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Budget date confirmed for 24th March

The Chancellor has confirmed that Budget 2010 will be delivered on 24th March - as widely anticipated by the media.
(Mar 10, 2010 in News )

Latest Monster figures point to recovery in jobs market

Further evidence of the increased firming of the IT jobs market has emerged, as the Monster Employment index shows the highest level of online job openings since December 2008.
(Mar 9, 2010 in News )

Leading agency reports drop in contractor numbers, but sees market improvement in 2010

Leading recruiter, SThree, has reported a 31% year on year drop in UK contractor numbers, but says that the market showing some meaningful signs of improvement over the past few months.
(Mar 8, 2010 in News )

Perm placements recovering, contract billings up slightly in Feb

The latest REC/KPMG 'Report on Jobs' suggests that the permanent jobs market is recovering fast. Contract billings continue to increase month-on-month, albeit at a modest rate.
(Mar 2, 2010 in News )

Recruiters embracing social networks to source candidates

Recruiters have acknowledged the growing influence of social networking sites on the recruitment process, and how this trend could lead to a reduction in agency income in the future.
(Feb 25, 2010 in News )

Investment banks still cautious over contractor recruitment

New figures suggest that investment banks are still suffering from a lack of confidence in the sector, with new permanent and IT contractor job offers still low.
(Feb 17, 2010 in News )

Retrospective taxation is 'inherently unfair' says tax body

A leading tax body has called the increasing use of retrospective tax legislation as inherently unfair, as further measures introduced by Government.
(Feb 15, 2010 in News )

Agencies urged to change behaviour over security clearance demands

The PCG, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and the Cabinet Office, have expressed their concerns that contractors are being asked if they hold security clearance for certain jobs before they are offered the placement.
(Feb 10, 2010 in News )

Demand for staff strongest since July 2007 as recruitment recovery continues

The latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs shows that the demand for staff grew at the strongest pace recorded since July 2007, with contract billings continuing to rise significantly during January,
(Feb 5, 2010 in News )

Leading agency reports profit slump, but contract business remains robust

Leading recruitment company, SThree, has announced a steep fall in revenues in 2009, following one of the worst years ever recorded for the industry, however the contract side of the business has held up well.
(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 )

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 )

Recruitment industry welcomes Agency Workers Directive delay

The recruitment industry has welcomed the delay in the implementation of the Agency Workers Directive. The final regulations for the UK implementation of the EU Agency Workers Directive rules were laid before Parliament yesterday.
(Jan 22, 2010 in News )

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 )

Many employers feel 'ripped off' by recruitment agencies

New research suggests that employers feel ripped off by recruitment agencies, and feel frustrated that there didn't seem to be any consistency in the rates charged by agents.
(Jan 19, 2010 in News )

More evidence that work permit abuses are damaging the UK's IT sector

Responses to a recent contractors' opinion poll support the belief that the intra company transfer (ICT) rules are being widely abused by businesses as a way of bringing cheap foreign labour in to the UK.
(Jan 18, 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 )

How to spot a tax avoidance scheme - HMRC guidance

Following several attempts to clamp down on tax avoidance in recent years, HMRC has published advice on how taxpayers can identify such schemes.
(Jan 11, 2010 in News )

PCG calls for fresh approach to freelancing

The leading contractor representative group is calling on the Government and policy makers to take a fresh approach to freelancing at the start of the new decade.
(Jan 6, 2010 in News )

What does 2010 hold for job-seeking IT contractors?

A leading IT job site has asked candidates what their predictions are for 2010. Banking, software and telecoms look like being hot sectors for the year ahead.
(Dec 16, 2009 in News )

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 )

Recession could result in boom time for freelancing

A business expert says that more companies than ever are opting not to employ new staff but instead look to freelancers and consultants in order to fulfil their business needs.
(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 )

PCG drops 'contractor' label in re-branding exercise

It's all change at the leading representative group for freelancers, as the PCG drops its 'contractor' tag in order to be more inclusive.
(Nov 26, 2009 in News )

UK companies surviving recession by adopting flexible freelance workforce

A major survey shows how many UK companies are surviving the recession by adopting a more flexible freelance workforce.
(Nov 23, 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 )

What will the post-recession world of contracting look like?

A leading contractor accountancy firm held a meeting of industry experts this week to shed some light on the what the future of contracting might hold.
(Nov 19, 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 News )

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 News )

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 )

Tax inspectors given draconian new powers to pursue taxpayers

The PCG has taken exception to a Daily Telegraph article which describes how tax inspectors may pursue taxpayers before they break the law.
(Oct 22, 2009 in News )

Self assessment deadlines for IT contractors

The deadline to file a paper tax return is 31st October, however you have three extra months if you file online.
(Oct 22, 2009 in News )

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 )

Agency Workers Directive delayed until Oct 2011, limited company contractors excluded

As the Government confirms that implementation of the Agency Workers Directive (AWD) will be delayed until late 2011, small businesses - including limited company contractors - will be excluded from the legislation.
(Oct 16, 2009 in News )

What does the future hold for freelancing?

A group of experts will be looking forward to the future of freelancing in a special webcast to mark National Freelancers Day.
(Oct 8, 2009 in News )

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 )

Immigration reforms won't solve IT work permit problems

Recent Government reforms to the points based immigration system might actually result in an increase to the number of non-EU workers arriving in the UK via the intra-company transfer system.
(Sep 14, 2009 in News )

Could legislation force more contractors to work via limited companies?

Could the latest raft of Government legislation make the limited company route more attractive to umbrella contractors?
(Aug 26, 2009 in News )

Agencies warned of their liabilities over CIS contractors

Specialist accountants have urged recruitment agencies to be cautious in the way they deal with construction industry scheme (CIS) contract workers.
(Aug 24, 2009 in News )

Accountant warns contractors over 'false self employment'

A contractor accountancy firm has warned contractors to be on their guard as the Government plans its latest attack - this time on 'false self employment'.
(Aug 11, 2009 in News )

Businesses warned over backdated holiday claims from contractors

Companies are being urged to ensure that any self-employed contractors they hire cannot be classified as workers following an House of Lords ruling which enables employees to claim backdated holiday pay.
(Aug 4, 2009 in News )

IR35 still a major election issue for IT contractors

A survey has revealed some interesting insights into voting intentions of IT contractors, and their views on the general economy and the competence of HMRC.
(Jul 14, 2009 in News )

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