Jobs 'to be created in low-energy sector'

Professional contractors could get more work in the low-energy sector in the coming months, as job creation is predicted by a government report.The publication from the energy and climate change sele...

UK is 'seen as working man of Europe'

The UK is seen as the "working man of Europe" by other nations in the continent, it has been suggested. Umbrella company members who feel overworked may be interested in the comments of Phi...

PCG: Budget was much ado about nothing

The recent Budget announced by Chancellor Alistair Darling was "much ado about nothing", according to the freelancing representative body PCG. John Brazier, managing director of the organis...

Space plans 'could see rising need for engineering contractors'

Engineering contractors could soon start to see some out-of-this-world employment opportunities as investment in Britain's space industry grows.A new £40 million International Space Innovation C...

New technology centres 'could aid freelance contractors'

Business secretary Lord Mandelson has announced government support for technology and innovation centres, which could provide opportunities for professional contractors.The scheme will help commercia...

Budget pledges for entrepreneurs 'too vague'

The chancellor's pledges to aid entrepreneurs such as freelance contractors and small firms have been welcomed but described as "a little bit vague".In his 2010 Budget speech, Alistair Darl...

New tax rules 'may affect professional contractors'

Professional contractors in the UK may have to change how they operate, after chancellor Alistair Darling announced plans to crack down on tax loopholes, a source has stated.Contractors UK said chang...

Professional contractors 'ignored in the budget'

Professional contractors and freelancers have once again been ignored in the budget, according to an accountancy and support service firm.Martin Hesketh, managing director of contractor accountant Br...

REC welcomes Budget, calls for ongoing support

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC's) Academy for Business has welcomed the chancellor's commitment to helping businesses compete but highlighted the need for ongoing guidance and su...

Seize the moment, entrepreneurs told

The current economic climate presents ideal conditions for people who want to go it alone and set up business as a professional contractor, it has been suggested.Costs are lower now than three years ...

Competition for best IT contractors remains tough, industry expert says

The competition for the best IT contractors remains tough as firms are determined to secure top talent, it has been said.Agencies are still hungry for business and keen to capture a market share as t...

More flexible resourcing 'needed for NHS'

The NHS is in need of more flexible resourcing, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which could interest umbrella companies.Figures from the 7th Annual NHS Staff Survey f...

Freelance contractors urged to get taxes in order

As the end of the tax year approaches, professional contractors are being advised to ensure they are as tax efficient as possible.The tax year ends on April 5th and HSBC has highlighted several ways ...

IT contractors 'will see employment opportunities grow'

IT contractors are set to see their employment opportunities grow, especially in the data centre sector, it has been claimed.Knock engineers are in particular demand at the moment, said Matt Munson, ...

More engineering contractors needed, report says

Nearly 30,000 highly-skilled scientists and engineers, including freelance contractors, are needed each year for the next seven years, it has been claimed.A report from Semta, the employer-led skills...

Training and volunteering 'better than gaps on CV'

Professional contractors faced with gaps on their CV when they are between projects should take steps to fill them, a careers expert has said.Undertaking a voluntary role or enrolling on a training c...

Engineering contractors face "daunting" challenge in Eurocodes changeover

Engineering contractors face a "daunting" challenge in the switch to Eurocodes rules, it has been warned.Built environment professionals must understand and comply with the changes, which a...

SMBs may create more jobs for professional contactors

Professional contractors may find more work for small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) as they are creating more than half of the new jobs in the UK, an expert has claimed.Julie Meyer, who champions ...

Freelance contractors 'putting long-term future at risk'

Freelance contractors are putting themselves at risk by placing business before their long-term financial planning, it has been warned.Financial services firm Standard Life pointed out that self-empl...

Drop in unemployment welcomed by REC

The figures showing a drop in unemployment levels have been welcomed by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which said that they demonstrate the job market has stabilised.According to...