Contractors gain new ‘ambassador-at-large’ as PCG’s Brazier changes role
Contractors have gained a new ‘ambassador-at-large’ to represent their interests with other trade, business and client groups. After six years as PCG managing director, on 3rd June 2013 John Brazier is switching roles to become director of corporate and strategic affairs for the organisation. He plans “to build new bridges and develop synergies with new people, groups and organisations throughout the UK, Europe and beyond”. Brazier’s new appointment coincides with the election of Julie Stewart as chairman of PCG.
Contractor demand set to increase over the next quarter, confirm clients
Contractor demand looks set to continue increasing, as the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s (REC) JobsOutlook confirms 41% of contractor clients plan to increase headcount during the next three months. Contractor prospects over the longer term look secure, as 36% of contractor clients plan to increase their headcounts over the next 4-12 months. “While the current economic situation is still challenging for many businesses, there are also some positive signs,” notes REC chief executive Kevin Green.
Contractors to see fresh contracts generated by Britain’s “new North Sea”
Contractors could benefit from up to £3.7bn in new investment each year into shale gas development across the UK, potentially generating 74,000 new jobs and contracts. This is according to a new report, Getting shale gas working, published by the Institute of Directors. It specifically identifies core contracting roles that will directly benefit, such as geologists, engineers, construction workers, business analysts and public relations staff. “Shale gas could be a new North Sea for Britain, creating tens of thousands of jobs, supporting our manufacturers and reducing gas imports,” notes IoD’s senior economic adviser, Corin Taylor, who wrote the report. More...
Media and IT contractor shortages stunting Tech City Growth
A shortage of media and IT contractors threatens to stunt the growth of London’s Tech City. According to a report by The Drum’s Angela Haggerty, the recent Tech Futures Report by GfK shows nearly half of Tech City businesses can’t hire enough “skilled digital and tech workers in London”, and “77% said this was actively restricting growth”. London’s tech industry provides more than 48,000 contracts and jobs in the city. More...
BBC confirms its commitment to cut contractor numbers from its talent roster
Media and entertainment contractors trading via limited companies will be firmly in the BBC’s crosshairs for culling, once the broadcaster’s new ‘employment test’ is ready. In a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) response to ContractorCalculator, BBC People’s Rachel Currie said: “Once this test is finalised and agreed with HMRC, this framework will be rolled out for all on-air engagements.” Currie also confirmed the BBC’s commitment to cut contractor numbers and replace them with employees. More...
Contractors with manufacturing clients to benefit from returning confidence
Contractors working on assignments in the manufacturing sector may see increasing contract renewals and new contracts as confidence returns to the sector. The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey shows strong growth is anticipated over the next quarter, particularly in food, drink and tobacco, as well as in mechanical engineering. “Manufacturers remain optimistic that demand will pick up in the next three months,” explains CBI director of economics Stephen Gifford. “This tallies with what we’re hearing from some businesses about confidence returning.” More...
Construction and manufacturing contractors prospects buoyed by strong performance
The prospects for construction contractors and those with contracts in the manufacturing sector have been improved as a result of strong performance by small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Bibby Financial Services’ Business Factors Index, which tracks the firm’s 4,000 SME clients, shows manufacturing outperforming all other sectors, including services. Even the construction sector, which has been badly hit by the economic downturn, was stable during the first quarter of 2013. More...
New guidance from tax experts for contractors preferring to handle their own tax
Contractors who prefer to manage their own tax affairs can access a comprehensive new guide published by the Chartered Institute of Taxation’s (CIOT) Low Incomes Tax Reform Group. The guide focuses on how to deal with letters regarding Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from HMRC. It provides information about checking tax calculations, letter templates and a guide to Extra Statutory Concession (ESC) A19, under which HMRC will sometimes write off tax arrears.
Oil and gas contractors delivering well services experiencing record demand
Oil and gas contractors delivering well services, or working for clients who do, are experiencing record demand for their services. Oil and Gas UK reports that companies delivering drilling, completion, testing and maintenance for oil and gas wells generated £1.9bn during 2012. “Well services contractors have achieved robust growth, contributing significantly to the economy and innovation, while creating new jobs for highly skilled people,” says Oil and Gas UK’s operations director Oonagh Werngren.
HMRC under fire from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – again
HMRC was criticised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for failing to detect fraud and error in the tax credits system. This is the most recent attack on the taxman by MPs. It has previously challenged HMRC’s customer service performance, which has impacted negatively on contractors, and HMRC’s ‘sweetheart deals’ with large corporates. “HMRC’s performance in cutting the level of fraud and error in the tax credits system has been hugely disappointing and extremely poor,” says Margaret Hodge MP, chair of the Committee of Public Accounts. More...