IR35 needs greater focus

Uncovering the few real cases of disguised employment should be the new focus of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when it comes to applying IR35 rules. That is the view of Jeff Brooks, chair of the technology group at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The #REC is one of the groups invited to join …

Lending charges hamstringing small firms

The cost of loans imposed by banks is hindering the ability of small firms to drive economic recovery, it has been claimed. Recent figures published by the Bank of England showed that some small firms are paying double the amount charged their larger counterparts for loans. The Federation of Small Businesses (#FSB) argued that the …

Sickness absence shows a decline

Employees are taking fewer sick days according to new research. The Health Sickness Absence survey 2011, carried out by the EEF, the manufacturing employers' group, found that from 2007 to 2010 there has been a steady fall in sickness absence. In 2007, the average employee took 6.7 days in sick leave. In 2010, that figure …

Economy faces moderate growth

The UK economy is set for another year or so of modest growth, it has been predicted. In its latest quarterly economic review, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has forecast that British GDP will expand by just 1.4 per cent in 2011. That is 0.3 per cent less optimistic than the …