http://www.fpsgroup.com/ FPS Group provides a variety of services for temporary workers in the UK across a range of different industries including construction. en Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:45:38 +0100 http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=73 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 The FPS team attended The Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2010 on the 14th April 2010. The honours were held at the stunning Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London. The team enjoyed a spectacular evening filled with entertainment and the opportunity to meet with some interesting recruitment community individuals. This year marked a new chapter in the annual awards, with the introduction of some new award categories for external agencies as well as the commencement of honours for inhouse recruitment professionals and recruitment outsourcing firms, due to the refocused direction of Recruiter to embrace the entire recruitment community. FPS would like to send its congratulations to this years winners for their superb recruiting achievements. Click here to reveal details of the 2010 winners and categories. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=72 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 The FPS team attended and exhibited at the Recruitment Consultant IT Technology Conference, held on April 7th 2010, at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel in Manchester. The conference highlighted some of the latest technological developments that can be embraced by the recruitment industry including social marketing. It was great meeting with everyone on the day and we certainly found this event of interest and hope it was of benefit to those of you that attended. As with the London conference, we held a free prize draw for attendees and the winner of the competition has now been drawn We are delighted to announce Miles Lloyd, Business Development Director at Kinetic, Manchester Stretford office as the winner of a £25 voucher for Selfridges. Congratulations Miles, we hope you enjoy spending your vouchers http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=71 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 If youre taking advantage of your fabulous, hassle free members lounge, to process details of your expenses, please remember that once you have processed details of any receipted items, and your reference number has been automatically generated, that you must keep a note of this number. This reference number must then be written on the reverse of the envelope, which you send to us containing your cross referenced expense receipts. If however you are still using the printed expense claim forms for sending details of your expenses, please ensure that you print your name or provide details of their membership number as well as presenting your signature, this enables us to identify who you are and process your expenses without delay http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=70 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 FPS Members who have earned a salary and expenses at a rate of more than £8,500 per year will receive a PllD no later than the 6 July 2010, as per HMRC regulation. If the only expenses that the contractor has claimed were for Business Mileage a P11D will not be supplied. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=69 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 FPS Group will be attending the Recruiter Awards for Excellence 2010 and has a table booked for the evening. The Recruiter Awards take place on Wednesday evening 14th April 2010 at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane London. We look forward to enjoying a spectacular evening and catching up with everyone http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=68 Tue, 6 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100 FPS Group will be exhibiting at the Recruitment Consultant IT Technology Conference which is being held tomorrow April 7th 2010 in Manchester at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel. The team look forward to catching up with any agency representatives that plan to attend on the day. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=67 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100 According to a poll carried out by the General Social Care Council GSCC the social care sector lacks newly qualified social workers NQSW with the ability to risk assess to an adequate standard. Research showed that 93 of social workers felt NQSW's had a lack of key skills when entering into the workplace for the first time. Around 50 of the respondents recommended training in experience of working with different groups of service users and communications skills as well as training on risk analysis. GSCC chair Rosie Varley said: "The findings of this poll reinforce the recommendations made by the Social Work Task Force, not least the assessed year in employment which is already well established practice in other professions. The creation of an assessed and supported year in employment is key in building a confident and experienced workforce." http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=66 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100 The tax year ends on the 5th April 2010 and following this date we will be issuing our contractors with their P60 by 31st May 2010 and their P11D will be with them before July 6th 2010, as per HMRC regulation. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=65 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100 Our offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, therefore for those Members wishing to process timesheets around this time we would recommend that you get these to your agency well in advance of April 1st to ensure that we receive funds and you get paid before the Easter break. