- How will the Queen’s Speech affect contractors?
In her address at the opening of Parliament today (May 8th), the Queen set out the government’s priorities for the coming session. A total of 15 new bills, two draft bills and three carried over fr... Read more
- New measures to fight late and non-payment
This week the government has announced two measures that will empower contractors to claim their payments on time. The Prompt Payment Code has been in the news for some time, with two-thirds of... Read more
- Digital boom could lead to jobs explosion
IT contractors will benefit from a potential boom in employment created by the expansion of web-based and digital industries, according to a new report. The EU’s digital economy could create as man... Read more
- Investment and demand for contractors continues to rise
New investments and the suggestion of growth in the UK job market are likely to lead to even more opportunities for contractors. The energy sector looks set to hold onto its position at the forefro... Read more
- Does the UK have more contractors than we thought?
There may be far more contractors working as limited companies than anyone in the UK had previously thought, according to new figures from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).... Read more
- Breathing space for small businesses over RTI
Small businesses have been furnished with extra time to prepare for the switch to real-time PAYE . From the start of the new tax year on April 6th, companies will be expected to report details of... Read more
- Skills shortages bring opportunities for contractors
Contractors in the UK energy industry are likely to benefit from a skills shortage in the oil and gas sector. A lack of specialised skills and experienced staff is one of the biggest problems faced... Read more
- Confidence picks up in smallest businesses
Limited companies and sole traders are among the small businesses becoming more confident about 2013, new research shows. Confidence has risen across eight regions, according to The Federation of... Read more
- Positive outlook for smallest businesses in 2013
As the UK economy is beginning to take its first slow steps towards recovery, many businesses have not yet begun to see improvements in market conditions. While some industries are beginning to pic... Read more
- Boring offices stifle creativity
Boring offices hamper creativity, a new study has shown. Dull and uninspiring working environments get in the way of collaboration and prevent workers generating new ideas, according to the researc... Read more
- HMRC fines contractors for unpaid tax bills
Fines for unpaid tax bills are being distributed to contractors around the UK this weekend. Self-assessors who had not settled their tax bills 30 days after the January 31st deadline will be... Read more
- IR35 cases could reach 1,000 a year, says expert
Up to 1,000 IR35 reviews could be in the works by the end of the next tax year, according to one expert. Former HMRC employee Andy Vessey, currently of Qdos Consulting, said he sees no reason why... Read more
- BIS launches ‘micro-entity’ consultation
Micro-businesses are to be exempt from some forms of bureaucracy under the terms of a consultation published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). EU legislation recent... Read more
- HMRC runs Twitter business help week
HMRC is running a Q&A session on Twitter providing advice for small businesses and startups. The campaign, which began on Monday (February 25th) and is expected to run until Friday March 1st, allow... Read more
- Sony chief warns on copyright protection
The government needs to work harder to protect copyright, Sony Music’s chief executive has said. According to Nick Gatfield, although the government often talks about the importance of music and th... Read more
- Self-employed numbers reach 4.22 million
An extra 25,000 people became self-employed in the last quarter of 2012, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics. In total, the latest Labour Market Report shows there are now... Read more
- Don’t get caught in phishing net, HMRC warns
HMRC has warned taxpayers about phishing scams offering them tax rebates. Most of the emails attempt to trap their victims by telling them that they are owed a substantial rebate from the taxman,... Read more
- Practices given funding for locum pensions
GP Practices are to be given additional funds to cover the cost of locum superannuation contributions, it has emerged. Up to now, primary care organisations (PCOs) have been responsible for coverin... Read more
- 850,000 late tax returns penalised
More than 850,000 people will be receiving penalty notices from HMRC for not completing their tax returns online. A fine of £100 will be levied against every self-assessor who failed to submit thei... Read more
- Tax self-assessment worries smallest companies
Tax self-assessment can be a cause for concern in the smallest businesses, a new study shows. Just over a third of micro-businesses and contractors felt confident in dealing with their own tax... Read more
