says that HMRC is committed to completely overhauling they way it administers IR35.
(May 5, 2011 in IR35 )
IR35 tax - a brief history of the intermediaries legislation
Following the Chancellor's decision to maintain the IR35 status quo at the last Budget, we take a look back at how the intermediaries legislation came into being.
(Apr 27, 2011 in IR35 )
Choosing a name for your limited company
If you want to set up as a limited company contractor, there are some things you should look out for when selecting a company name.
(Apr 26, 2011 in Limited Company )
Demand for contactors up 11% during first quarter of 2011
The latest CWJobs quarterly update on the IT jobs market suggests that there has been a significant rise in IT contract vacancies during the first quarter of 2011.
(Apr 21, 2011 in Market Reports )
New website aims to show that freelancing does matter
The PCG has launched a new website, Freelancing Matters, which aims to provide an interactive community for its visitors.
(Apr 20, 2011 in News )
BCS IT Industry Awards open for new entrants
The 2011 BCS IT Industry Awards opened for entries this week. This year, new categories have been created to recognise entrepreneurship, mobile technology and embedded software.
(Apr 19, 2011 in News )
How to choose a contractor accountancy firm
Selecting the right contractor accountant to use is an essential part of the process of starting out in the contracting world. Here are some top tips.
(Apr 19, 2011 in Contractor Accountants )
Does my limited company have to appoint a secretary?
From April 2008, since the introduction of an initial wave of Companies Act 2006 legislation, limited companies no longer have to appoint a company secretary.
(Apr 18, 2011 in Limited Company )
Contractors to benefit from state pension reform
The Government's plan to introduce a 140 pound per week flat rate state pension for all will be welcomed within the contractor community, says a leading IFA.
(Apr 13, 2011 in Money / Investing )
Calls for compliance after agency faces large HMRC claim under MSC rules
A contractor services organisation has called on recruitment companies to make sure they are compliant with industry legislation, following news that one agency and its director are facing a large Transfer of Debt notice under the Managed Service Company rules.
(Apr 13, 2011 in MSC Legislation )
New Forum will monitor HMRC's administration of IR35 rules
The PCG has been invited by the Government to join a new IR35 Forum, which will be established to help monitor and evaluate HMRC's administration of IR35.
(Apr 8, 2011 in IR35 )
How contractor umbrella companies operate
We outline the typical steps you will follow as an umbrella company employee - from joining a scheme, to submitting timesheets, expenses claims, and getting paid.
(Apr 6, 2011 in Umbrella Companies )
Bribery Act 2010 - How contractors and recruitment agents are affected
The Bribery Act 2010 will come into force on 1st July 2011. Although reasonable corporate hospitality will be excluded from the regulations, could referral fees paid by service providers to recruitment agents be caught by the new rules?
(Apr 5, 2011 in Contract Work )
Agency Workers Regulations - draft guidance released
Draft Agency Workers Regulations guidance has been released for comment. Limited contractors who are in business on their own account should not be affected by the new rules, but umbrella contractors will.
(Apr 4, 2011 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Demand for IT skills outstrips supply for first time since 2008
Demand for IT talent has outgrown supply for the first time since late 2008, according to the latest e-skills market report.
(Mar 30, 2011 in Market Reports )
Contractors set to benefit from pro-enterprise Budget measures
We look at the pro-enterprise measures the Chancellor announced last week, some of which are relevant to contractors, and others which should benefit the private sector in general over the coming years.
(Mar 28, 2011 in News )
Contractor pensions - act now before tax relief changes take effect
Contractor pensions offer a great opportunity to reduce the amount that you pay in tax. There is still time to act before the pension tax relief rules take effect April 6th 2011.
(Mar 25, 2011 in Money / Investing )
Tax rates and allowances - 2011/12
Key tax rates and allowances for the 2011/12 financial year - Income Tax, NICs, Corporation Tax, Dividend Tax, IHT, ISAs, VAT, CGT, AMAPs.
(Mar 24, 2011 in Tax )
