http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Claiming+business+expenses+for+second+property/19657815 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19657815.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Persimmon+Homes_2980_19657815_0_0_7015053_300.jpg Claiming business expenses for second property Contractors are being advised they can claim non-capital costs of running a second home as a business expense.In an article on umbrelladetective.com, contractor accountant David Colom says they can make the claim if the property is only used for business purposes.So although the property should be used as an office, the fact that the contractor might sleep there would not affect the claim.Costs for things like refurbishments, utilities, phone and internet and council tax can be claimed.The expert says mortgage interest payments also fall into the category.If you need advice on how to claim business expenses, the team at Excellium Umbrella is happy to help. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Recruitment+Agency+Video+News/Concern+over+pension+reform/19657782 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19657782.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/whitehall_2980_19657782_0_0_7007928_300.jpg Concern over pension reform The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is calling for the introduction of pension reform proposals for agency workers not to be staggered.Legislation is being brought in October 2012 that will see freelancers and contractors with agencies, automatically enrolled onto a pension scheme if the payroll is above a certain size.At the moment the implementation of these changes will be staggered over four years.Anne Fairweather, head of public policy at the REC says: "This would create significant competitive distortions in the agency work market where the cost of a workers' wages is crucial. It would also be confusing for workers who would be subject to enrolment in some agencies but not others."The REC is calling for a common date for reform.To find out more about how the proposals for reform could affect you, call the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/Experts+predict+unemployment+to+rise/19655019 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19655019.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/job+loss_2980_19655019_0_0_7023337_300.jpg Experts predict unemployment to rise The number of people out of work is likely to rise in the coming months. That's according to a report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). It is being put down to a 'sharp' reduction in the public sector. The study compared employment in the UK with the United States. Fewer than one in ten firms plan to cut jobs in the first quarter of 2010. That's compared to 28 per cent in the UK. However that figure has fallen from 40 per cent in the first 3 months of 2009. It is predicted that women will be most affected as they make up a higher proportion of the public sector. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Recruitment+Agency+Video+News/Increase+in+IT+jobs/19655022 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19655022.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Computer+lab_2980_19655022_0_0_7054223_300.jpg Increase in IT jobs Things are looking up for IT freelancers. According to the Association of Recruitment Consultancies (ARC), private sector firms are looking to recruit IT staff again following 18 months of difficult times. Its chairman, Adrian Marlowe, says there has been an 'increase in work of that nature' recently. He added that "those organisations with larger IT systems are taking the view that they need to upgrade". His comments follow a report by the Recruitment and Employment Federation and KPMG. It found that more businesses are seeking professionals with a high level of IT expertise. If you're an IT contractor cashing in on your hotly needed skills, the team at Excellium are on hand to help you with all the administrative requirements – so you can get on with what you’re good at! yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/AWD+rulings+for+ASDA+temp+workers/19652490 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19652490.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Supermarket+Checkout_2980_19652490_0_0_1181_300.jpg AWD rulings for ASDA temp workers Temporary workers for ASDA will now get paid the same as permanent employees. The supermarket chain has reached an agreement with the trade union Unite. It is reported that 6000 workers will win improved pay under the agreement which covers 29 meat and poultry suppliers. According to Unite temps are currently paid between 30p and £1 less an hour than permanent staff. The announcement comes ahead of the Agency Workers Directive (AWD) which will come into force in October next year. If you would like to know more about how the AWD will affect you and your work, call the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Taxes+crushing+freelancers/19652495 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19652495.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Household+paperwork_2980_19652495_0_0_7054807_300.jpg Taxes crushing freelancers Complex tax rules are hindering freelancers and contractors. That's according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Institute of Credit Managment (ICM). The two organisations conducted a survey of over 1,600 small businesses and found that 75 per cent believed they would be able to grow their business if the UK tax system was simplified. Over half of those questioned said taxable allowances is the most complicated process. The same number said VAT is the easiest. 66 per cent employ professional help to deal with tax issues because they do not feel confident doing so themselves.If tax rules are baffling you, the team at Excellium Umbrella would be happy to help. Call now to find out more. