More contractor friendly coalition now in government?
It’s early days yet, but contractors may be forgiven for feeling some cautious optimism now that the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have formed a new government. The initial facts published in the coalition agreement between the two parties are largely positive for the economy generally and contractors specifically, particularly on the subject of IR35. But there is an emergency budget due within 48 days, which is a long time in politics and plenty of time for the ‘newlyweds’ to have their first tiff. More…
PCG ‘ready and waiting’ to champion contractors
The PCG (formerly known as the Professional Contractors Group) has announced its intention to work closely with the new coalition government to promote contractors’ interests and highlight the contribution the flexible workforce can make to fuelling the recovery. PCG Managing Director John Brazier says: “PCG has established a good working relationship with both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in opposition, and we are confident this will continue in government. Both parties have expressed the need for change with regards to IR35, and both parties value the flexible, skilled workforce PCG members provide.” More…
ARC calls on the new coalition government to curb regulation
According to the Chairman of the Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC), Adrian Marlowe, the last decade’s profligate growth in employment legislation under the previous Labour administration has cost the UK economy over £170m. Marlowe urges the new coalition government to cut expenditure on unnecessary regulation. He says: “Now that Liberal Democrat MP Vince Cable has been given the role of overseeing banking and business, it is important that he pushes forward his party’s manifesto commitment to reduce the burden of unnecessary red tape by properly assessing the cost and effectiveness of regulations before and after they are introduced.” More…
Contractor tax tribunal win may turn out to be a hollow victory
HMRC has until 1st June to appeal against Judge Kempster’s decision to uphold contractor Novak Brajkovic’s appeal against a £49,000 tax notice after an eight-year battle. But Andy Vessey of Qdos Consulting fears the contractor, and his limited company, Novasoft, may yet be disappointed. “The majority of judges would not have come to the same conclusion and I would be amazed if the ruling was not overturned on appeal.” More…
New AWR resource available for contractor agencies
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has launched a new schedule of business tools, advice and events aimed to help agencies implement the requirements of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), should they come into force in their current form in 2011. Specific advice is provided regarding limited company contractors, and contractors are advised to confirm with their agencies that REC best practice will be applied when the regulations come into force. More…
Running a contractor company has been bad for contractors’ health under Labour
According to research conducted by accountant Haines Watts, 21% of small business owners, a category that includes contractor limited companies, report that the stress of running their business has contributed to health problems. The research slams the outgoing Labour administration, accusing it of ‘failing to help the vast majority of owner-managed businesses.’ More…
‘Contractrepreneurs’ can use apprenticeships for growth
Small IT firms are taking advantage of the IT Professional Apprenticeship programme to recruit apprentices to assist with growth strategies and to build a core competency with in-house developers. According to IT and telecoms sector skills council e-skills, software development firm Atlas Computer Systems has moved from a garden shed to a workforce of seven, including three apprentices. More…