How to become an IT Contractor - Becoming an IT Contractor

Best advice from Parasol Group
Over 47,000 satisfied contractors.
Umbrella or Ltd? We can help. Call 0800 458 0818.

Contractors would abandon Labour at a General Election

Posted Sep 26, 2008

A recent survey of 700 contractors revealed that virtually none of them would consider voting for Labour if a General Election was called tomorrow.

The survey, released by accountancy firm Brookson this week, also showed that over 90% of those polled thought that this government does not value professional contractors, and doesn't understand the fundamental differences between highly skilled professionals and less qualified "temps".

There is little love lost between most contractors and the current Government, who after all introduced IR35 within years of the 1997 election, but to poll under 2% in such a poll is staggering. 67.7% said they would vote Conservative, 13.6% would vote for the Lib Dems, and 16.8% would vote for smaller parties.

Martin Hesketh, Brookson's MD, said:

"Contractors in this country have seen some significant shifts in the legislation that governs the way they run their businesses in recent years, causing a great deal of confusion, upheaval and, in some cases, expense. For this reason, it is not surprising that there is some concern on how the current government views this vital part of the economy.

"Contractors provide an invaluable source of highly skilled workers to the UK economy in important sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, defense and nuclear energy. However, the Government appears to bracket them the same as office temps. They are fundamentally different and the Government must recognise this in order to win this section of the electorate back. Some of the recent legislation changes, such as last year's MSC legislation, were brought in to address the issue of disguised employees within an organisation and the lost tax revenue as a result. However, modest estimates suggest that there are hundreds of thousands of highly skilled contractors in the UK, who genuinely want to work flexibly, and have been caught up in the changes and faced difficulties as a result.

"Our survey suggests that the Government must now demonstrate an improved understanding of the sector before introducing further legislation or face a backlash. It has the perfect opportunity to do this during the current consultation period covering the tax relief on travel expenses for contractors working through umbrella companies."

All content ©Contract Eye Ltd. Protected by Copyscape. Please scroll down for related articles.

Contractor Services


Related Articles

Contractors should benefit as web economy set to double by 2016
A landmark report from the Boston Consulting Group outlines how the digital economy is set to boom over the next five years, providing ample opportunities for contractors.

David Miliband accused of hipocrisy following income shifting revelations
The Daily Mail has revealed that the former foreign secretary has been channeling his lucrative post-Westminster earnings through a limited company, where the shares are split equally between himself and his wife.

Compliance and security key to ongoing success of Parasol
Parasol Group has announced strong results over the past year, and says the firm's commitment to compliance is a key factor in its ongoing success.

Temporary workplace expense schemes under scrutiny after HMRC wins major tax case against Reed
A landmark tax tribunal case has found a leading employment agency to be liable for substantial back taxes, after 500,000 temps were reimbursed for expenses, which should have been paid as salary.

Self employed numbers reach record high, but FCSA calls on Government to support flexible working
The latest UK employment figures show that although the unemployment rate now stands at 8.4%, the number of 'self employed' has reached a new high of 4.2m.

Clients urged to take more care preparing specs, as most IT projects deemed 'unsuccessful'
A software firm has urged the UK's businesses to take more care when providing specs for IT work, to avoid going over budget, or even having to shelve projects entirely.

Time running out to register for self assessment online
HMRC has reminded taxpayers new to self assessment that they only have a few days left to register for online submission.

Leading outsourcing site reports rapid growth in demand for IT freelancers
Statistics released by the world's leading outsourcing site, show that the demand for IT freelancers is growing strongly.

2011 - a busy year for the contracting industry
2011 has not been lacking in excitement, with the birth of the AWR, ongoing economic uncertainty, and confirmation that IR35 is here to stay.

Dan Pink describes an intensification of freelance working in the UK
In the headline freelance webinar for National Freelancers Day 2011, he describes the intensification of freelance working in both the UK and the US, and explores the changing relationship between individuals and organisations.

Contractors could benefit from infrastructure boost in gloomy Autumn Statement
The Chancellor's Autumn Statement will probably go down in history as one of the most depressing public finance statements ever made, although some of the measures may have a positive knock-on effect for contractors in the coming years.

What's the best advice you would give a new contractor?
A recent survey found that the most important thing a contractor would give to someone starting out is to make sure they have funds put aside for a rainy day.

Number of medical contractors surges, due to health industry shake-up
The number of doctors and nurses working as contractors has increased significantly over the past two years, according to a new study.

PM praises economic contribition made by freelancers
David Cameron has praised freelancers for the contribution they make the UK economy, as new figures reveal that there has been a 12% increase in freelancer numbers since 2008.

Free webinars for contractors launched to celebrate NFD 2011
To celebrate National Freelancers Day, the PCG is to upload a range of webinars to advise freelancers on a wide range of subjects from winning new contracts, to building a strong profile and working as a contractor.

Qdosconsulting

Looking for a new service provider?

Accountants
Umbrella Companies

More Contracting News