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/PAYE+Umbrella+Company+News/HMRC+super+podcast+launched/19650158 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19650158.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/iPod_2980_19650158_0_0_7008621_300.jpg HMRC super podcast launched HM revenue and Customs has launched a new tax podcast. It will advise freelancers and contractors on changes to tax regulations.Stephen Banyard, director of HMRC's Business Customer Unit, says: "Our Super Podcast is a great way for businesses to remind themselves about some of the major changes on the horizon affecting VAT, PAYE and corporation tax."In the first podcast there is information about Employer Annual Returns, which come into effect this spring and details on new penalties for late payment of PAYE.Experts will also give advice via the podcast to help individuals and businesses keep on top of their tax paperwork. The team at Excellium Umbrella can also give you up-to-date information on tax regulations. Call now to find out more. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/HMRC+name+and+shame+law+comes+in+to+force/19650154 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19650154.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Customs_2980_19650154_0_0_7042967_300.jpg HMRC name and shame law comes in to force Tax dodgers will be named and shamed from April. HM Revenue and Customs has decided on the date that their new policy, which was announced in the budget last year, will come into effect. People who are investigated and found to have deliberately evaded tax of more than £25,000 will be identified. Their names and the first line of their addresses will appear on HMRC's website. It is unlikely the information will be published until 2011. Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury says 'As well as having to pay the tax, interest on the tax, plus penalties of up to 100 per cent of the tax lost, they also now risk being identified publicly.' yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/New+rules+for+businesses+providing+services/19647414 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19647414.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Handshake_2980_19647414_0_0_7053560_300.jpg New rules for businesses providing services Small businesses that provide services are being reminded of their new obligations brought in by an EU directive. The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 was introduced in December. It applies to most businesses in the UK and Europe providing services to other businesses and or private consumers. Those affected need to make certain information available to customers including the business' legal status, price of the service, whether the service provision is subject to VAT, details of professional liability and the complaints procedure. The directive also prohibits discriminations against individual customers because of where they live and requires businesses to deal with any complaints promptly. To find out more about how this directive could affect you, get in touch with the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Contractors+find+tax+confusing/19647402 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19647402.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Calculator_2980_19647402_0_0_8100_300.jpg Contractors find tax confusing Many freelancers and small business owners find self assessment tax returns complicated. That’s the findings of research by Accountz, a leading software company that specialises in accountancy packages. Nearly a quarter of its respondents missed the tax return deadline occasionally because they find it too complicated. Over half (55 per cent) calculate their tax as the earn and save the money to pay it. 5 per cent pay HMRC by credit card. More than 80 per cent of those questioned believe late payment charges are unfair. If you find self-assessment tax returns complicated, why not join Excellium Umbrella today. Our teams can support you and offer advice on making the process simple. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Petition+launched+against+employer+NI+rise/19644701 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19644701.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Tax+Return_2980_19644701_0_0_7040681_300.jpg Petition launched against employer NI rise Pressure is mounting on the Government to do a u-turn on National Insurance increase. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation is the latest business body to back the campaign. A petition has been launched against the one per cent increase in employer National Insurance Contributions planned for April 2011. Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the REC, comments: "The planned NICs increase for businesses is tantamount to a tax on jobs." He added that as the first signs of recovery from the recession in the labour market emerge, "increasing taxes on business will choke off recovery and will hinder getting people back into work." Other organisations that have signed the petition include British Chambers of Commerce, the British Retail Consortium, the CBI, the CIPD, the Forum of Private Business and the Federation of Small Businesses. If you need to know more about how the rise in National Insurance contributions could affect you, get in touch with the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/Bilingual+freelancers+advantaged+in+jobs+market/19644684 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19644684.