Category: News

Cyber Security Awareness Month: Free ransomware prevention guide available from Mitigo

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and demands a ransom payment to decrypt it. Ransomware attacks can be devastating for businesses, as they can lead to data loss, downtime, and financial losses. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a good time to review your cybersecurity measures and ensure you are protected from ransomware…

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…

Your Guide to Claiming Expenses as an Umbrella Company Contractor

Guest blog written by The Danbro Group ‘Expenses’ should not be a source of confusion for Umbrella Company contractors. You’re entitled to claim ‘chargeable’ expenses as an Umbrella Company contractor, and you may also be able to claim certain tax-deductible, ‘allowable’ expenses too. Your entitlement is dependent on your working arrangements – if you’re a…

FCSA Levy Network Surpasses £1.2 Million in Pledges Within 24 Hours of Launch!

In a remarkable display of industry support and dedication to the future of apprenticeships and compliance, the FCSA Levy Network has achieved an incredible milestone. Within just 24 hours of its official launch, the network has garnered over £1.2 million in pledges from organisations across the UK. This overwhelming response underscores the significance of the…

Empowering Apprenticeships: Introducing FCSA’s New Apprenticeship Levy Network

Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is excited to unveil a game-changing initiative that’s set to make a significant impact on access to apprenticeships in the UK. Our brand-new Apprenticeship Levy Network is here, offering umbrella companies and other large organisations the opportunity to pledge up to 25% of their Apprenticeship Levy funds to support…

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 Announces Partnership with iSIPP to Provide Personal Pensions to Contractors

The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is excited to announce a new partnership with iSIPP, a leading self-invested personal pension (SIPP) provider with over 20 years experience. FCSA members’ contractors can use iSIPP’s digital services to take control and manage their pension online 24/7. “We are thrilled to partner with iSIPP, a leader in…

Worker Protection Bill Updated … Less Responsibility On Employers?

Written by JMW Solicitors LLP   Background: The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill previously proposed new obligations on employers to prevent sexual harassment and third-party harassment of employees. In this context, a ‘third party’ means anyone other than the employer or one of its employees. In 2010, when the Equality Act came…

Menopause Discrimination in the Workplace

Written by Brabners LLP The recent Employment Tribunal case of Mrs M Lynskey v Direct Line Insurance [2023] highlights the difficulties an employer can face when trying to fairly manage a disabled employee who is failing to meet performance standards. In many cases severe menopausal symptoms could be classed as a disability. It is therefore…