Growing Number Of Self Employed UK Workers

Posted on January 20, 2012 by icsjonathan

Despite the latest unemployment figures showing a further rise, to 2.69m, a rate of 8.4% in the UK, the Office for National Statistics also revealed that the number of self employed workers rose by over 100,000 in the three months to November. This took the self employed workforce to a record high level, at 4.2m people.

Despite some fluctuation in contractor jobs over the last few months, there has been a growing number of people preferring the freelance or self employed option. John Philpott, advisor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), claimed that many workers may prefer this route due to not being able to find permanent employment. However, a leading contractor group believes that the UK’s flexible workforce is key to economic recovery. Continue reading →

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Postponed IR35 Forum Meeting Indicates Progress

Posted on January 20, 2012 by icsjonathan

The decision to postpone the latest IR35 Forum meeting could indicate progress on the proposals being looked at to improve IR35 administration. HMCR confirmed that the meeting originally scheduled for January 18th has been moved to the 21st February following a number of ‘sub-meetings’ last week.

HMRC met with regular member of the forum on January 11th in order to have detailed discussions about the administrational plans for IR35 and the current ideas for the planned business test. A spokesperson confirmed that “following working groups with the external stakeholders, we felt that there was more work to do prior to holding another full Forum meeting”, which led to the postponement. Continue reading →

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HMRC To Review Business Records Checks

Posted on January 18, 2012 by icsjonathan

HMRC have this week announced that they are to review their Business Records Checks which was initiated last year. The idea behind the checks was to encourage businesses to keep better records, but it was criticised because of the amount of extra burden it places on small businesses.

In an official statement HMRC said that following consultation with representative bodies, they have started a detailed review of the BRC project. They go on to say that the pilot tests have caused “considerable concern to the tax profession” and that “the project would have benefited from more detailed consultation with tax professionals at an earlier stage.” Continue reading →

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Expansion Plans At Luton Airport Could Create 6,000 Jobs

Posted on January 17, 2012 by icsanna

Luton Airport want to double the number of passengers that go through their airport and have big expansion plans to accommodate this. The airport currently handles nearly 10 million passengers a year at present and is submitting an application to increase this to 18 million passengers.

The project, branded, futureLuToN:Optimisation, begins a four-week consultation process on 6 February. If the project is approved, it is expected to create around 6,000 jobs. Continue reading →

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HMRC Staff Strike A ‘Lightning’ Walkout

Posted on January 16, 2012 by icsanna

As many as 20,000 HMRC staff that provide advice on tax returns have staged a ‘lightning’ walkout this afternoon. They are protesting about HMRC’s plans to outsource and privatise their workload. HMRC is holding year-long trials from next month with two firms, Sitel and Teleperformance, at Lillyhall in Cumbria and Bathgate in West Lothian.

A series of 30-minute walkouts are scheduled for 10am and 4.30pm today (16/01), but will culminate on January 31st, self-assessment tax deadline day. The walkouts are at HMRC call centres and enquiry offices and will affect anyone trying to contact these centres. It is likely to cause huge inconvenience for millions of higher-rate taxpayers and those with untaxed income, such as landlords, freelancers and sole traders, who are required to submit a tax return each year. Continue reading →

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Contractor Jobs Fell At The End Of 2011

Posted on January 13, 2012 by icsjonathan

Contractor jobs are reported to have fallen in December, according to the REC and KMPG’s latest Report on Jobs. This put the demand for temps in the same position as permanent jobs, which have fallen for the last three months.

REC Chief Executive Kevin Green was still confident that the UK jobs market is resilient and functioning well despite the tough conditions. He said that “there are clearly signs of decline but we are nowhere near the lows seen in 2009 when the market deteriorated at a drastically faster rate than we are seeing today.” Continue reading →

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Recruiters Anticipating Fall In Contractor Jobs

Posted on January 13, 2012 by icsjonathan

As reported earlier this week, the Agency Workers Regulations came into play following the first 12 week period last month. Whilst it was initially thought to have not had much of an impact, a number of leading recruitment groups believe that this is not the case.

A survey from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has found that 29% of organisations are likely to terminate contractors early due to the AWR. On top of this 19% of recruiters said that AWR is contributing to a decreased demand for contractors; and 43% said this impact will be greater following the expiration of the first 12-week qualifying period. Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Switch to ICS

Posted on January 11, 2012 by icsanna

As a contractor, you’re always on the lookout for the best job and payment terms. So why settle for second best when it comes to looking after your income?

Independent Contractor Services (ICS) are celebrating ten years of working within the contractor marketplace. Established in 2002, we have been providing accountancy and payroll services to thousands of contractors working across hundreds of different industries.

It’s simple to switch to ICS and this is why.

  • We liaise with your current provider on your behalf for a seamless transition
  • Keep your existing company and bank account if you join our Limited Co Service
  • Switch at any point in the financial year and we’ll bring you up to date at no cost **

Switch to ICS. Get £150 Cashback*. Smart Move.

These are just some of the benefits from switching to ICS.

  • Personal Account Manager
  • Freephone UK helpline for any urgent requirements
  • Access to experts on IR35, AWR, MSC, tax, contracts and compliance
  • SMS alerts so you know when you’ve been paid
  • Online portal to access your information 24/7
  • Same day processing so you don’t have to wait for your money
  • Unlimited phone and email support
  • Expert accountancy and tax advice when you need it
  • Access to specialist contractor financial products with ICS Money
  • Raising and chasing of invoices on your behalf
  • Free contractor guides to keep you informed
  • Award-winning back office support
  • 10 years experience supporting 1000s of contractors

If you would like more information about switching to ICS, you can telephone us on 0800 195 3750 or email info@ics.me.uk. We look forward to working with you!

*Issued to you on receipt of your third monthly payment to ICS. Sign-up before 28 Feb 2012 to benefit from this special offer. This offer is only available to contractors switching from other contractor accountancy providers.
**We will bring your accounts up to date from the previous year end subject to this being less than 12 months.

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Recruiters Facing AWR Issues With Employers

Posted on January 10, 2012 by icsjonathan

The Agency Workers Regulations, which came into force on October 1st, recently saw the first 12 week period pass; which means that for many temporary and contract workers the regulations now come into play.

Despite this point coming in the middle of the festive period, on the December 24th, there have been few related problems. However, the REC have reported that many recruiters are still having issues co-operating with some employers. Continue reading →

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Contractors Should Not Be Afraid To Change Accountants

Posted on January 9, 2012 by icsanna

A contractor recently looked to Contractor UK to seek advice on whether they should change accountants. They were concerned that by changing accountants, it may raise a ‘red flag to HM Revenue & Customs’.

Bob Jones, a former Inland Revenue tax inspector however reassured the contractor not to be afraid of changing accountants but to ensure they chose accountants that were able to fulfil all the necessary requirements. Continue reading →

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