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Office+workers_2980_19644684_0_0_7052154_300.jpg Bilingual freelancers advantaged in jobs market Freelancers can make themselves more employable by learning foreign languages. Research by Centre shows that nearly half (43 per cent) of recruiters think that being bi-lingual gives jobseekers an advantage in the interview process. According to the survey the most useful languages are French, Spanish and German. However there is growing demand for Polish, Urdu and Punjabi speakers. 500 companies took part in the survey which also found foreign language skills only came second to IT skills. Nearly 300 UK firms including Boots and HSBC have signed up to the Try Life in Another Language campaign. If you want advice on how specialist skills could enhance your business, call the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Government+undermines+small+web+firms/19642160 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19642160.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Melting+snow+at+Westminster_2980_19642160_0_0_7026393_300.jpg Government undermines small web firms Small businesses and contractors in the IT and web design sectors are up in arms after the launch of a new government scheme which strikes at the heart of their market. "Getting British Business Online" is going to offer free .co.uk websites to thousands of small businesses – set up using Google's tools and compliant with Google’s standards. While business secretary Lord Mandelson believes that the plan will get 10,000 small firms and self-employed contractors online by the end of the year, the plan will impact on many small firms working in this sector already. A group wrote to the Financial Times late last week to complain of the unfair competition. This is just another instance of the government's apparent greater concern with big businesses – like Google – than the impact of its actions on small businesses. During February, both the Federation of Small Businesses and the Forum of Private Business expressed reservations about plans to reform the tax and regulation systems. If you're an IT contractor who might be affected by this story, why not give Excellium Umbrella a call and see how we can help you. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/PAYE+Umbrella+Company+News/Clampdown+on+recruitment+industry/19642156 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19642156.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Interviewees_2980_19642156_0_0_7053951_300.jpg Clampdown on recruitment industry Recruitment companies are facing an informal crackdown by government agencies, with contractors being asked far more frequently for details of their permits and other regulatory information by recruiters. HM Revenue and Customs, the Health and Safety Executive and the UK Borders Agency have all been involved, at the instigation of the Employment Agency Standard Inspectorate, claims Freelancesupermarket.com. While of course reputable recruitment businesses will always observe the highest standards, the extra attention comes at a difficult time for the industry. The tax authorities have been much less tolerant of late payments in recent months, and several financial services recruitment companies have paid the price for being disorganised in making PAYE and National Insurance payments. The latest victim was Hexagon Human Capital, which saw trading in its shares suspended in late February. With HMRC less and less happy to compromise with businesses and contractors, there’s never been a better time to sign up with a PAYE umbrella company and get your affairs in order. Give the team at Excellium Umbrella a call today. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Recruitment+Agency+Video+News/REC+seeks+a+more+flexible+public+sector/19639298 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19639298.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Office+workers_2980_19639298_0_0_7052154_300.jpg REC seeks a more flexible public sector The public sector should be making better use of specialist contractors, temporary workers and agency staff rather than considering mass redundancies to save money, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has argued. Launching its "Make it Work!" campaign this week, the REC wants to emphasise the benefits of outsourcing work to independent contractors and recruitment companies, rather than relying on the conventional civil service model. Whoever is in power after the coming general election is expected to make swingeing cuts to the public sector workforce – generating widespread concern about standards in public services. The REC is pointing to the success of the use of supply teachers in state schools and locum doctors in the NHS as a model for the rest of the public sector. All kinds of independent specialists can benefit from the services of an umbrella company like Excellium Umbrella. Get in touch with the team to talk about your needs. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Recruitment+Agency+Video+News/Social+networks+and+future+recruitment/19639276 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19639276.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Handshake_2980_19639276_0_0_7049420_300.jpg Social networks and future recruitment Social networks like Facebook and Linkedin are going to be more and more important for contractors finding work in the future. That's the message from the Association of Recruitment Consultancies conference. Organisations as diverse as Intel, Royal Bank of Scotland, Microsoft and the British Army all outlined how social media are affecting their hiring strategies to delegates this week. They painted a picture where big employers, independent contractors and recruitment companies would more and more be liaising through social media and the online personalities of specialist staff than through conventional recruitment methods. ARC chairman Adrian Marlowe however sounded a cautious note. He warned that the downsides of instant communication and other aspects of social media have yet to really emerge, and it would be unwise to rely too heavily on it in favour of time-tested conventional recruitment and placement methods. Of course, umbrella companies like Excellium Umbrella also have a key role to play in helping fulfil the needs of contractors and recruitment companies – give the team at Excellium Umbrella a call and we’ll show you how. