We received an email recently from a visitor who is contracting for IBM. The email demonstrates the methods some agencies are using to inform contractors of rate cuts. The email also raises the suggestion that more clients could hire contractors directly rather than paying commissions to their preferred suppliers.

Following claims on various recruitment industry forums, Jobserve has defended its decision to censor adverts that insist on candidates holding valid EU work permits.

Following investigations by the City of London Police and Lloyd's of London, Lloyd's is issuing a warning to all persons and companies holding insurance policies issued by CFT Group Insurance Services (CFT), which is believed to have ceased trading.

Douglas Alexander, the E-Commerce minister, has announced that the UK is to relax visa restrictions for Indian technology specialists who wish to work in Britain.

British Telecom, who earlier this year went to court in the U.S over claims that it had the rights to the use of the 'hyperlink', has suffered an embarassing defeat.

Ruth Lea, Head of the Policy Unit at the IoD released a comment yesterday entitled: "Tax 'n' Spend is here to stay", following the recent Budget announcements. Although more of general interest than a 'contractor' story, the article points out the astonishing rise in the overall tax burden since 1997.

New measures aimed at tackling skills shortages in IT experienced by small businesses were announced last week by Margaret Hodge the Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education.

Earlier this week, the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) gave strong backing to the new drive to tackle red tape proposed in a report on employment regulation published by the Better Regulation Taskforce.

In what would appear to be another in a new round of contractor rate cuts for 2002 (Deutsche Bank contractors recently received a 10% cut), IT contractors at Barclays Bank have been told to accept a 20% rate cut, or have their contract terminated.

According to IT reunion site NamesFacesPlaces, RDL, in their half-year figures, have reported that there are signs that we have seen the worst of the cycle in December 2001 and January 2002, which they believe to have been the bottom of the downturn.