Online demand for IT contractors falters, but engineers top online demand table
Online demand for IT contractors fell by 5 points, or 4%, during September reports the latest Monster Employment Index (MEI). But although the overall index fell for a second month running, engineering contractors bucked the trend as online demand bounced back after a slight fall over the summer. Construction contractors are also enjoying an upswing in their fortunes, with online demand in the sector increasing steadily over the last four months, up 24% compared to September 2010. More…
Engineering contractors most in demand in Scotland, but IT contractor demand slumps there
Contractor performance in the Scottish labour market in September mirrored that shown by the MEI across the rest of the UK. The September Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs shows that engineering contractors are at the top of the demand league, with IT and computing contractors falling sharply to sixth place, from second place in August. In contrast, the IT and computing sector is leading demand for permanent IT professionals. More…
Further gloom for IT contractors: European IT spend forecast to fall in 2012
In another blow to the future prospects of IT contractors, a report by technology investment analyst Jeffries reports that 67% of global institutional investors believe European IT budgets will fall in 2012. The report also claims that the IT budget-setting process by the major customers of European IT firms is likely to be delayed due to the current Eurozone instability. Highly mobile IT contractors may wish to consider their options across the Atlantic, as the US market is predicted to be much stronger: only 27% of those surveyed believe IT budgets will fall in the US. More…
Contractors may suffer another year of tax uncertainty due to PAYE coding errors by HMRC
Contractors trading via umbrella companies and through agency payrolls may be facing another year of tax uncertainty due to HMRC’s Pay As You Earn (PAYE) coding errors. BBC News reports that, “About six million people are set to receive tax rebates averaging £400, while another million will learn they have underpaid their tax by about £600.” In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s John Whiting highlighted that workers with highly variable employment patterns, such as umbrella contractors, will be particularly vulnerable to these kinds of PAYE adjustments. More…
Contractors may be the victims of an HMRC cover-up over errors and appeals
Contractors who believe they have supplied correct and timely information to HMRC, but have still received demands for unpaid tax, may be the victims of HMRC errors, and a subsequent cover-up campaign. In a report published by the Mail Online, James Coney has revealed the contents of an internal memo between an HMRC tax officer and technical advisor. The internal memo, itself mistakenly sent to a taxpayer, acknowledges mistakes had been made going back some years, despite the taxpayer in question supplying correct information to HMRC. The taxpayer was told he should have spotted HMRC’s mistakes himself, so was still liable for the unpaid tax. Contractors concerned that they may have been victims of similar mistakes should contact their tax advisor. More…
Contractor recruiters and clients may face debt transfer risk from AWR
Contractor recruiters and clients may be facing higher debt transfer risks under the Managed Services Company (MSC) legislation, arising from the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR). Contracting service provider Giant claims that, “HMRC has significantly stepped up compliance activity over the past year against MSCs”, with MSC investigations increasing by 71% between 2009/10 and 2010/11. Recruiters and clients that force workers into incorporation as an AWR avoidance measure may, under MSC rules, become liable for the resulting shortfall in income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). More…
London Workspace service from PCG
Contractors with PCG Plus membership can maximise the use of their time when attending London meetings by using a new London Workspace service. PCG has partnered with Club Workspace to offer access to two London locations in Clerkenwell and by London Bridge. Explaining why the service has been introduced, PCG managing director John Brazier says: “Many of our members tell us they often need to be in London for business meetings, but have nowhere to work either before or after, meaning a waste of the working day. More...”
New workshops planned for budding interim management contractors
The Interim Management Association (IMA) has appointed training specialist Interim Hub to deliver a new introductory workshop for budding interim management contractors. ‘Introduction to Interim Management’ offers insights into the life of an interim manager. “We see this new training module as an important milestone in supporting the next generation of interim managers,” says IMA Chairman Jason Atkinson. “By providing these candidates with a high level of guidance at the beginning of their interim career, we are ensuring that they will be … equipped to carry out and complete their assignments to an exceptional standard.” More…