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/PAYE+Umbrella+Company+News/HMRC+less+willing+to+give+time+to+pay/19636238 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19636238.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/HMRC_2980_19636238_0_0_7040672_300.jpg HMRC less willing to give time to pay Small business and self-employed contractors should not think that the leeway HM Revenue and Customs is allowing them under the "time to pay" scheme will last forever. That's according to the managing director of an independent commercial finance provider. Writing for FreshBusinessThinking.com, Tracy Ewen warns that the amount of information being demanded by the tax authorities before they will allow contractors and businesses to defer tax payments have been increasing steadily. She suggests that the need to maximise tax revenues during the current climate of unprecedented government debt points to a tightening of eligibility. 60,000 businesses have taken up HMRC's time to pay offer since it was launched at the end of 2009. Of course, contractors who work with a PAYE umbrella company will not have to worry about such administrative hassles. If you're a self-employed contractor, speak to the team at Excellium Umbrella, and we’ll help find which umbrella company solution is right for you. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/FPB%3A+Government+ignoring+small+business/19636231 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19636231.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Big+Ben_2980_19636231_0_0_7047979_300.jpg FPB: Government ignoring small business Contractors, entrepreneurs and small business are increasingly concerned about the government's focus on big companies in reforming the tax and business regulation systems. Following the release earlier this week of the Treasury’s new tax framework for multinational companies, the Forum of Private Business has complained about the lack of attention paid to the needs of small firms. In its response to a government consultation on "Thinking Business in Policy", the FPB pointed to the assumption that small firms and freelance contractors will need only one hour to understand the implications of the new Equality Bill on disability discrimination. The FPB is also calling for a comprehensive review of business red tape. Its calls come hot on the heels of comments by the Federation of Small Businesses earlier this week, calling for a suspension of National insurance contributions during the next financial year, as a means of encouraging companies to take on more staff. If you're a professional contractor and you're finding the demands of regulation are taking up time when you could be earning money, why not speak to the team here at Excellium Umbrella? yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Limited+contractors+must+maintain+records/19633667 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19633667.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Signature_2980_19633667_0_0_7053576_300.jpg Limited contractors must maintain records Contractors who fail to keep their legal paperwork in proper order are at risk of fines of up to £15,000. Self-employed professionals who decide to take up limited company status on their own, without the assistance of an umbrella company, should be aware of the bureaucracy involved. Although it is very cheap to establish your own limited company, contractors who opt for this status must keep records of company members and directors, details of directors’ contracts and indemnities, minutes of formal meetings, and arrangements for the transfer of shares and more. All of these records must be stored at the company’s registered offices, warned Tim Mount of Lawdit Solicitors in a question and answer session on ContractorUK.com. Of course, contractors who team up with an umbrella company are spared all of these administrative hassles. Why not get in touch with Excellium Umbrella and let us advise you on what the best options for you might be? yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/REC+urges+awareness+of+contractor+rights/19633661 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19633661.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Gavel_2980_19633661_0_0_7002654_300.jpg REC urges awareness of contractor rights Businesses that work with freelance contractors must take greater care to ensure they are properly protected. So says the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, in response to a recent court judgement banning four directors of an HGV driver agency from running an recruitment business for ten years. The directors were found guilty of five counts of breaking employment law, including failure to keep adequate records and to ensure that their workers have the correct permits for their jobs. The REC argued that the case should act as a reminder to recruitment agencies of their responsibilities to professional contractors and freelance staff that they place for work. While the employment agency sector has made great strides forward in recent years, head of professional standards Fola Tayo stressed the importance of recruitment firms keeping fully abreast of their regulatory obligations. If you want to know more about your rights as a contractor, or you want the protection that comes with being part of a reputable and established umbrella company, then get in touch with the team here at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/PAYE+Umbrella+Company+News/Do+not+miss+out+on+pensions+tax+relief/19631002 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19631002.