The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond presented his Spring Statement to Parliament on Tuesday 13 March 2018. Unfortunately, the contractor sector must wait a while longer for news on any potential IR35 changes. There is a lot of frustration within the industry as many publications are being waited upon. What are we still…
In the current labour market, with the introduction of new IR35 legislation, recruitment agencies have discovered many individuals who previously worked through PSCs, now opting to use umbrella services. However, according to Tania Bowers from the General Counsel at APSCo, “umbrella companies are largely unregulated” which is cause for concern as numerous recruiters are still…
Former BBC presenter, Christa Ackroyd has lost her legal battle against HMRC. This is the first IR35 court case that the HMRC has won in seven years. Ackroyd and is now facing a fine of £419,151 in outstanding income tax and national insurance contributions covering tax years: 2006/07 to 2012/13. This ruling made by the…
In response to Matthew Taylor’s Independent Review of Employment Practices in the Modern Economy in 2017, the government have revealed this week their new Good Work Plan that recommends new rights for the UK’s flexible workforce. Alongside further consultations on the future of the UK workforce, the government will also be looking to tighten penalties against…
Since the public sector reform in April 2017, we are still asked frequently by public sector contractors if they should continue using their own limited company or switch to an umbrella. The answer very much depends on each individual’s circumstances thus we would strongly encourage contractors to speak to us for tailored advice. Nonetheless, we…
The outlook of the job market in 2018 continues to look promising for contractors. Vacancies, billings and pay rates remain encouraging, persistently growing throughout December and into the New Year. According to recruitment agencies surveyed for the REC/IHS Markit Report on Jobs, the introduction of new projects and a greater demand for short-term workers contributed…
It’s been just over a year since the Criminal Finance Act (CFA) was introduced 30th September 2017, which saw companies become criminally liable for any facilitation of tax evasion and tax avoidance schemes by any persons representing the company, and a recent Tax Journal has proposed that HMRC is ‘chomping at the bit to investigate.’ After…
It is important to know the difference between pushing yourself to be the best you can be and pushing yourself to the point of a burnout. As a continuation of our contractor wellbeing series, this week we will talk about the importance of getting away and why travel is crucial for life as a contractor.…
The new tax year is fast approaching and we are noticing a trend in umbrella contractors who are incorporating their own personal service company (PSC) in order to minimise, or even mitigate the restriction on Travel and Subsistence expenses. While we cannot comment on any particular models offered by other accountancy and umbrella service providers,…
For recruitment agencies, the relationship between them and their contractors is built on trust. Candidates rely on consultants to provide the best possible advice in regards to their finances and salary. This is why it’s vital that agencies use a clear, concise and compliant umbrella company for support. We explore how agencies can benefit from…
Working five days a week holed up at home is a real productivity killer, so here’s our round-up of some of the best coworking spaces England has to offer. Whether you need a quick collaboration or a little human interaction, there’s something here for every creative. The Greenhouse N16 – Newington Green, London Start…
Taking IR35 seriously and giving it proper consideration for every contract should be the starting point for all contractors. Ultimately, IR35 will fundamentally affect how you choose to operate. More importantly, if you want to consider setting up a limited company, you will be in a better position to establish what your tax and NIC…