Some 8.5million Windows devices with Blue Screen of Death reminds companies they can’t always know who they’ll need from IT, with what tech skills, or when.
Bolstering economic growth across the UK bodes well for IT freelancers -- we must now hope for differentiation, collaboration and frankly, more contract skills support.
‘Political noise’ blamed for hirers hitting the hiring brakes, with the screeching most painfully felt by IT operations, helpdesk, and software development candidates.
We’ve got an anti-Tory result with no great enthusiasm for Keir Starmer. That’s what the people are really saying - and it’s a verdict IT freelancers will find hard to disagree with.
As a new political dawn breaks, let’s not be rose-tinted about the future of IT contracting under the architects of IR35, but it’s clear a bum deal is now behind us.
Why Rachel Reeves saying ‘we will take on the tax dodgers’ sounds good in principle, but also has small companies quaking in their (HMRC-compliant) boots.
Signing a commonsense commitment (following this government’s nonsensical approach), is the first step to getting your future MP to do their bit to right a wrong ruining 40,000 lives.
Hays finds that despite many feeling apprehensive about AI, most IT contractors will undergo Artificial Intelligence training -- before it ‘really takes hold.’
Two highly technical grounds of appeal succeeding for the taxman don’t make the UT’s decision necessarily right, according to IR35 advisers who have no less than six misgivings.
Two political parties say the Single Enforcement Body is back in contention, which probably won’t disappoint contractors -- or a few Labour Market Enforcement officials.
A Labour pledge to rethink the government’s OPW rules would be a marginally bigger vote-winner than a vow to repeal, but the manifesto favourite, SWS, ‘could remove IR35 altogether.’
What the Tories and Labour claim they would refrain from unveiling -- like an emergency Budget, is currently all that UK contracting has to look forward to.
HMRC says that where car allowance payments have been or will be made for use of a qualifying vehicle, they may now benefit from a higher amount of disregard.
The Liberal Democrats’ deputy leader says the ‘IR35 scandal’ is part of the 'raw deal' for the self-employed, in line with calls by FCSA, cross-party MPs, and now IPSE.
FCSA: With General Election 2024 just 34 days away, no party with skin in the game can afford to ignore the burgeoning temporary labour market, and its 5.4million votes.
A supposedly US firm is trying to fleece UK umbrella companies by seeking an initial line of credit for 'phantom' contractors, with convincing nods like ‘due diligence,’ IR35, and HMRC-risk.
Contrary to popular belief there’s actually a few ways to sweeten the bitter pill of moving from limited to umbrella. Or if not sweeten, make palatable.
It’s been 17 years since they first struck, but the MSC rules getting a guidance refresh should help the contractors of today ‘understand, identify, and respond.’
Government claims to accept PAC’s recommendations despite one recommendation stemming from fears the taxman’s OPW approach puts off legitimate business activity.
The unfortunate, disorientating, guinea pig-like experience of Richard Alcock is grounds for government to ‘seriously consider other options’ -- IR35 advisers.
It’s far past time for forceful action to purge the unscrupulous from the umbrella industry. But this government’s next move is probably to pass the buck.
Disappointed, insulted, and back in ‘wait and see’ mode, contractor umbrella companies at least know the future is a ‘due diligence’ requirement for agencies to police.
A tip to buy six £50 food vouchers before the tax year ends isn’t going down well with all limited company tax advisers -- for fear it may not go down well with HMRC.
Winning work expert Matt Craven shares his new quick and dirty tips -- and previews a secret offer for ContractorUK readers not feeling very Warren Buffet.
A workplace should do right by its entire workforce but where it doesn’t, an experienced life coach is essential for your wellbeing, productivity and emotional health as a contractor.
SThree: The narrative that Artificial Intelligence will displace us human labour organisers is now outdated, because it’s already bedding in as an ally in workforce and recruitment processes.