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Self+Assessment_2980_19631002_0_0_7040679_300.jpg Do not miss out on pensions tax relief Almost a quarter of a million people are not getting the tax relief on pension contributions they are entitled to, Standard Life has warned. Contractors using a PAYE umbrella company should not forget to make sure they are receiving higher rate tax relief on pension contributions if they are entitled to them. Most schemes will only apply tax relief at the basic level, which could leave higher earning contractors missing out on benefits they are entitled to. And while you can claim tax relief for contributions made in previous years, from the 6th of April this year, the time limit for making backdated claims is dropping to just four years. Anyone who is not getting all the tax relief they are entitled to should fill in a self-assessment tax return or write to their local tax office. If you are unsure, get in touch with the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/IR35+Video+News/Keeping+ahead+of+the+game+for+contractors/19630970 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19630970.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/business+people_2980_19630970_0_0_7052153_300.jpg Keeping ahead of the game for contractors PCG is holding a seminar for contractors entitled "Keeping ahead of the game" later this week. It's taking place in Braintree in Essex on the evening of Thursday February 25th, and it will cover all the big issues facing contractors and freelancers – including IR35, year end tax planning, the 24 month rule and travel expenses, and tax-efficient remuneration. The tax system has never been more complicated, and contractors working with or without an umbrella company need to keep properly abreast of the latest developments in order to minimise their risks and liabilities. Speakers at the Braintree event include Chris Harman and Duncan Forsyth from Lambert Chapman LLP and Iain McIlwee from PCG, and the meeting will start at 6.30pm. If you can't make it along, or if you want another expert opinion on how contractors should keep ahead of the game, the team at Excellium Umbrella is happy to help. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Calls+mount+to+address+the+effect+of+taxation+on+unemployment/19628522 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19628522.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Whitehall_2980_19628522_0_0_7037696_300.jpg Calls mount to address the effect of taxation on unemployment Criticism of the government's approach to the taxation of freelance contractors and small businesses is continuing this week – as the chancellor Alistair Darling releases a new document aimed at reassuring multinationals about the government's plans. Research from the Federation of Small Businesses has found that many small firms want to expand, but are prevented from doing so by the tax system. According to a recent report by PeoplePerHour.com, 81 per cent of small firms that are growing are trying to avoid taking on new employees, expanding freelance staff and fixed-term workers. The recession and the government's response to it have frightened big businesses, and at a conference in London today, the chancellor, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson will attempt to reassure them that there will be no surprises on the horizon. Small firms and contractors, however, are getting no such attention from the government.The FSB is calling on the Treasury to suspend National Insurance Contributions in 2010-2011, and provide rebates for firms that take on new staff. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/CIOT+welcomes+deliberate+wrongdoing+extension/19628511 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19628511.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/HMRC_2980_19628511_0_0_7040674_300.jpg CIOT welcomes deliberate wrongdoing extension The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has welcomed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) extension on the consultation on 'deliberate wrongdoing' legislation. Tax advisers will be rethinking the draft legislation which has come in for criticism. The CIOT says the definition of 'tax agent' and 'deliberate wrongdoing' should be more specific The consultation will now continue until 28 April 2010. HMRC have also decided not to include a requirement for a 'without notice' tribunal. The CIOT is planning set out in detail its concerns about the legislation to HMRC. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Government+should+help+UK+business+grow+workforce/19625766 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19625766.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_2980_19625766_0_0_7053568_300.jpg Government should help UK business grow workforce The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) is calling for the Government to introduce measures to support UK businesses.Commenting on the latest unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics, Chief Economist David Kern thinks steps should be outlined in the forthcoming budget to encourage businesses to grow workforces.He said they should start by scrapping the hike in employer contributions and the 1 per cent VAT rise planned for next year.Mr Kern said ‘The economy is still very weak, and there is clearly no justification for an immediate tightening in monetary policy’.In the 3 months to December, the number of people out of work fell by 3000 to 2.46 million. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Recruitment+Agency+Video+News/AWD+bad+for+Recruitment+Agencies/19625775 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19625775.