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=64 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100 When placing candidates from overseas in temp and/or perm positions it is essential that you have a full working knowledge or the latest UK immigration rules and any issues that may affect your candidates and/or clients. Our Sister company Smooth Migration has been assisting employers, individuals and recruiters with their immigration needs for some years now and work with a range of recruitment agencies in both the temp and perm market. Over the last 2 years the UK immigration system has seen a tremendous amount of change, the biggest changes in over 45 years and still it continues to evolve and change even now. In order to help recruiters to understand the main principles and keep up with all the changes Smooth has introduced training sessions which are designed specifically with Agencies in mind. Training sessions are carried out by one of our OISC accredited advisors and typically last around 2 hours with prices from £275 ex vat. The following topics are covered: Points Based System PBS overview What legal visas and work permits look like Tier 1/Tier2 employers Visas for dependents Employing foreign nationals and their work restrictions Supplementary employment Visa costs UKBA and Smooth Training can be carried out in groups or on an individual basis and to avoid taking individuals away from the workplace we are happy to conduct the training at your offices. To find out how Smooth can be of assistance to you contact David for a no obligation discussion and to book a session on 0207 232 5875 or email info@smoothmigration.com. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=63 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100 Under the new Tax Health Plan THP doctors and dentists who have failed to disclose details of earnings have until the 31st March 2010 to advise HMRC that they would like to make a disclosure, they must then submit details of the disclosure and make payment in full by 30th June 2010. At a recent roundtable event held in London about the THP Dave Harnet, Permanent secretary for Tax Council commented: A common feature of all our campaigns is that they address a sector or group where there is a serious tax risk. Our campaigns are an opportunity for people to get their tax affairs right said Mr Harnet. It is understood that all professions will be targeted, not just the medical and dental sectors but that HMRC had to start somewhere and expects to look at a variety of groups within the trade sector as well as at the professions. There was no particular reason why doctors and dentists were targeted first other than data obtained by HMRC suggesting that the problem for this group was bigger than first thought. If you would like to discuss the Tax Health Plan please contact our sister company Tax Essentials 0870 766 9249 alternatively email tax@smoothmigration.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=62 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT According to the Office for National Statistics ONS the UK is exiting the recession more comfortably than originally expected. The ONS claimed that during the final quarter of 2009 Gross Domestic Product GDP was up by 0.3 rather than the original prediction of 0.1 and that GDP reduced by 3.3 in 2009.Allistair Darling, the Chancellor or the exchequer, told BBC News: "These figures are welcome but there's a lot of uncertainty we have to negotiate over the coming months. We are coming through recession. We are moving forward to recovery. But it is absolutely essential for us to retain support for the economy." http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=61 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT As of April 1st 2010 new legislation allowing HMRC to name and shame companies and individuals who evade tax will come in to play. It will allow HMRC to release their names and details. Stephen Timms, Financial secretary to Treasury commented on the new legislation: "It is only right that people pay their fair share of tax, which supports vital public services. We know that law abiding tax payers will want to see the results of HMRC's investigations into tax cheats. This new approach to make people think again about trying to get away with tax fraud. As well as having to pay the tax, interest on the tax, plus penalties up to 100 per cent of the tax lost, they also now risk being identified publically."The new legislation follows on from the new disclosure opportunity deadline of January 4th 2010, which was set in place by HMRC for those to disclose details of unpaid taxes in order to receive reduced penalties on these taxes. The January deadline was taken up by approximately 10,000 companies and individuals in the end, however those who did not make disclosures and owe taxes will have their details released to the public from 12th March 2010 onwards. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=60 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT With the Bank of England Base Rate at an all time low and only likely to increase, now may be the time to consider a fixed rate mortgage, many contractors whose mortgage is on a lenders Standard Variable Rate SVR could find themselves in a position where switching to a fixed rate would be a better option than staying on their lenders SVR.Recent research showed that almost 90 of lenders SVRs are currently higher than the cheapest fixed rates. Therefore, if you are currently on your lenders SVR, now could be the time to look at your options.Another consideration for Contractors with a high level of savings is that it may now be a good time to consider an offset mortgage to make best use of your capital. This is particularly relevant in the current economic climate considering what rate of interest your savings are likely to be attracting.For more information and advice on remortgage options please contact Rebecca Sidwell FPS Key Account Manager at Contractor Mortgages Made Easy on 0844 44 88 800 or email fps@contractormortgagesuk.