Umbrella company, recruitment and contractor news.

Contractors help govt curb its emissions

Contractors using umbrella companies could be buoyed by the news that the government is using workers to help reduce Whitehall's heating bill by carrying out energy-efficient improvements.David Pol...

HSE: Contractors need to remain safe

Safety issues for contractors using umbrella companies were highlighted today when one firm was fined after it erected dangerous scaffolding that then collapsed because of high winds.The Health and...

Health and safety is a basic requirement for homeowners

Contractors using umbrella companies should be protected while on a job, according to an expert, who said that people need to realise the impact a worker's death or injury can have on families and ...

Firms urged to discourage non-genuine absence

Firms have been advised to have thorough absence policies in place in order to discourage non-genuine absences.Return-to-work interviews, collecting absence data and thorough training should be use...

Health and safety legislation review announced

Concerns regarding the application and perception of health and safety legislation are to be addressed by Lord Young, the newly-appointed adviser to the prime minister for the sector.He is set to u...

Wellbeing schemes 'improve absence rates'

The benefits of offering wellbeing schemes have been highlighted by one employment expert.Bosses are investing more in the health of their freelance contractors and permanent staff and taking absen...

Employers 'must help protect workers from stress'

Employers have been urged to take steps to reduce stress among their workers, including freelance contractors. The first move is to educate staff about the symptoms and signs of stress, so they can...

Firms 'must ensure freelance contractors are prepared for fire'

Companies must take steps to ensure all workers in their buildings, including professional contractors, are aware of what to do in case of a fire.Figures from insurance firm RSA have revealed that ...

Fit note system 'puts onus on employers to help freelance contractors'

The scrapping of the sick note system, which has been in use since the creation of the NHS in 1948, will put the onus on employers to get freelance contractors and other staff back to work followin...

Plants 'can boost health for freelance contractors'

Wherever they are working from, freelance contractors should have plenty of greenery around them to boost concentration and wellbeing, according to one scientist.Plants have a "profound psycho...

US sends warning over NSW Australia property plans

Employers are being encouraged to get all their employees, including professional contractors, involved in health and safety in the workplace.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a ne...

Freelance contractor health issues 'must be considered by employers'

Bosses should ensure proper procedures are in place for dealing with mental and physical health issues faced by freelance contractors.Firms should be open with staff so they know any issues will be...

Guidance on fit notes released

Professional contractors who have had to take time off work because of ill-health will be given the support they need to get back to employment sooner with the new fit note system.Replacing the tra...

Construction decline 'could hit contractor skills'

The slow recovery of the construction industry could result in the loss of engineering contractor skills, it has been claimed.Potential funding cuts across by government could result in public sect...

Ministers warned over NHS IT spending cuts

Ministers have been warned to be wary of cutting back too much on IT contractor payroll jobs when making cost reductions across the NHS.The government needs to be keen to undermining technology pro...

ODA underlines exceptional Olympic contractor health and safety

Professional contractors working on Olympic projects have achieved a better than industry average health and safety record, according to new figures. A total of eight million hours have been worked...