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Interview_2980_19625775_0_0_7053558_300.jpg AWD bad for Recruitment Agencies The Agency Workers Directive could have a big impact on the finances of Recruitment Agencies.Experts are warning the AWD could see businesses use less temporary workers and in turn agencies will suffer.The advice was given by representatives at a recent event organised by the Association of Recruitment Consultancies.They argued the regulations will be complex and burdensome for both hirers and agencies and could result in employers have to increase pay.This is likely to put businesses off turning to agencies, meaning less temporary work available and a fall in income for agencies.Over 70 delegates from companies across the UK attended the conference.If you want to know how the directive will affect you, the team at Excellium Umbrella is happy to help. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/REC+says+jobs+market+is+improving/19622657 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19622657.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Lunch+meeting_2980_19622657_0_0_7053561_300.jpg REC says jobs market is improving The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has hit out at claims the UK jobs market is 'deceptively healthy'.The TUC issued the warning ahead of Wednesday's unemployment figures, saying more people are being forced to take part time and temporary work.The number of people out of work in Britain fell by 3000 to 2.46 million in the 3 months to December.REC Chief Executive Kevin Green says 'temporary work provides and important bridge back into eomployment and helps to develop the skills, experience and confidence to access permanent job opportunities. Flexible working options provide real benefits for job-seekers as well as employers; they must be recognised not stigmatised'.The latest JobsOutlook survey from the REC shows only 2 per cent of employers intend to make more cutbacks.94 per cent say they will maintain or grow their workforce in 2010. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/PAYE+Umbrella+Company+News/PCG+invited+to+join+CBI/19622664 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19622664.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/CBI+Logo_2980_19622664_0_0_1025_300.jpg PCG invited to join CBI PCG, an independent association that represents freelancers, has been invited to join the CBI Trade Association Council.The invitation indicates the CBI highly values PCG’s input into future discussions about the UK workforce.A recent PCG report highlights the important role that flexible freelancers play in the next decade and beyond.Richard Lambert, director general at the CBI agrees that ‘labour market flexibility will remain the UK’s real competitive advantage’That view is also reflected in a recent CBI report. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/Websites+can+boost+your+business/19620182 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19620182.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Website_2980_19620182_0_0_1142_300.jpg Websites can boost your business An expert is advising freelancers to consider hiring a professional to design their websites.Katy Cowan writes on Creative Boom that it is vital to have an online presence.Using web developers and graphic designers can give sites a professional sheen.However if the budget is tight Katy recommends using programmes like Wordpress to get the website up and running.Blogs are another recommendation for keeping sites fresh, whether it be writing your own or contributing to one.If you need advice on improving your website, get in touch with the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/Jobs+market+%E2%80%98deceptively+healthy%E2%80%99/19620181 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19620181.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Job+Centre_2980_19620181_0_0_4000265_300.jpg Jobs market ‘deceptively healthy’ As the latest unemployment figures show a slight fall in the number of people out of work, there are warnings that the figures could be deceptive.The TUC warns the UK jobs market looks 'deceptively health' because of an increase in the number of people settling for part time work.In the 3 months of December unemployment fell by 3000 to 2.46 million.The Union says thousands of people are unable to find full time employment.General secretary Brendan Barber said "A growth in insecure and low-paid employment at the expense of secure work is not good news for them or for the economy." yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Retrospective+tax+legislation+unfair/19617625 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19617625.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Tax+Return_2980_19617625_0_0_7040681_300.jpg Retrospective tax legislation unfair A tax body’s raised concerns over retrospective tax action.The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) says a Treasury announcement last week amending the tax rules relating to manufactured dividends, is unfair.The new legislation will apply from October 1st 2007.Tax Policy Director at the CIOT John Whiting said: "We can understand that at times the government wants to take action. However, this needs to be used with great caution: it must not dislodge the principle that the taxpayer is taxed on the wording of the legislation in place at the time of their actions."The CIOT is calling for a clear statement on when the legislation will be used and its boundaries.If you want advice on how the legislation could affect you, contact the team at Excellium Umbrella. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/Public+sector+cuts+warning/19617615 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19617615.