Test Owner
A Glimmer of Hope for IR35 Reforms?
In a matter of weeks, Coronavirus has reshaped everything we thought we knew to be true. To offset the destruction caused to the economy by the virus, the government has now announced a £330bn financial package, in a bid to aid businesses and individuals. This includes a business rate holiday, furloughing, emergency loans for companies and financial assistance to airlines.
Significant for IT contractors is the treasury decision to delay IR35 tax reforms. Steve Barclay, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, was keen to stress that “this is a deferral, not a cancellation” further stating that the government is “committed” to implementing this policy next year. However, another 12 months without IR35 will no doubt offer some relief to PSCs in trying times.
Sceptics of the policy had previously declared it "no-rights employment” as contractors found within IR35 could be expected to pay more tax than initially forecasted, without receiving full-time employee benefits. For companies employing PSCs, the delay will alleviate fears of increased wage bills and losing contractors to competitors. Looking ahead, companies would be prudent to use time allowed by the delay to assess fully where their PSCs fall in the scope of IR35. This could stop blanket bans being imposed by companies for fear of a tax bill, should their contractors fall in the scope of IR35. Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE, seconded the Government, noting that “it is right and responsible to delay the changes to IR35 for at least a year during the Coronavirus crisis, to reduce the strain and income loss for self-employed businesses.”
Full fibre- the life force Britain needs right now
Whilst lockdown restrictions are being lifted across the UK, the economic fallout of the health crisis remains. When newly elected Prime Minister, Boris enthusiastically promised “fantastic full fibre broadband” by 2025. His goal was to “unite our country and society”. As we decipher what the 'new normal' really means the future, this government pledge has never been so urgent. Are digital services key in resuscitating the economy?
Commercially as well as socially, the internet took on new meanings during the peak of Covid-19. In fact, many brits have posed the question- is working from home now the legacy of lockdown? With millions doing it like never before, including education sectors and health services, we have seen the internet become intrinsic to every generation across every industry.
In short, efficient connectivity is vital in a post Covid-19 landscape, for both society and the economy. For Britain, the overriding issue with this is that most of the UK are still reliant on copper based networks, therefore susceptible to unreliable and flagging connections. Furthermore, for those rural regions of the UK still left in the digital dark age, this presents huge areas of missed economic opportunity.
Greg Mesch, Chief Executive for CityFibre, plans to “accelerate our full fibre rollouts to eight million homes across the country” to provide “fit for purpose” digital connectivity to all. This will be essential for Britain's present economic recovery as well as securing a seat at the table globally.
Rock Against Racism Northern Carnival: The protest that made music history | Confidentials
With Black Lives Matter being in the news so much at the moment, the Manchester Confidentials website recently featured our Chairman, Bernie Wilcox's efforts in promoting racial harmony over 40 years ago.
Charity Golf Day
Bauhaus’ very own Ben Wilcox and three others have decided to raise as much money as possible for the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity.
The day will consist of 4 rounds of golf (72 holes), the equivalent of around 17 hours of non-stop golf.
We will be starting as soon as the sun comes up and finish when the sun goes down.
Our day will take place on the 26th June at Stockport Golf Club.
Please click the link below and donate anything you can for this great cause.
