What employee benefits do contractors not get?
Here are some of the important differences when comparing the situations of contractors versus permanent employees.
Recruiters’ insistence that contractors use umbrella companies is breaching the law
Contractors assessed as ‘deemed employees’, and forced to work via umbrella companies by recruiters, have grounds to mount a strong legal challenge.
Contractors rarely operate as sole traders
Contractors wanting to work as a sole trader will find agencies and clients won’t work with them. Here's why and the solution.
Advantages and disadvantages of contracting
Contracting offers skilled knowledge workers much more than the opportunity to substantially increase their earnings, although pay’s a major factor.
Contracting legislation: key laws affecting contractors
Make sure you don't fall into any legal traps and carry on contracting compliantly with our comprehensive list of laws and legislation to beware of!
Effective contracting skills and experience keep contractors in well-paid contracts
“Contracting skills” are a combination of those commercial and business skills plus experience that are needed to secure regular, well-paid contracts.
Contracting and security clearance: a guide for contractors
Why you need security clearance to work as a contractor on certain public sector projects.
Why contractors make more money than employees
Employees make less money than contractors. It’s that simple. Taxes and the inability to deduct expenses take a terrible toll on what employees earn. Contractors don’t have these burdens.
6 classic barriers to starting contracting and how to beat them
Would-be contractors often believe that there are too many barriers to going contracting, but most can be overcome, or are simply contracting myths.
Moving from employment to contracting? How to plan handing in your notice
If you’re ready to take the first step to independence and a greater income — that is, to become a contractor, you will need to handle giving notice to your employer properly.
How to negotiate the highest rate you can - never say your lowest rate. Read why.
Don't under sell yourself to agents! Read this guide to learn how to guarantee you negotiate yourself the best rate for any contract.
Financial issues for first time contractors and how to solve them
Moving from permanent employment to a contracting career has immediate and long term financial issues to consider.
The 6 most popular reasons why so many employees go contracting. Is it for you?
Thinking of going contracting? Better pay and greater flexibility are just two of the benefits you could enjoy by making the leap. Find out more.
How to work out what contract rate to charge and maximise your income
Going contracting and don't know what rate to charge? Follow this advice and you will be sure to maximise your earnings.
10 tips for UK contracting - the ultimate first time contractor guide
Tips and advice for permanent employees considering contracting in the UK.
How to get hired by private firms and public sector organisations
Flexibility and cost-effectiveness are just two of the reasons why private and public sector firms want to hire you. Find out more here.
Want to go contracting and earn more money? Follow these 6 easy steps to get started
Guarantee yourself more flexibility, more varied work and better rates of pay. Find out how to do it in six simple steps, here.
Decide between an hourly or daily contract rate and maximise your earnings
There are pros and cons for both hourly and daily rates. Find out what they are here, and choose the one to maximise your earnings.
7 reasons why you might think you cannot go contracting - and why you are wrong!
Worried about making the leap from permanent employment? We put your fears to rest by debunking some of the most common concerns.
7 common questions answered when considering the move to contracting
Find out answers to the most common questions people ask when considering contracting. Learn the hurdles and get started!
Moving from permanent to contracting - case study 1
A first time contractor shares their experience of how they made the leap from permanent employment to contracting.
Contractor guide to using specialist job boards
Contractor specialist job boards offer additional benefits, including networking opportunities and resources, says Mark Cherry of GoToJobBoard.
Choose the right form of business - sole trader, limited company or partnership?
Choosing the right form of business - sole trader, limited company or partnership - is a key step that all entrepreneurs must take when starting-up.
What is a partnership?
A partnership is formed when two or more individuals decide to go into business together and want to keep their business administration to a minimum.
Timesheet finance can help new contractors with cashflow
Limited company contractors starting out or in urgent need of cash can access funds through timesheet finance, says Joanna Holloway of UC Finance.
Why contractors cannot trade as sole traders
First time contractors often question why they cannot simply trade as a sole trader, rather than setting up a limited company or using an umbrella. This article explains why.
How engineers should start out in contracting
Engineers should get some experience before starting out in contracting, and should also improve their organisational and communication skills.
From permie to contractor to small business owner
Kylie Sullivan is a contractor who has built a small business with more than 60 clients.
New solutions for first-timer contractors
First-time contractors find their options are more limited by the new legislation in the 2007 budget on managed service companies.
Moving from permanent to contracting - case study 4
We interview a first time contractor in Project Management who shares his experience of moving into contracting for the first time.