SPECIAL REPORT HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released a report outlining the government’s assessment of the impact of the IR35 reforms on private sector contractors. However, several sources representing contractors contest the report’s findings, arguing that the reported figures regarding the number of affected individuals and the financial burdens imposed by the reforms do […]

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New research from contractor insurer Qdos reveals how independent workers in the UK identify themselves, a factor that could significantly influence their earning capabilities and the types of work they attract. The 2024 survey, capturing insights from 940 self-employed individuals, suggests a potential link between self-identification and financial success. Despite economic jitters, the majority are […]

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A source has told The Freelance Informer how some umbrella companies could still be systematically withholding and pocketing holiday pay from contractors and temp workers, potentially affecting thousands, especially supply teachers. However, if existing and former umbrella workers claim unused holiday pay they could be quids in by Christmas, said the source. How the Scheme […]

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The recent hike in employers’ national insurance tax has sent ripples through the contracting world, leaving many unsure of whether to celebrate or brace for impact. While some contractors may find themselves with unexpected benefits, others could be facing a hefty financial blow. But the implications go even deeper than individual wallets. This tax change […]

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Recruitment agencies and contractors alike are bracing themselves as the new government’s Budget proposals loom large, with potential changes that could drastically alter the recruitment landscape. Mary Maguire, Managing Director at Astute Recruitment Ltd, is among many recruiters warning that the impact of the pending UK Budget could be significant on recruitment levels. The concern […]

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Freelancers across the UK, particularly those working through limited companies, will want to pay close attention to the latest development in the long-running tax status case between the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and HMRC. The case, involving referees engaged by PGMOL as sole traders, highlights key issues about employment status and tax obligations […]

The post Supreme Court Sends PGMOL Referees’ Tax Case Back to First Tribunal: What Freelancers Should Know appeared first on Freelance Informer.

HMRC recently added four more tax avoidance schemes to its list of known promoters. While this should be positive news, it raises concerns about the effectiveness of HMRC’s anti-avoidance strategy. Qdos, a tax compliance expert, points out that despite identifying a growing number of schemes, thousands of contractors and freelancers remain at risk of non-compliance. […]

The post HMRC anti-avoidance strategy put into question following 100 identified schemes appeared first on Freelance Informer.

Small business and contractor industry experts voice their concerns that the Labour Party could easily follow in the footsteps of the Conservative Party and make no lasting change for the millions of UK small business owners. Will Labour policies help grow small businesses or make it even harder? Millions of self-employed people in the UK, […]

The post Politicians and policymakers “just don’t understand” small businesses in 2024   appeared first on Freelance Informer.

OPINION We take a tongue-in-cheek look at the pros and cons of political betting and if freelancers could have an upper hand down the bookies Jon Connell, the founder of The Week and contributor to The Knowledge’s newsletter, touches on the subject of political betting this week. The practice has not exactly caught on by […]

The post Betting on broken promises: a freelancer’s guide to political punts down the bookies appeared first on Freelance Informer.

Freelancers left frustrated by latest government inaction over umbrella company tax avoidance protections Freelancers forced to work through umbrella companies were left disappointed today after the government’s announcement on tackling tax avoidance within the industry. Industry experts question why the taxmen have decided to kick the can instead of doing what they can. OPINION There’s […]

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