Thousands of UK freelancers and contractors hoping for an end to client-led IR35 assessments face a significant delay, despite recent changes to company size thresholds. An update to the government’s Employment Status Manual has revealed that the eagerly anticipated relaxation of off-payroll working rules won’t happen overnight, potentially leaving many in limbo until the 2027/28 […]

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The increase in Employers’ National Insurance (NI) is likely to have the biggest impact on businesses that stopped using freelance workers because of the off-payroll working rules, says IR35 expert Introduced on 6th April 2025, Employers’ NI has gone up from 13.8% to 15%. At the same time, the point at which businesses start paying […]

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SPECIAL REPORT HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released a report outlining the government’s assessment of the impact of the IR35 reforms on private sector contractors. However, several sources representing contractors contest the report’s findings, arguing that the reported figures regarding the number of affected individuals and the financial burdens imposed by the reforms do […]

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ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPDATED ON 08.04.25 to reflect the new company size thresholds and start dates If you’re an off-payroll contractor operating through a personal service company (PSC), there are some important changes coming your way. The government has updated the financial thresholds that determine whether a company is considered micro, small, medium, or large. […]

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IR35 reforms and complicated off-payroll rules are costing taxpayers and public sector projects millions of pounds and high-calibre talent. The Freelance Informer asks IR35 experts: what’s it all for? In a week, the High Speed 2 (HS2) – the non-departmental body in charge of delivering the controversial high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham – […]

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What Contractors and Freelancers Need to Know The future of fixed-term contracts under a Labour government would likely be influenced by the party’s historical stance on workers’ rights and its current policy proposals. Labour typically prioritises strengthening workers’ protections and ensuring fair employment practices. Here are some potential changes and initiatives that could be expected: […]

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Self-employed individuals are vital to any community and economy. Collectively, they are a tax-generating powerhouse. So, what happens to a nation’s economic growth and social programmes when self-employment numbers decrease year-on-year? OPINION The economic consequences of depleting self-employment in the UK are stark. Approximately 800,000 people have left self-employment in the UK since lockdowns were […]

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A legislative fix to off-payroll working rules taking effect on April 6th should reduce the perceived financial risk of engaging contractors commonly known as contractor blanket bans The start of the new tax year today – 6th April – brings with it long-awaited changes to the off-payroll working rules that could prove to be the “catalyst” for more […]

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Thousands Face Crushing Tax Bills After Following “Disguised Remuneration” Advice. Radio presenter Mariella Frostrup brings this harrowing dilemma to the wider public’s attention This week Times Radio presenter Mariella Frostrup spoke to Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham and co-chair of the Loan Charge All-Party Parliamentary Group, about the growing scandal surrounding contractor loan schemes […]

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After reading this article, umbrella company contractors should have a clearer idea of what is required of any umbrella company, their recruitment agency and whether they may have been swindled A survey that included 520 freelancers and contractors has uncovered alarming levels of non-compliance and lack of worker protections within the umbrella industry, the common […]

The post New stats: Umbrella contractors are getting swindled on pay, rights and pensions and the government has known it for years appeared first on Freelance Informer.