Predicting the Outcome of the UK Budget 2024: What Contractors Can Expect
Originally Written for Contractor UK by Chris Bryce, FCSA Chief Executive It does seem that Budgets or “financial statements” come around far more often than they used to, so here I am again trying to predict the outcome of a Budget. Inevitably, we’ll all have a wish list of measures we’d like to see but,…
A bitty Spring Budget 2024 that won’t please everyone, let alone contractors? Inevitably
Originally written for ContractorUK It does seem that chancellors’ Budgets or ‘Spring Statements’ come around far more often than they used to. So for me this article feels a bit like ‘here I go again,’ as I strive to predict the outcome of a Budget — another ‘fiscal event’ we’ll submit our own wishes for…
Why repealing the IR35 off-payroll rules is a populist folly which a new UK government must turn down
With a UK general election in just 22 days’ time, the future of work for independent contractors is potentially going to get rewritten, and even revamped, very soon. While repealing the April 6th 2017/2021 Off-Payroll Working (OPW) rules and revisiting IR35 often dominates the discussion among contractors, it’s time to move beyond simplistic narratives and…
Navigating the Future of Freelancing
Written by FCSA Chief Executive, Chris Bryce In the ever-evolving landscape of the freelance and contractor industry, adaptability is the name of the game. As the Chief Executive of the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA), I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our industry has transformed and continues to do so. In this,…
Chancellor Hunt’s Autumn Statement: A Perspective from FCSA’s Chief Executive
By Chris Bryce, Chief Executive, FCSA Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s second Autumn Statement has made waves, primarily for its headline act: a reduction in Employee’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from 12% to 10%. This move translates into a welcome tax cut for approximately 27 million workers in the UK. Notably unconventional was the immediate implementation from…
The rise of new technology
Chris Bryce – Chief Executive of FCSA Several new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, are emerging that have the potential to enhance the umbrella company industry and help protect workers. Workers are turning to umbrella company providers as never before as the effects of off-payroll working legislation, the increasing popularity of self-employment, the…
Building a Solid Reputation: The Key to Success
By Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of FCSA As the CEO of FCSA (Freelancer & Contractor Services Association), I’ve witnessed the evolution of the umbrella company and agency landscape. In today’s competitive business world, where trust and credibility play pivotal roles, building a strong reputation isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. A solid reputation…
Is tax (too) complex?
Tax and employment laws are two of the UK’s most complex areas of law. Both areas constantly change, making it difficult for contractors to keep up with the latest changes. This is especially true for contractors who work on a short-term basis, as they may not have the time or resources to stay up-to-date on…
A rising tide lifts all boats
Our accreditation program is like a rising tide: it lifts all boats. By setting the industry standard in our Code and Charter, which we expect all of our accredited members to adhere to, we can elevate the standards in the entire sector, resulting in benefits for all parties involved, such as contractors, clients, the supply…
FCSA: How our arbitration panel terms and new whistleblower hotline help ensure compliance
Originally written for Contractor UK Following the formation of our new Independent Arbitration Panel (IAP) here at the FCSA, we’ve noticed some online discussions about how we serve the contractor community and where the new panel terms fit in. In this piece, exclusively for ContractorUK, I want to explain what the association does, how we…