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=59 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Whilst the tax year officially ends on 5th April, the Easter bank holiday means that the last day to take advantage of many of this years tax allowances is effectively 1st April.... Find out more It is always a good idea to carry out a yearly review of your finances, and what better time to do it than in the run up to the end of the tax year. Contractors suffer enough at the hands of HMRC so any opportunities for tax benefits should be grasped with both hands. Sadly too often things are left too late at the end of March so make sure you dont miss out on your chance to save on tax and take home more of your hard earned cash this year. Pensions The income tax relief offered on contributions to personal pensions is currently up to 40 so this offers a great opportunity for you to maximise the tax benefits with one off contributions before the tax year ends. You can also benefit from full tax relief on contributions to a pension for your children or grandchildren up to £3600 per tax year. If you earn over £130,000 per year then, following the budget last year there is now a cap on the tax relief you can earn on your pension contributions. If you have been investing regularly into a pension on either a monthly or quarterly basis then you can continue to do so and still benefit from your existing rate of tax relief on your investment until April 2011, but if you have been more haphazard in your approach to investment then you could be in trouble. Full tax relief will be limited to a maximum contribution of £20k. Even if you are caught by the new limit then it is arguably more important than ever to invest up to the £20k special allowance in order to fully exploit one of the few remaining tax breaks for Contractors. If you are in the fortunate position of narrowly missing the £130,000 earnings cap, then now is the perfect time to maximise contributions in case of any further lowering of the earnings limit or new rules coming into play in the budget. Any investment that you make now not only dramatically reduces the amount you pay the taxman but will result in a very worthwhile legacy for your time as a Contractor and make a significant difference to your nestegg for retirement. Investments Take advantage of your annual ISA allowance by investing up to £7200 tax free £10,200 if you are aged 50 or over. If you have not already invested up to your limit then consider putting in a lump sum; however for next year it is advisable to consider drip feeding money into your ISA to spread the risk. For Stocks and Shares ISA savers this allows you to minimise the effects of short term fluctuations in the stock market. If you have children or grandchildren then you can also invest up to £1200 per tax year in a child trust fund. This is an easy way to start a university fund for your child or simply to put aside an inheritance for them For more information on end of tax year opportunities contact ContractorFinancials on 0845 062 8888 or fill out our contact form by clicking here http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=58 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT On March 11th 2010 FPS Group attended and exhibited at the Recruitment Consultant IT Technology Conference held in London at the Strand Palace Hotel in Covent Garden. We hope the event was of both interest and benefit to those of you that attended and we enjoyed meeting everyone very much. On the day of the conference we held a free prize draw for attendees and the winner of the competition has now been drawn. We are delighted to announce Mike Thurgood, Internal Recruiter at Recruitment Investment Group Ltd as the winner of the bottle of champagne. Congratulations Mike, we hope you enjoy your bottle of bubbly http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=57 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT The government has accepted recommendations from Migration Advisory Committee MAC for significant changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points based system. The new rules will come in to effect from the 6th April 2010 and include: Changes to Tier 1: Visas being granted initially for 2 years as appose to 3 Masters Degree is no longer the minimum requirement High earners on £150000 or more not requiring qualifications to apply The earnings bar being raised substantially to attract the right kind of migrant Age for applying increased to 31 to 39. Transitional arrangements for those on the existing Tier 1 General granted before 6 April 2010 and its predecessors Professional Skilled Workers for instance Doctors will be able to apply within 12 months of completing their foundation programme for a Tier 1 visa Changes to Tier 2: Tier 2 Intra company transfers to score 5 less points than non shortage occupations Upper salary band to qualify for Tier 2 has increased substantially Established workers will need to be with their overseas employer for 12 months rather than the current 6 months A new category for graduate's who come to the UK as part of a structured training programme or to transfer skills The changes were revealed on the 18th March 2010 by the UK Borders and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas, who commented:'We've always said that we would run our immigration system for the benefit of the UK, and that is what we are doing.'The changes that we are making today will build on an already robust system which is now the envy of the world. A strength of the pointsbased system is the flexibility to predict and respond to events.'By utilising the flexibility of the pointsbased system, we are now ensuring that only those that we need to come to the UK to work can do so.'I will continue to ensure that immigration does not act as a disincentive for employers to employ and improve the skills of the British workforce.'The changes were incorporated in the latest Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, which was laid before Parliament on the 18th of March 2010.The additional changes to Immigration include Monaco being added to Tier 5 of the Youth Mobility Scheme. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=56 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The UK Umbrella provider Albany went into Administration on the 10th February 2010 following several days of speculation. It is hoped that contractors and recruiters will get some or all of the money owed to them however doubt remains at the moment. Albanys 4 UK companies that entered into the Administration process during the last couple of weeks with a loss of 81 jobs include: Albany Management Albany Holdings Albany EMEA Albany Employment Services It is understood that the financial difficulties at Albany arose because of clients failing to pay their bills on time therefore resulting in a shortage of cash for Albany, which in turn affected the IT contractors involved with the umbrella company. From discussions we have had with agencies, it is not surprising to learn that they are concerned about this situation repeating itself with other Umbrella companies. We can assure all agencies that payments from them to FPS ' administered umbrella companies are made directly into a UK client account rather than directly into the trading account of FPS. This provides protection to both recruitment companies and their candidates that payment for assignments completed are not affected by the solvency of FPS. