ContractorCalculator readership increases by 20% over 12 months, shows independent audit
ContractorCalculator’s ninth independent ABC audit shows that readership increased by 20% over the last 12 months to 156,346 unique users viewing 552,640 pages. “The importance of timely and accurate information and calculators has never been greater, enabling contractors to overcome challenges, exploit opportunities and plan,” explains ContractorCalculator CEO Dave Chaplin. “That’s why so many people are choosing ContractorCalculator as their preferred source of high quality guidance about contracting in the UK.” More…
Contractors left in the dark by HMRC over business tests, as PCG extends test trial
HMRC continues to delay the formal publication of its new business entity tests and IR35 risk scenarios. Sources close to the IR35 Forum indicate that it may be as late as early May before the new regime and guidance is officially launched. However, there may be a ‘soft launch’ of the questions before then. In the meantime, PCG has extended its business entity test trial for members until the end of April.
UK interim management contractors in demand overseas
UK interim management contractors are becoming an increasingly popular UK export, according to The International Interim Market 2012, published by interim agency Russam GMS. International assignments make up around 11% of the overall interim market and, according to the research, 79% of interim management contractors say that demand for interims overseas is strong, due to local skills shortages. Half of them also said that UK qualifications and the ‘British interim manager ‘brand’ was prized highly abroad.
Contract market in Scotland outperforming the rest of the UK
A buoyant contract market in Scotland outperformed the UK as a whole in March. The Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs shows temporary and contract billings increasing during March at the fastest pace since August 2011. IT and computing was second in the demand league table, behind nursing/medical/care. Rates rose fastest in Dundee, a UK centre of excellence for the gaming industry.
City of London IT contractor found guilty of £635k tax evasion
IT contractor Stephen Maxwell was found guilty of income tax evasion following an investigation into his tax affairs by HMRC. According to HMRC, between 1999 and 2008 Maxwell worked as an IT consultant for City banks. His fees were paid to companies registered in Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, of which he was a hidden beneficiary. From 2005 the income was paid to a UK registered company which never made any tax returns. Between 1999 and 2008, Maxwell evaded £635,015 in taxes.
Workers continue to choose contracting as unemployment falls and self-employment rises
Contracting and freelancing continues to attract new workers as UK self-employment increases by 12,000 to 4.131m people in the December 2011 to February 2012 period. The self-employment figures show a striking gender imbalance, as 22,000 more women became self-employed in the period, whereas the number of self-employed men fell by 10,000. The latest labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics also show that the headline unemployment rate fell by 35,000. More…
HMRC promoting mobile apps for small businesses
After consultation with the UK software sector, HMRC is promoting a range of smartphone and tablet apps designed to help small businesses, such as contractor limited companies, to stay current with expenses and business records while on the move. The apps, which are mostly free, complement existing HMRC record-keeping guidance and tools. HMRC says they are part of its ongoing campaign to help small businesses with their record-keeping. More…
Blow for ‘green collar’ contractors as major wind energy project cancelled
‘Green collar’ contractors working in the renewable energy, engineering and offshore sectors received a blow to their prospects this week, as Korean engineering giant Doosan Power Systems cancelled plans for a major UK-based wind energy research facility and turbine factory. A report by Terry Macalister in the Guardian reveals that the plans were scrapped due to “deteriorating confidence in offshore wind”. More…
Offshore shale gas reserves could drive North Sea contract renaissance
The long-term contract prospects for UK oil and gas contractors may be set for a renaissance following new shale gas reserves estimates by the British Geological Survey (BGS). In a report for Reuters by Henning Gloystein and Christopher Johnson, BGS geologist Nigel Smith says “there will be a lot more offshore shale gas and oil resources than onshore”. Reuters claims the UK’s shale gas reserves could “catapult it into the top ranks of global producers”, and that the UK is “well placed for offshore development”. This could lead to significantly increased demand for contractors. More…
Crunch launches free online accounting resource for contractors
Contractors can benefit from a new, free online accounting resource released by contractor accountant Crunch. The software is identical to Crunch's full service, but excludes accountancy advice and extras. Called Solo (free), the software allows contractors to manage their bookkeeping, raise invoices, record expenses and view their tax liability in real time.