Why we MUST ditch our lazy attitude to finding work through agents and agencies

[DimPrawn]

The problem is that successive governments have centralised too much in London and a lot of folks simply cannot afford to move there.

You can buy an ex-council flat for £1,200,000 what you talking about?

[Sysman]

Not all permies take jobs within commuting distance of where they live. So why don't they get expenses too?

Make it the same for everybody.

When various countries around the world do provide tax relief to normal employees on travel to and from work, and a lunch allowance, this.

Wake up Britain, it's a global economy now.

[Sysman]

The 40% tax threshold matches the employee's NI upper limit, so when 40% tax kicks in, all but 2% of the EEs disappears.

But the ER component doesn't have an upper limit.

NICs are calculated on a yearly basis for directors, so it doesn't matter when you earn it from that point of view.

But if you are going to be hammered with PAYE on your full earnings, are you still going to be a director?

[Sysman]

You can buy an ex-council flat for £1,200,000 what you talking about?

Oh silly me.

I'll probably find that down the back of the sofa.

[Sysman]

I believe taking into the cost of hiring permies, all the benefits they get, the legal protection as employees, tax overhead to the company, it is pretty much 2 x gross salary.

I did all the figures years ago, and 2 x was the figure I came up with, with minor variations by industry.

[unixman]

Bit more optimism needed here.

If the govt brings in some daft rule, it will be fine so long as we are all affected the same. I was umbrella for years and only went Ltd when rates went down the toilet. I was being undercut by Ltd company contractors who could work for the lower rates because of their their tax advantages. If the govt stops us being Ltd, we will all go umbrella and nobody will be undercutting anybody. Rates, which have already recovered, will be further driven up by that level playing field market.

I'd be happy to go hassle-free umbrella (or whatever), although it would rather can my dream of taking people on, expanding and being an Alan Sugar.

[MicrosoftBob]

It won't cause rates to go up, multinationals will scream about a skills shortage, and more ICTs will be allowed

[The Spartan]

Bit more optimism needed here.

If the govt brings in some daft rule, it will be fine so long as we are all affected the same. I was umbrella for years and only went Ltd when rates went down the toilet. I was being undercut by Ltd company contractors who could work for the lower rates because of their their tax advantages. If the govt stops us being Ltd, we will all go umbrella and nobody will be undercutting anybody. Rates, which have already recovered, will be further driven up by that level playing field market.

I'd be happy to go hassle-free umbrella (or whatever), although it would rather can my dream of taking people on, expanding and being an Alan Sugar.

I'm guessing you don't care about expenses?

[SueEllen]

Hull makes swindon look like a buzzing social hub

Another one on the list to tell foreigners to visit to see the "real" England.

[LondonManc]

I'm guessing you don't care about expenses?

I had my first year as a contractor with an umbrella and could claim expenses.

I think there needs a better split on what can and cannot be claimed, rather than a blanket ban. Claiming travel and accommodation while working away should be it. If you want to pay £30 for a meal rather than £8 that is your wont. I'd be having lunch whether I worked perm or contract, etc. - any costs reasonably paid by a perm who isn't stupid enough to live a 2 hour commute from their job shouldn't be claimable.