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=55 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT A crb check is a legal requirement for those working with children or vulnerable adults as it protects the safety and well being of any individuals they come into contact with and provides employers with the security of knowing who they are hiring prior to staff commencing employment. FPS Group can assist employers with the following types of disclosure: Standard disclosuresThese are often common amongst individuals entering certain professions within the financial and legal sectors and contain any details of: cautions, reprimands and warnings in England and Wales on Police national computers. Enhanced disclosuresThese tend to be used more for posts involving work in a regulated activity for a regulated provider with children or vulnerable adults. In general the work carried out here will involve caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of such individuals. They contain the same information as the standard check but with the addition of the new barred lists as requested and any locally held police information considered relevant for the job by the Chief Police Officer. ISAThese checks are exclusive to the health sector. Requests for an ISA Adult First check carry a strict criteria and are permissible only where it is necessary to take such action because of a real danger that staffing levels will fall below statutory obligations. For more information on our disclosures service and a competitive quote, please contact us on 0800 634 4848 or click here to fill out a form for a non obligation discussion with a member of our sales team. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=54 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT FPS Group will be exhibiting at the Recruitment Consultant IT Technology Conferences which are being held on March 11th 2010 in London at the London Strand Palace Hotel and on the 7th April 2010 in Manchester at Hilton Deansgate. The team are looking forward to catching up with any agency representatives that plan to attend on either of the 2 days. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=53 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Looking for a more convenient and efficient way to process your expenses? If so why not take advantage of our NEW online expense processing facility The NEW service is available to all of our members and allows you to quickly submit nonreceipted and receipted expenses through the members lounge area of fpsgroup.com without the usual form filling Since the launch of new service we have received some delightful feedback from our members. One of our longstanding contractors Heidi Wimmer who is based in London and has been a member of FPS Group for 2 years now is thrilled with the new service, Heidi commented I have just filled in my first online expenses form and wanted to feedback to you that this new system is fantastic Thank you. FPS receives regular feedback from its members and this information is invaluable to us. For all members that wish to continue using the printed claim forms rather than opting for the online service please can you ensure that you provide detailed travel log to support your claims detailing your to and from journeys. Please also make sure that you clearly print your name and provide details of your membership number as well as signing the form. This enables us to identify who you are and process your expenses without delay. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=52 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT This month our Financial Services partner, Contractor Financials, takes a look at the Contractor insurance options available. Here is what they have to say.Too many contractors pay for insurance products such as unemployment cover that will never pay out; here we take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of contractor insurance... The Good Whilst contracting you enjoy many positives from a freelancing lifestyle, your income is dependent on you being fit and able to get into work tomorrow. As such you risk losing money from the very first day that you can no longer get to your clients site. Income protection can provide an essential safety net if you are unable to work due to illness or injury as it pays a taxfree monthly income to protect your current lifestyle, giving you the time to recuperate free from financial stress. If your condition or injury is more serious, you may need changes made to your house or car in order to aid mobility and may even need to employ a carer. Income protection can offer you the opportunity to cover any of these expenses and it is possible to protect up to 75 of your income. This can give you the peace of mind to make the most of your life after an accident or illness without the financial pressures that would otherwise impact. To help keep costs down you have the option to defer payments i.e. if you have savings to cover a short term illness such as a sporting injury or you can opt for a policy that will pay out on the very first day of any illness so that you can keep savings intact for their intended purpose. This flexibility means that you can tailor your premiums to an amount that you know you can afford and you have the option to alter you policy should your financial circumstances change. The BadAnother product popular with Contractors is an ASU accident, sickness and unemployment policy because they are often cheaper than a full blown Income Protection product. However, these policies offer only short term protection and this is why they seem to offer a cheaper premium. Many of the policies available via the High Street banks pay out based solely on a permanent salary and wont be suited to your income as a Freelancer. It is