IT umbrella contractors could be about to benefit from a newly launched cybercrime initiative.

Contractors may be interested to learn that MPs from all the UK’s main political parties have pledged to address the false perceptions that exist around freelance contracting.

HMRC is to offer a disclosure facility to taxpayers, including umbrella company contractors, it suspects of fraud.

The Office for Budget Responsibility says that tougher austerity measures and higher taxes are needed if Britain is to achieve long term fiscal sustainability.

HMRC has issued a warning to recruiters, including umbrella companies, against the adoption of a new business model for travel and subsistence.

Contractors may want to ask an accountant to check their tax position after HMRC admitted that as many as 16% of people could have paid an incorrect amount of tax in 2010-11.

Umbrella contractors may be relieved to learn that government data shows there has been a decrease in corporate insolvencies this year.

Umbrella company IT contractors could be amongst those to benefit from an anticipated increased spend in IT and telecoms services.

Last week, the REC attended an Agency Work seminar run by the JSB, which provided up-to-date insights on how leading organisations are gearing up for the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.

Umbrella company contractors might want to take heed of the news that HMRC has got some new anti-fraud technology that it hopes will save it up to £20 million a year.

If you are entering into a contract with an agency you will no doubt have been faced with the daunting options of choosing your route – either going PAYE directly with the agency, going limited or using an umbrella company.

Chris Huhne, the energy secretary, has warned that the government must act now and update the National Grid, or face the prospect of blackouts within eight years.