Calling all contractors – now is the time to influence your new MP
We need your help! There are political discussions taking place regarding the future of tax deductible travel and subsistence expenses for contractors and self-employed. In particular, HMRC are considering proposals that will target people working through personal service companies and umbrella firms. We believe this is fundamentally wrong as it penalises the flexible workforce, effectively…
FCSA urges new Government to recognise the value of contractors
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) congratulate David Cameron on his win as he returns to Downing Street but also send a clear reminder to the Government that it should be doing more for the growing numbers of contractors and freelancers who have helped UK plc to get back on its feet throughout…
The exaggerated death of umbrella companies? Alex Baines of Liquid Friday discusses the issues.
The recent budget announcement contained a very important message for Umbrella Companies and Directors of PSC’s. In fact, anyone who responded to the recent discussion document on overarching contracts would have received an email spelling it out. It is a continuation of a direction of travel that the treasury and HMRC have been on for some…
First Freelance becomes latest FCSA member
FCSA has announced that First Freelance has been accepted as a full member of the Association demonstrating that it fully complies with the trade body’s strict code of conduct. To become a member an applicant has to undergo a rigorous review of its business services, operations, policies and processes established by the FCSA following extensive liaison…
FCSA reacts to BBC’s One Show
In response to the BBC’s One Show, FCSA has written to them in order to have a right of reply: The One Show presented an unbalanced report on Tuesday’s show, taken in by UCATT’s inaccurate propaganda, suggesting that umbrellas are some sort of “loophole” which we strongly refute. Umbrella employment enables workers to undertake…
Election predictions
Tax is a key issue for all parties, evasion and avoidance, and the recent HSBC revelations continue to fan the flames sot hat tax will continue to feature heavily in politicking by all parties. But I hope that flexible workers, who work hard to UK plc, will not be unfairly penalised in future policies. Specifically to our…
FCSA welcomes today’s budget announcement
18 March 2015 The FCSA has welcomed today’s announcement by the Chancellor that it aims to continue supporting the UK’s flexible workforce by abolishing class 2 national insurance contributions as well as annual tax returns. Moreover, the trade body is pleased that it will have the opportunity to continue to consult with the Government on…
“Letter to the editor” response to Welsh Government ban on umbrella companies
13 March 2015 Dear Sir I am outraged and disappointed to learn that the Welsh Government has formally barred the use of umbrella payroll companies on public works contracts. I have been in correspondence with Jane Hutt, the Minister for Finance and Government Business in Wales and in January she acknowledged that “not all practices…
FCSA collaboration showcases umbrella employment at House of Commons
Representatives from a collaboration of 38 companies, employing approximately 90,000 contingent workers, today visited the House of Commons to showcase the benefits of umbrella employment to Parliamentarians. Constituency MPs and members of the Freelance All-Party Group, Business and Treasury Committees were all invited to attend the informal forum to learn more about the freelance…
Advance earns full FCSA accreditation
4 March 2015 The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Advance has demonstrated full compliance with the FCSA Code of Conduct. Advance already holds FCSA accreditation for its umbrella services and self-employment services and following the addition of its accountancy solution, is the only FCSA member currently to hold all…