It is less than 8 weeks to go until National Freelancers Day, which takes place for the third year running on the 23rd November 2011, and if the promoters of the event are to be believed it is set to be the best one yet!
As you may have heard, our Government is a little strapped for cash at the moment. Because of this, they have decided to introduce a raft of measures to increase their cashflow. One of the measures being employed by HMRC is the fairly innocuous sounding “Employer Compliance Visit”. Although it may sound like a friendly sit-down over a cup of tea, what it actually means is that HMRC will turn up on your doorstep to check your books.
After locking horns with the taxman for seven long years, freelance contractor Mark Fitzpatrick has has come out victorious in a significant IR35 ruling. And the key to his victory concerned a little concept called ‘mutuality of obligation.’
Fitzpatrick had been accused by HMRC of using his limited company, MBF Design Services, to avoid tax when working for aircraft manufacturer Airbus. In reaching a decision, the tribunal noted a lack of ‘Mutuality of Obligation’ as a significant factor.
Freelance trade body, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), has warned of a tough year ahead in the labour market. However, managing director John Brazier, believes that the UKs contracting workforce is well placed to weather the storm.
As Billy Ocean once explained: “When the going gets tough…”
2010 has been a memorable year which has seen recognition of the freelance community rise to unprecented levels. A few things spring to mind. We’ve seen the forming of a coalition government which has seemingly set in motion a chain of events that will eventually see an overhaul of IR35. And the second ever National Freelancers Day was a huge success with freelancers across the UK going weak at the knees when Prime Minister David Cameron addressed them directly.
Now that National Freelancers Day has come and gone, and the dust has settled, we thought we’d provide a roundup of all the action from the day, in case any of you missed something. The day was a rousing success, we had a letter from the Prime Minister, the PCG held a packed lecture in London, and Freelance Advisor set a new traffic record!
Ok, so that second part might not be scientific fact (yet), but the first part is 100% true. The PCG have released the results of the poll they commissioned for National Freelancers Day (which is today – November 23rd – hooray!). The results make pretty pleasing reading for freelancers.
As you may have heard, today is National Freelancers Day – the day we celebrate freelancing in all its forms right across the country. Whether you’re an engineer from Edinburgh, a consultant from Cardiff or a locum from London – today is for you!
Andy talks to John Brazier of the Professional Contractors Group, Nathan Pope of the Brighton Farm and Darren Fell of Freelance Advisor, about their views of how the freelancing and contracting market is evolving over the next few years. Whether you are a consultant or contractor, contracting or freelancing, the future could look bright for [...]
#10: The growth in the Freelancer Marketplace - Fact or Fiction [ 26:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
