How to become an IT Contractor - Becoming an IT Contractor

HMRC business record checking programme suspended
HMRC much-criticised business record checking campaign has been postponed, pending changes to make the checks more targeted and 'educational'.

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.