vital that you find an insurance provider that understands your unique circumstances and offers a policy to suit your employment status and lifestyle. This is one of the areas of financial planning where cost should not necessarily be the deciding factor when you choose a provider. It doesn't make financial sense to try and save a little by picking an insurer that might deter or reduce claims so ignore the sales patter and ask for the statistics. The Ugly Finally, the worst of all Contractor insurance is the spectre of Unemployment cover. If you have this cover already then please make sure that you read the small print as it is invariably unsuitable for your Contractor status. It can be difficult to prove that Contractors are unemployed. Many policies state in the terms and conditions that for your contract to be valid as income verification it must be in place for a minimum term of 12 months. These policy terms also stipulate that contracts must have been renewed at least once. Even in the unlikely event that you except yearly contracts and have been with that one client long enough for a renewal to kick in, many schemes go on to insist that you must have at least 6 months remaining on your contract when you are given notice of its cancellation. It is almost inevitable that, having paid out for costly premiums over a lengthy term, your contract is terminated with 5 and a half months left to run and the insurance is null and void. Help is at handIf you are concerned that your current insurance does not offer the level of protection that you need, or are looking to take out a new insurance policy to cover yourself against the loss of income that may result from an accident or illness then contact ContractorFinancials and speak to an experienced Adviser who will be able to find the right policy to suit your requirements. For more information call now on 0845 062 8888 or fill out our contact form by clicking here http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=51 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Student Loans Company has launched a new initiative to reduce the risk of overpayment in the last 23 months of the loan period. The new scheme, which was introduced on 14th December 2009, allows PAYE student loan borrowers to opt into a direct debit arrangement. The SLC will be contacting borrowers before they reach this point to offer and arrange the direct debit option. If you are in this position, and reaching this point in your loan term and have not yet been contacted you can contact the SLC direct and arrange to repay the balance of your loan in this way. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=50 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Many people assume that what the taxman sends them is correct and therefore file away coding notices without checking them. However HMRC is issuing around 25 million tax coding notices this year which is double of what was issued in 2009 this is due to wrong information being sent out to a large number of individuals as a result of an error in a new PAYE system. If the situation is not rectified in the next few weeks wrong information will be distributed to large numbers of employers and pension companies which will lead them to deduct the wrong amounts of tax from employees and pensioners. Recently the Chartered Institute of Taxation expressed its concern about the situation. They have urged HMRC to issue a statement to the public clearly highlighting the extent of the problem and it could be solved. They have called for a public relations campaign and advertising to highlight the problem and to explain to the public how they can check their code to ensure it is correct. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=49 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT As a Contractor, if you are injured or fall ill and cannot work, then your income stops immediately. If you have a family then this could be a worrying prospect as without your income to rely on your lifestyle would probably change very suddenly. It is possible for Contractors to guard against this with Contractor Income Protection that will pay out a taxfree monthly sum to cover household bills and other expenses. You can protect up to 75 of your income with this essential insurance and it costs as little as £10 a month to benefit from the peace of mind it offers. Similarly, as a Contractor you can also protect your family with Life Insurance that works in the same way as the death in service benefit enjoyed by many permanent employees. Life cover will pay out if you die and offer your family the financial security to enable them to cope at this emotional and financially devastating time. There is no reason why Contractors cannot benefit from income protection; life and also critical illness cover, as there are many policies available that will cater for your Contractor status. Invariably there is a lot of small print to read on any insurance policy and Contractors can sometimes find themselves under insured or with a provider that does not cover your unique employment status. Help is at hand FPS have joined up with ContractorFinancials, a team of Independent Financial Advisers who specialise in offering comprehensive insurance products to Contractors looking to replace the sick pay and death in service benefits that you left behind with your previous employer. The team will work with you every step of the way, from arranging the right cover for your individual circumstances, to helping you make a claim if you fall ill. For more information on income protection and life insurance services contact ContractorFinancials on 0845 062 8888 or email fps@contractorfinancials.com. