IR35 changes drive one-third of contractors out of self-employment

New research shows that more than a third of contractors have left self-employment because of changes to off-payroll working (IR35) rules.

A survey published by the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) shows that 35% of contractors no longer work for themselves.

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As a contractor, your hourly rate is more than the equivalent of a permanent employee doing a similar job. That is largely down to the added expertise that you bring to the table, with a varied and notable work history across various projects. Even amongst contractors, there will be people doing the same type of role on a lower rate than you. No two contractors are the same.

Self-employed pension saving dips to record low
Editor | 8 October 2021
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Self-employed pension savings hit a record low in the year leading up the pandemic, according to figures released by HMRC.

Whether it’s through an umbrella company like Umbrella.co.uk, as a sole trader or through a limited company, more people are choosing to work for themselves. But the amount that self-employed workers pay into their pension pots is on the decline.

Two million workers plan to change jobs before Christmas

New research reveals that more than two million workers are planning to switch jobs before Christmas, with most workers motivated by a better work-life balance.

According to Totaljobs - which analysed more than 4.2 million job changes since 2015 and surveyed more than 4,500 jobseekers - a quarter of the UK workforce is planning on a change in the next two years.

Demand for contractors soars in key sectors
Editor | 13 October 2021
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Employer demand for contractors is soaring in key sectors, including IT and construction, as the economy bounces back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Competition for contractors has been intensified by a number of factors, including long-term labour shortages and an IR35 exodus from the contracting sector.

Recruiter trade body REC said that there was ‘fierce competition’ in the jobs market in September, where labour shortages contributed to issues in petrol stations and on supermarket shelves.

Is IR35 responsible for the UK’s HGV driver shortage?
Editor | 4 October 2021
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The HGV driver shortage is wreaking havoc on UK supply chains. It’s estimated that Britain needs an extra 100,000 HGV drivers and the shortage is resulting in long queues at petrol pumps and missing stock on supermarket shelves.