Contracting Consulting Freelancing Made Easy

According to a new report released by Parasol Group, a UK based umbrella company for contractors, Northern Ireland is the worst place in the UK for contractors working under umbrella companies financially. The report confirmed that the average hourly rate for contractors working under umbrella companies in Northern Ireland is a mere £13.53 per hour [...]

One of the most common problems for freelancers and small businesses is either late or non-payment of invoices from clients. When working as a limited company everything to do with the financial side of your business is left up to you and where those working under an umbrella company have the back up of a [...]

As of October 2011, Agency Workers Regulations stated that temporary workers and contractors are entitled to equal employment rights as those in permanent contracts with the company after they have worked for the company for 12 weeks. This means they must come in line with permanent employees when it comes to pay and working conditions [...]

As the new year kicks into full swing it can often be a time of change.  Perhaps it is time for a new job or a new contract?  If so then it is important that you get your CV up to scratch.  Take some time to look over your current CV and give it the [...]

As we look back over 2011 it is clear to see that it has been both a tough, yet interesting year.  The economic climate made it difficult for many contractors, consultants and freelancers to get the level of work and pay that they needed.  However, all was not lost. 2011 was a year of many [...]

According to the latest research by Creditsafe, start-ups have increased by 18%.  Around 470,000 limited companies were registered in 2011 and it is thought that as each year goes by this will increase by around 20%. The main locations for new start-ups are London, with around 160,000 and the South East with around 60,715.  It [...]

When it comes to paying income tax as a contractor it is important that you don’t leave yourself short.  The best advice is to only draw your dividends when you have enough in there to cover your contract accounts. Finances, especially in this tough economic climate, need to be in order.  You should always make [...]

If you are a contractor and are part of an umbrella company it is important that you know what to do if it goes bust. Rob Crossland from Parasol, an umbrella solutions company, has spoken on the matter to help contractors with the impact of an umbrella company going under. Crosslands main piece of advice [...]

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has enlisted the help of  Rehan Pasha, an employment law specialists of Squire Sanders Hammond to untangle the mess that is AWR.  After the meeting  REC Technology’s Chair, Jeff Brooks, commented: “Many IT recruiters have assumed that, as their candidates are self-employed and better paid than their permanent equivalents, [...]

The Agency Workers Regulations, although only intended to protect temporary workers from unfair treatment, may end up affecting contractors as well. The draft document, released on Friday, lays out in its scope that contractors may be covered if they are hired through a Temporary Work Agency (TWA). The specifics of the contract with their hirer [...]