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=48 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Candidates employed through FPS can offset business expenses against their earnings. FPS requires all claimants to undertake an Expenses Questionnaire which establishes if they are eligible to claim travel to and from their temporary place of work. FPS members can take comfort in the fact that it has structured its rates in accordance with HMRC expenses guidelines relating to subsistence claims. The subsistence rates, which are available if travel claims are allowed, are as follows: Regular Working Hours During regular working hours the following meal rates apply: 1 Meal Rate at least 5 hours away from home/regular work place £5 per day; OR 2 Meal Rate at least 10 hours away from home/regular place of work £10 per day. Irregular Working Hours If employees work unscheduled hours and need to leave home early or arrive home late then they can claim the following rates: Early Starters leaving home before 6am £5 Breakfast allowance; Late Leavers leaving work after 8pm £15 Dinner allowance. Those individuals who are still uncertain as to what can be claimed are advised to contact our Membership Services team on 08707 669 229 or email membership@fpsgroup.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=47 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT When submitting details of expenses using the printed forms please ensure that you clearly print your name or provide details of your membership number as well as presenting your signature, this enables us to identify who you are and process your expenses without delay. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=46 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT A new tax plan has been introduced by HMRC to tackle noncompliance in the medical profession following only a rather small number of individuals coming forward under a new disclosure opportunity. The information gathered by HMRC is to be used as part of the Tax Health plan and it is using new information powers in order to obtain information from third parties about individuals tax affairs. HMRC has already gathered information from UK banks and it is now looking to contact private hospitals, private medical insurers and NHS Trusts for details on medical professionals, including doctors, dentists, hospital consultants and cosmetic surgeons. Under the new Tax Health plan taxpayers must pay tax that is overdue on income and gains on their unpaid tax liabilities as well as interest. The amnesty period runs from 11 January to 31 March 2010. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=45 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Over January, February or March you may receive a PAYE Coding Notice from HMRC disclosing details of your new tax code for the 20102011 tax year. Not everyone needs to have a coding notice so dont worry if you do not receive one as your employer or pension provider will be able to update your tax code. For those of you that receive the PAYE Coding Notice this new code will be used by your employer or pension provider from the 6th of April 2010 to ensure you are paying the correct tax and obtaining the tax allowances and reliefs you are entitled to. You do not need to send us your Coding Notice but please do keep it safe for your records, FPS will be notified by HMRC of this information. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=44 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT FPS kicked off its 15 year Anniversary in December with the announcement of a new brand, extension of its services and a new website, fpsgroup.com, which showcases the new branding together with its extended services. To celebrate FPSs 15 year Anniversary in January 2010 we launched Activate, a scheme that rewards new candidates and restarters for efficient sign up, and existing members for their loyalty and referring of business. So whether youre new to FPS or an existing member you can join in on our 15year celebrations Existing members will receive one week payment free when they refer a friend and their referral goes on to join and process their application within 24 hours of their enquiry, the referral will also gain one week payment free. In addition to this existing members will be automatically eligible for one week payment free on the anniversary of their FPS employment. New starters and restarters will receive a week payment free when they apply/reapply to become an FPS member and send through their supporting documentation within 24 hours of enquiry. For more information on Activate please email our FPS Membership Services team at: membership@fpsgroup.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=43 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Agency Workers Regulation has now been published following 2 consultations on the directives implementation. Implementation of the regulation will not begin until after the 1 October 2011. Under the legislation agency workers will be entitled to equal treatment in line with permanent workers after being placed with end clients for a period of 12 weeks or more. This means the same terms and conditions of a permanent employee as well as equal treatment in terms of working time provisions such as holidays, rest breaks, pay and bonuses. With the introduction of the new regulations antiavoidance requirements will also be established and agencies that do not treat agency workers equally may be liable for claims, and liability could be moved to the end client if it has not provided the agency information about the relevant working and employment conditions. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=42 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The deadline for HMRC to receive details of online selfassessment tax returns is midnight 31st January 2010. If tax returns are received by HMRC after this date individuals will be fined £100 for a late filing. Please remember that not only do you have to file your return any outstanding tax liabilities are also due by midnight on the 31st January 2010. Any late payments can be subject to penalties, interest and surcharges. For assistance with tax returns and rebates contact our partner company Smooth Migration : tax@smoothmigration.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=41 Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT On the 1st of January 2010 VAT returned to its standard rate of 17.5 per cent following 13 months at 15 per cent. FPS Group has followed the guidelines provided by HMRC in relation to the increase in the rate of VAT which was effective from 1st Jan 2010. As each FPS administered umbrella company provides a continious supply of services they have to account for VAT due whenever they issue an invoice or whenever payment is received, whichever is earlier. What this means for invoices raised and payments made from 1st January 2010 onwards ? Any invoicing instructions or payments for invoices not raised prior to 1 January received by FPS on or after 1st January will attract the 17.5 per cent VAT charge. This is constant with the tax point rules at paragraphs 14.3 and 30.10 of the VAT Guide Notice 700. