The latest research from AA Drivetech provides a timely reminder for contractors driving to fixed places of work for set time periods. Looking at road fatalities spanning 2009 to 2014, the study found that a higher number of drivers were killed whilst commuting on a regular journey than staff driving to varying destinations for work reasons, such as to meetings or when making deliveries.
Contractor Articles
marketing | 5 July 2016
/ / /marketing | 2 June 2016
/ / / /Call volume has fallen by almost 40% in customer services since the introduction of the new T&S legislation.
We have therefore created a customer service hub serving both umbrella and accountancy customers which will offer first line support for all customer telephone enquiries. This will be available from 1 June 2016.
marketing | 12 April 2016
/ / / /HMRC has released new guidance on the travel and subsistence (T&S) restrictions that came into force this month and who they will apply to.
Specifically, the new guidance tackles questions relating to the personal provision of services and supervision, direction and control.
We have summarised many of the points and picked out some of the more interesting paragraphs that could be of consequence to contractors.
marketing | 8 March 2016
/ / / / / / /With Mr Osborne set to deliver his 2016 Budget in less than a fortnight’s time and with debate roaring over Brexit, what are the possible implications for contractors and other business drivers?
In February, the BVRLA – the trade body for the car leasing industry – claimed that since 2010 the government’s company car taxation policies have exposed road users and indeed society as a whole to dirtier, more dangerous vehicles. Gerry Keaney, the BVRLA’s Chief Executive, labelled Mr Osborne’s “series of tax increases as both unfair and unsignposted”, pointing to 30,000 fewer employees who have chosen company car packages over the last five years.
marketing | 13 January 2016
/ / / /This is your resource from which you can see everything relating to your account with Umbrella, your payments and your timesheets and expenses.
New features include a new mobile-friendly platform, a new and improved look and navigation. Plus, you will have the ability to upload images of your receipts to submit with your timesheet. In short, everything you will need to submit your hours and expenses from your desktop or whilst you are on the move via tablet or phone 24/7.
marketing | 5 July 2016
/ / / /Since Louise joined Umbrella as our new Claims Manager in April, she has consistently gone the extra mile to deliver new ideas and services for our customers.
Well done Louise!
marketing | 2 June 2016
/ / / /Fresh off the press at Nissan, the successful vehicle manufacturer proud of its significant UK workforce and general presence, is news that will no doubt particularly resonate with contractors and other businesspeople.
Thrusting a gentleman called Patrick Keenan into the spotlight, the firm behind the ubiquitous Qashqai SUV has pulled the covers off some interesting stats relating to what criteria car buying and leasing customers prioritise when choosing a particular make and model.
marketing | 21 March 2016
/ / / / / / /The Chancellors fourth Budget in 12 months arrived on Wednesday and it confirmed a number of policy changes that we already knew were going to arrive. Restrictions on Travel and Subsistence tax relief for IR35 contractors and changes to the dividend tax will take effect as planned in April.
The most significant new announcement will be of concern to contractors working through a personal service company (PSC) in the public sector.
An HMRC policy document reveals that from April 2017, public sector organisations will be responsible for enforcing IR35. This marks a significant change from the current system, whereby the PSC or agency judges whether a contractor is caught out by IR35.
Effectively, this means that many more public sector contractors will fall under the remit of IR35 legislation and will receive less take home pay as a result. This change is scheduled to take effect in April 2017 following a consultation.
marketing | 18 February 2016
/ / / /The British Embassy in Germany has taken a lead role in negotiations about a controversial law change that would restrict contractors to working in 18 month stints.
It is feared that this labour market inflexibility could be echoed in Britain.
The German proposals have been opposed by companies in the international recruitment sector, with the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) labelling the proposed changes ‘damaging’.
The British Embassy in Berlin has hosted executives from a number of large international recruiters and reportedly agreed to urge the German authorities to reconsider the reforms.
marketing | 23 December 2015
/ / / / /HMRC has shelved plans to change IR35 legislation for at least one year. The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) claims to have received confirmation that no new legislation relating to IR35 and personal service companies (PSCs) would be published in 2016-17.
At the 2015 budget, the Chancellor George Osborne indicated that IR35 Intermediaries Legislation had to be changed because it wasn’t working properly. After a period of consultation, it seems that ministers want more time to assess the impact that any changes will have on contractors.
