How can you avoid the new 50% tax rate - feedback from the experts

February 22nd, 2010

April is only around the corner and with it comes the 50% higher tax rate. Accountants are reporting a booming business in clients contacting them to ask advice on how to avoid this increased tax rate.

Jenrick IT has experienced an increase in contractors queries regarding where to get the best tax advice, especially if they are operating under a PAYE or Umbrella scheme.

We have taken advice from a number of accountants and collated the best information we could source, three of which have been highlighted below from JK Tax Advisors, 1st Option Accountancy and ICS: Read the rest of this entry »

Offshore contract case lost in high court

February 19th, 2010

It would appear that the HMRC are making good on their commitment to chase off-shore schemes. A recent high court case has been lost by a  contractor who was utilising such schemes and has sent shock waves  through the industry.

Philip Fanthom (Managing Director - Jenrick IT) commented ;

“We are  constantly updating our tax and legislative information on our website and blog to keep contractors informed. We did, in fact warn about the possibility of a HMRC clampdown on ‘off shoring’. Even still, there appears to be a  worrying agenda against  the freelance community by the government. “

(More details about the case is below - courtesy of Contracting Made Easy) Read the rest of this entry »

Tax benefits of contracting as a limited company

February 18th, 2010

In part 3 of our Contractor Advice series we have invited Marc Morris, of 1st Option Accountants, to return and give another interview, this time focusing on the tax benefits of being a limited company contractor.

Before you read Marc’s full article, feel free to watch ther video below:

Read the rest of this entry »

Fundamental Changes to Employment policies to benefit older workers

February 1st, 2010

With the demographics of the working population changing in the UK*, the government is launching a set of proposals to protect the rights of older workers.

* By 2031 there will be 15 million pensioners even though the pension age will have increased to 66 for men and women after 2024. In comparison, the numbers of children will rise from 11.5 million to 13 million in 2031. Currently the average age of the population is 39.6 and this will reach 40.6 by 2016 and 42.6 by 2031 - (Source: Office of National Statistics) Read the rest of this entry »

New Paternity & Maternity Rules to be introduced.

February 1st, 2010

With the election looming the Government are keen to secure votes from the various sides of the voting communities. One of which is, of course, parents. With the in mind the latest plans unveiled by Pat McFadden (Business Minister) is to improve the flexibility of the maternity and paternity schemes.

Details were posted in this weeks political monitor from APSCo….

Legislation to give parents more flexibility in how they use maternity and paternity leave will be introduced under new Government plans. Read the rest of this entry »

Eight in 10 employers plan to hire in 2010

February 1st, 2010

February has continued in the same vein as January with an extraordinary increase in demand for IT contractors, together with steady growth in demand for permanent IT expertise, according to Philip Fanthom, Managing Director of Jenrick IT (specialist IT recruitment company) -

“Demand for IT experts is increasing. With more and more projects coming out of hibernation as company’s look to re-ignite their innovation strategy, contract requests have increased at a rate not seen by us for over 3 years.

In addition, we are seeing the emergence of permanent requests as these innovation strategies become more long term”

Read the rest of this entry »

What is a limited company and why operate one?

January 29th, 2010

Jenrick IT has been working with IT contractors for over 25 years and has always looked to offer the best advice available. It is to this end that we have worked with Tax and Limited company experts, 1st Option Accountants, to offer advice and help on setting up and running a Limited Company. Marc Morris of 1st Option agreed to contribute to a series of help videos that will be launched over the coming weeks and months.

Philip Fanthom (Managing Director, Jenrick IT) commented;

“We are delighted that Marc agreed to work with us on these videos. It is great to have experts in our corner such as 1st Option. Personally, I have found them to be extremely knowledgeable with a very good customer ethic. Marc has the ability to cut threw the jargon normally associated with accountants and talk to me in plain English”

In this first video, Marc gives and overview on the benefits of being a limited company contractor:

Read the rest of this entry »

CEOs optimistic for UK recruitment in 2010 - PwC

January 29th, 2010

Jenrick IT reports continued growth projections for Q1

The specialist IT recruitment company, Jenrick IT is very buoyant having already achieved above forecast numbers on both contract and permanent recruits for February 2010, pitching Q1 as the best quarter for over 18 months.

Philip Fanthom (Managing Director – Jenrick IT) commented:

“Our year has started tremendously well, even better that our ultra-optimistic hopes. The amazing thing is the pace in which clients are recruiting contractors. In addition, we have seen a welcome return of permanent recruitment demand, with IT firmly back on the strategic agenda for many of our clients as they look to gain innovative advantage over their competitors”

Jenrick IT’s start to the year has been reflected across the industry as demonstrated in a recent report in Recruitment Today: Read the rest of this entry »

Prepare for AWD now, warns employment lawyer

January 25th, 2010

Jenrick IT has just received a further update from The Recruiter, regarding the impending implementation of the AWD. Employers should begin preparing for implementation of the agency workers directive, according to Guy Lamb, head of employment at DLA Piper. Read the rest of this entry »

AWD implementation regulations published

January 25th, 2010

Jenrick IT has just been informed, by The Recruiter, that the Agency Workers Regulations, which implement the Agency Workers Directive, have now been published. The first public view of the regulations have now been uploaded to the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website.

The Regulations confirm that implementation will not begin until after 1 October 2011. Read the rest of this entry »