May / 13
Sector Watch: What’s hot for IT contractors?
IT is arguably the most popular specialised contractor skill in the UK. As new technologies such as AI, blockchain and big data are utilised across all industries, there’s a growing need for skilled technical workers to meet the demand. This means that fast access to specialists who can maintain the technology’s day-to-day functioning and ensure
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May / 7
Contract negotiation and renewal – getting it right
If you’re about to start a new contract, or if your contract is coming up for renewal, you should take some factors into consideration in order to maximise your earning potential, while also ensuring that your contract is compliant with current IR35 legislation. Here we look at how getting your contractual negotiations right can give
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Apr / 30
How can contractors fund their Continued Professional Development?
With strong demand for contractors, there’s increasing competition within this lucrative fast-growing sector. Contractors who are able to demonstrate the most up-to-date expertise will be in a position to pick and choose from the best contracts, while also negotiating better remuneration and contractual terms. Investing in your professional development through training is essential, but without
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Apr / 18
Another defeat for HMRC as Loose Women presenter wins IR35 appeal
Presenter Kaye Adams has won her appeal against a £124k tax bill she received from HMRC. Adams, who presents a number of radio and TV shows, including the popular daytime talk show Loose Women, successfully defended her self-employed status with BBC Radio Scotland as presenter of The Kay Adams Programme. Her victory follows just weeks
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Apr / 9
What are you worth? LinkedIn tool pinpoints high paying sectors
The candidate-driven market continues in 2019, offering contractors a good opportunity to seek out projects that offer the best rewards. When it comes to searching for a new role, earning potential is often one of the main considerations. Although LinkedIn’s recent recruitment study shows that work/life balance and career satisfaction are increasingly important factors, contractors
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Apr / 2
Are worker’s rights under threat from government legislation?
Constant wrangling over off-payroll legislation and Brexit have raised questions about the rights of UK workers. Although several documents have addressed the issue of rights, the government have yet to fully consider this angle. Like all workers, contractors need to be treated fairly for the service they provide. However, government legislation is often responsible for
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Mar / 26
Mortgage Legal Fees: What do you pay for and when do you pay legal fees?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a landlord, or a prospective buyer, there are several fees that you will need to consider when buying a new property, including your legal fees. Legal fees typically range between £800 and £1500 plus VAT, so before you begin the purchasing process it’s important to ensure that you’ve budgeted for
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Mar / 18
2019 Spring Statement Summary
Until the Brexit issue is resolved the country’s financial position remains up in the air, making it difficult for Chancellor Hammond to outline a strategic vision for the future in his spring statement. There was, however, some suggestion that there would be another statement before the summer break, which could contain more definitive proposals. With
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Mar / 8
Government publish consultation on off-payroll working rules
During last October’s Autumn Budget, Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced that the current public sector off-payroll working rules will be extended into the private sector in April 2020. This week, HMRC published their long awaited consultation document for off-payroll working rules, highlighting a number of key points for consideration. The consultation, open until Tuesday 28th May,
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Mar / 6
Spring clean your contractor CV in ten minutes!
The idea of overhauling your CV can be so daunting that you keep putting it off for another day. It’s much more manageable to spend ten minutes focusing on certain tasks or on a particular section each day. Keeping your contractor CV up to date is crucial. It’s important that your CV reflects your latest
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