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Office+workers_2980_19617615_0_0_7047921_300.jpg Public sector cuts warning Warnings are going out that there will be fresh cuts in the public sector this year.It is thought almost 33 per cent of jobs will be lost as the Government tries pay back public debt following the recession.A report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows the jobs market is still at risk despite the UK coming out of recession.According to CIPD Chief Economic Adviser John Phillpott, redundancies have eased in the private sector but the public sector is set to be rocked by Government spending cuts.31% of public sector organizations are now planning redundancies.In the last quarter of 2009, just 13per cent were looking to cut jobs.If you need advice on how these spending cuts could affect you, the team at Excellium Umbrella is happy to help. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/PAYE+Umbrella+Company+News/SPA+says+%E2%80%98Umbrella+companies+are+regulated%E2%80%99/19615128 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19615128.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/SPA+logo+Excellium+only_2980_19615128_0_0_7051138_300.jpg SPA says ‘Umbrella companies are regulated’ The Service Providers Association is standing up for UK umbrella companies amidst criticism the industry is unregulated.It follows the launch of a code of conduct last November, which saw several members leave the association because they were unable to comply.Now all SPA members undergo an independent review by one of the ‘big four’ accountancy practices.Chairman Stuart Davis says the SPA works with ‘a wide variety of industry stakeholders along with the HMRC to devise an independently audited regulatory framework – encouraging best practice and transparency across the sector’. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/%27Security+Clearance%27+barrier+to+jobs/19612251 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19612251.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Computer+security_2980_19612251_0_0_7047936_300.jpg 'Security Clearance' barrier to jobs Recruiters are being urged not to use ‘security clearance’ as a barrier to hiring workers.Many people are being asked if they have such clearance before being offered placements.This is a breach of Cabinet Office guidelines.The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and PCG a freelancers association have both spoken out against such measures.Commenting on this issue, Cabinet Minister, Angela Smith MP stressed that "national security vetting controls are important, but must be applied proportionately and fairly."If you need advice on your rights as a contractor, the team at Excellium Umbrella is happy to help yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Contractor+Video+News/Campaign+launched+to+celebrate+UK+freelancers/19612249 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19612249.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptops_2980_19612249_0_0_7047934_300.jpg Campaign launched to celebrate UK freelancers A national advertising campaign is being launched to highlight how much freelancers help our economy.Britain’s Brain Gain celebrates the 1.4million freelancers that contribute £82million pounds to the UKs economic output.A newspaper campaign will be running alongside a website that draws attention to the talent among freelance workers in Britain.It has been launched by PCG, an independent association which represents freelancers.John Brazier, Managing Director said, “Britain’s Brain Gain campaign is quite simply a statement of fact. The talent pool of freelance workers offers flexibility to companies, groups and organisations; it helps them manage risk and unlock innovation and talent within their business. “Get in touch with the team at Excellium Umbrella who can help you with your freelance career. yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Small+business+plans+on+election+agenda/19610312 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19610312.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Houses+of+Parliament_2980_19610312_0_0_7047828_300.jpg Small business plans on election agenda Political plans for small businesses should be on the election agenda.That’s the call from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).It has lined up speakers from all political parties at its next annual conference in March, including Business Secretary Lord Mandleson.Tory Leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg have also been invited.The FSB wants each political party to outline what it will do to help small businesses following the recession.If you’re a small business and would like some advice from the professionals, then why not give the team at Excellium a call? yes http://excelliumumbrella.com/Tax+and+Legislation+Video+News/Tax+rebates+taking+longer+to+process/19610315 http://tv.excelliumumbrella.com/excellium/FLV_19610315.flv http://videonews.adfero.co.uk/players/flvplayer.swf http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Inland+Revenue_2980_19610315_0_0_7040670_300.jpg Tax rebates taking longer to process Many freelancers are still waiting for tax rebates to be paid.Chartered Accountants UHY Hacker Young says HM Revenue and Customs is struggling to process an increase in claims for corporation tax repayments.The number of people needing money refunded has gone up as a result of the recession.According to the accountancy firm many people are waiting twice as long for repayments when compared with a year earlier.Its research shows its clients are waiting longer than a month to get the money.For freelancers wanting to find out more about tax legislation, Excellium Umbrella company has the expertise to give you a helping hand. yes