We’re continually hearing gloomy predictions about UK economic growth and demand for contractors in many sectors has been decreasing recently.

Once they reach the age of 60, some umbrella company contractors will no doubt start counting down the years towards retirement. However, it appears that for some, 60 is the age to learn a new skill by becoming an apprentice.

Contractors with HSBC bank accounts in Switzerland could be receiving a letter from the taxman in the near future.

Private sector suppliers, including limited company contractors, are focusing increasingly on their cashflow and threatening clients with legal action if they do not settle their invoices in a timely manner.

A new survey has revealed that although most employers have a high regard for PAYE umbrella company contractors, a significant number have an antediluvian opinion of them.

Last week’s unemployment figures made depressing reading for everybody, including umbrella company contractors.

Some limited company contractors have been hoping that the government’s proposal to align income tax and National Insurance would be the final nail in the coffin for IR35.

Results of a recent survey commissioned by APSCo show that demand for contractors, including those working through umbrella companies, has decreased by 13% over the last year.

Contractors might be interested to learn the UK workers do not have quite such a strong sense of work ethics as some of their global counterparts.

It has been suggested that the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations will make it harder for umbrella company contractors to secure a mortgage.

According to latest data from the REC, the recruitment industry in the UK grew by 25% in the last 12 months and a lot of this growth can be attributed to the increase in demand for PAYE umbrella company contractors.

Research by the Association of Recruitment Consultancies suggests that the contractor workforce in the UK may be about to suffer because of the implementation of AWR.