In this article, we provide an abbreviated breakdown of the key proposals of The Employment Rights Bill pertaining to zero-hours contracts and non-compliance in the umbrella company sector. Plus, commentary from those serving contractors and umbrella workers. The Employment Rights Bill has moved a step closer to becoming law. This Bill will have overarching implications […]

The post Employment Rights Bill: Workers on zero-hours contracts can decline guaranteed hours says latest government proposals appeared first on Freelance Informer.

Recent snap political decisions and tech layoffs are causing widespread concern. Rightfully so, especially when actions and policies hit close to home. But if you’re a freelancer, keeping your emotions in check on politics is essential. Expressing strong political opinions—online or in person—can be risky. This article will cover those risks and provide practical advice […]

The post Freelancer strategies for surviving political conversations with clients and co-workers appeared first on Freelance Informer.

In the UK, self-employed fathers of newborns get a raw deal. They face a significant disparity in parental benefits. That’s despite contributing to the tax system that funds paternity leave for employed individuals, something they are ineligible for. The current UK policy offers employed fathers up to two weeks of paternity leave at a rate […]

The post Self-employed Dads: why are they treated like second class citizens when it comes to Paternity pay? appeared first on Freelance Informer.

OPINION World War III is already here according to many analysts, and it’s being fought in the shadows with disinformation, cyberattacks, and proxy wars. Specialists and everyday freelancers could be the peacekeepers the world desperately needs. Here we look at the specialist skills freelancers could bring to the table no matter where they live or […]

The post World War III has already started, say analysts. Can freelancers be the ones to stop it? appeared first on Freelance Informer.

UK borrowing crisis: could taxpayers be spared with a shift in Treasury-BoE relations? The UK’s public finances have taken a worrying turn as the government recorded a deficit of -£16.6bn in September, significantly surpassing consensus estimates of -£10.3bn and the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) forecast of -£14.7bn. This deficit also marks an increase from […]

The post Trader says Reeves could make £22bn black hole “magically vanish” appeared first on Freelance Informer.

As the UK government grapples with budget shortfalls, recent proposals to introduce exit fees targeting wealthy individuals leaving the country have sparked heated debate. Freelancers and contractors who thrive in an increasingly globalised marketplace and own a property valued at £1m in addition to investments and pensions could potentially fall within the parameters of what […]

The post More freelancers than expected could get trapped by “wealthy” exit fees when all their assets are considered appeared first on Freelance Informer.

In what might be the least shocking news to come out of the US 2024 Presidential Election Circus, former President Donald Trump has added another feather to his red “Make America Great Again” cap—by launching a fresh side hustle: selling more merch. While most Presidential candidates shake hands, kiss PR-planted babies at campaign rallies, and […]

The post You’re never too busy to start a side hustle. Just ask Donald Trump appeared first on Freelance Informer.

As freelancers, sole traders, and agency contractors, we are often caught in the crossfire of new government policies that aim to reshape the workforce. With Labour’s plans for a new industrial strategy, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in her speech this week at the Labour Party Conference, many are questioning whether these […]

The post Will Labour Take Away Our Right to Be Self-Employed? appeared first on Freelance Informer.

Freelancers Urged to Protect Their Pension Pots Amid New Rumours of Tax-Free Allowance Changes Freelancers and self-employed workers using a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or planning for early retirement may need to rethink their pension strategies if changes to the tax-free allowance on pensions take effect as part of the 31 October Budget. Recent reports […]

The post Pensions tax relief: Reeves may have let cat out of the bag in debate over plans for a major shake-up appeared first on Freelance Informer.

Labour’s new legislative agenda promises enhanced rights and flexibility for workers. However, a lack of engagement with self-employment experts, advisers and freelancers before decisions are made could lead to financial ruin for the millions of self-employed on zero-hours contracts. Commentators serving the self-employed offer their responses following King Charles’ speech to Parliament this week In […]

The post Could Labour wipe out the UK’s £278bn freelance economy? appeared first on Freelance Informer.