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=40 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Working holiday makers or post study worker visa holders may be eligible for a Tier 1 general visa once their current visa has expired. To qualify for a Tier 1 general visa you will need to accrue a total of 75 points, hold a Masters degree as well as having earned a minimum salary of £20,000. Those applying for Tier 1 general visas must also meet a minimum requirement of proficiency in the English language as well as satisfy the maintenance requirement of either £800 in country or £2,800 when applying from abroad. For more information on Tier 1 general visas contact our sister company Smooth Migration on 0845 644 1871 or email info@smoothmigration.com. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=39 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT In a post crunch world lenders are much choosier as to who they lend to and are increasingly looking at lifestyle rather than traditional income multiples. Against this backdrop we could be returning to the situation in the 70s and 80s where people considered their house financing a mortgage for life Temporary candidates have grown used to the idea of the short term mortgage scheme whereby you secure a rate for 23 years at most and you then remortgage onto another competitive scheme elsewhere. However, with lending becoming stricter we may be moving back towards the mortgage for life scenario that was prevalent in the 70s and 80s. Lenders are becoming increasingly concerned about the financial impact of specific lifestyles rather than simply rely on the more traditional approach of applying rigid income multiples to work out how much you could borrow. Instead they have taken to looking at bank statements to gauge your spending habits and lifestyle choices before assessing suitability for a mortgage. In order to get to grips with the problem of what has been deemed to be irresponsible lending, the FSA reviewed the mortgage market earlier this year and have urged mortgage companies to be far more stringent with income checks. They are also likely to insist that lenders should have less scope to charge interest on arrears. However, the law of unintended consequences means that a headline grabbing positive could turn into a long term negative as lenders become far more risk averse as to whom they lend to in the first place and it will become far harder to refinance periodically. We see increasing value in temporary candidates making long term commitments to the lenders they choose and increasing use of life time tracker mortgages that will not need to be remortgaged every 23 years. The trick will be to ensure that the choice at outset is the correct one. For temporary workers weve always seen the value in offset mortgages and increasingly these will come into their own. At what are expected to be relatively low interest rates over the next few years, these tracker loans could represent fantastic value in addition to the ability for temporary workers to reduce the sum on which interest is payable by virtue of the offsetting of credit balances such as tax money, rainy day funds and ISAs. For a no obligation conversation on your mortgage requirements speak to an experienced Mortgage adviser at ContractorFinancials on 0845 062 8888 or fill out our contact form by clicking here http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=38 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT FPS Group online payslips facility has now launched, members that opted into this fabulous new service or that we did not receive correspondence from by December 11th have now been automatically opted into receiving their payslips online only and are able to download and print payslips from their members area The new online service provides you with a more convenient way to store your payslips and helps the environment by cutting down the resources that go into producing and posting a paper based payslip. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=36 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT PAYE umbrella company workers have been relatively unaffected by the Chancellors recent prebudget report. In general temporary candidates may be indirectly affected by the return of VAT to 17.5 as well as increases in fuel tax prices. Highly paid temporary workers may now be subject to a new 50 rate of tax and also be affected by restricted pension relief. The Chancellor resisted from making any further changes to umbrella company expenses for temporary workers which was good news. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=35 Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT We strongly recommend that all members confirm with their agencies Christmas and New Year payment arrangements to avoid any last minute payment panics with regard to receiving funds on time The standard BACS turnaround over the Christmas and New Year period is: Funds received Mon 21st Dec will be cleared into bank account Wed 23rd Dec Funds received Tues 22nd Dec will be cleared into bank account Thurs 24th Dec Funds received Wed 23rd Dec will be cleared into bank account Tues 29th Dec Funds received Thurs 24th Dec will be cleared into bank account Wed 30th Dec Funds received Tues 29th Dec will be cleared into bank account Thurs 31st Dec Funds received Wed 30th Dec will be cleared into bank account Mon 4th Jan Funds received Thurs 31st Dec will be cleared into bank account Tues 5th Jan http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=34 Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Over the festive period our offices will be open to do business but the opening and closing times will differ, please see below for details: Mon 21st Open as usual Tues 22nd Open as usual Wed 23rd Open as usual Thurs 24th 8am to 1pm Fri 25th Closed Mon 28th Closed Tues 29th Open as usual Wed 30th Open as usual Thurs 31st 8am 2pm http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=33 Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Members Lounge now also has a chat facility so that you can raise queries and get an instant response from our Membership Services team. Try it out and see how easy it is to work with us http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=32 Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT We have taken note of the feedback received from our members and can now offer a convenient online expense processing facility through the Members Lounge area of fpsgroup.com. This service allows you to submit claims for expenses online. Nonreceipted expenses are automatically processed within 24 hours. We have even accommodated for those expenses that require receipts simply follow online instructions. The new online facility removes the requirements for form filling and the completion of the expenses questionnaire can now be done online in your Members Lounge area. