Budget 2017, IR35, Private sector, Consultation,
Editor | 24 November 2017
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The Autumn Budget delivered this week by Chancellor Philip Hammond was better than contractors than many had expected.

But it did include details about a consultation to extend dreaded public sector IR35 compliance rules over to the private sector.

This is a notoriously tricky subject, so we have produced a brief guide will all the information you need to know.

Skills shortages in IT and construction increase contractor pay outs
Editor | 20 November 2017
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Skills shortages in the key industries of IT and construction are pushing up wages for contractors employed in these sectors.
 
CompTIA’s annual workforce survey of IT executives found that most were in a positive mood about the future, with 62% planning to increase investment in IT products and services.
Could treasury extend IR35 reforms to private sector?

Reforms to ‘disguised employment’ IR35 rules were introduced in the public sector this year. The new rules caused confusion amongst recruiters and lead to a take-home pay cut for many contractors.

Now the Treasury has dropped its strongest hint yet that similar reforms could be introduced in the private sector – with the potential to affect millions of contractors and freelancers. 

 Autumn Statement - 5 key takeaways for contractors

In amongst the Britain’s Got Talent audition that the chancellor took part in yesterday were some announcements regarding the economy and some good news for contractors. We won’t repeat his numerous Christmas Cracker jokes but here’s the 5 key takeaways for contractors;

Paradise Papers show tide turning on tax avoidance schemes

Like the Panama Papers before, the latest leak on the tax affairs of the world’s rich and powerful show that the tide is turning against tax avoidance schemes.

There is no suggestion that those implicated in the leaks did anything illegal, the Paradise Papers have reignited a public debate about the global structures that facilitate tax avoidance.

The leak has led to a further blurring of the line between legal tax avoidance and illegal tax evasion. It has also caused serious reputational damage for dozens of individuals and multinational companies.