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=31 Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT FPS has developed the facility for its members to view and download their payslips from their secure Members Lounge so you no longer have to wait for your printed payslips to arrive through the letterbox. This is a service for you to opt in and we would ask you to contact membership services on 08707 669 229 or email memberqueries@fpsgroup.com before the 11th December to opt in or confirm your wish to opt out. If we have not heard from you by that date you will be automatically opted in. As well as making this a more convenient way for storing payslips, you will also be helping the environment by significantly cutting down the resources that go into posting a physical payslip to you. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=30 Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT FPS Group has launched an informative and easy to navigate new website at www.fpsgroup.com, with many new features including an online chat facility. Significant investment has been made to improve the online experience for FPS Members. The online Members Lounge now facilitates online expense processing; removing the hassle of completing numerous claim forms making this a convenient and cost saving solution for our members. We have also extended the services on offer to FPS Members who can now take advantage of UK immigration advice, tax assistance, CRB checks and a range of financial products that have been created specifically with their lifestyle needs in mind. To find out more about our new services that may be of benefit to you visit our new site at www.fpsgroup.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=29 Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Freelance Professional Services Ltd kicks off its 15 year anniversary in December with the announcement of a new brand, extension to its services and a new website. The company, which has solely offered UK company solutions for temporary workers, is now entering a new chapter in its history by offering additional services which include: immigration, CRB services, tax returns and rebate assistance in addition to its UK umbrella company service under the new FPS Group brand. Nerys Roberts, group commercial director who will be personally celebrating ten years with the company in 2010, explained the companys exciting new direction, When FPS started there were only a handful of other companies offering payment solutions to the temporary candidate market. The understanding and relationships we have built over the last 15 years with our industry partners has certainly stood us in good stead as the industry has become fragmented with a diverse range of providers and their solutions. Despite this fragmentation we have remained at the forefront of the industry and are considered a trusted and reliable partner. Indeed these qualities are at the core of our company values and drive us forward to deliver new initiatives on a very regular basis. Following direct feedback from our industry partners, this latest phase of development has now been brought under one brand, FPS Group. From 1 December FPS is now able to offer both recruitment companies and their temporary candidates a range of services including: A UK umbrella company solution for all sectors including construction; Immigration advice and support from a team of OISC qualified advisors for both new immigration applications and extensions to existing visas; Business and leisure travel visa applications including Schengen Visas; CRB checking service for both recruiters and individuals; Managed payroll services for recruitment companies; Candidate vetting services. 1 December 2009 also marked the launch of the companys new website, fpsgroup.com, which showcases the new branding together with the extended services. We have invested considerable resources into the new website, specifically in offering online registration and in the Members Lounge where we now offer online payslips and straight through processing of expense claims for our UK Umbrella service. Our efforts are aligned to delight our customers and based on the feedback we have received, the new website together with the new services certainly should help us to achieve this said Roberts. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=28 Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT The government has accepted proposals from its social work task force. The reforms proposed by the task force will require social workers to obtain a licence to practice and are aimed at boosting standards and morale. Social workers will be eligible to qualify for a licence to practice once they have had a probationary year having completed a degree. The proposals also recommend that pay should be improved for more experienced front line staff and that employers be expected to agree standards on caseloads. Further recommendations include that there will be a national college for social work which will aim to retain individuals in the profession and attract new individuals to the job. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=24 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT On the 15th of October 2009 the UK government confirmed that it would be delaying the implementation of the Agency workers directive AWD until October 2011, the news has come as a relief to both temporary workers of umbrella companies and recruiters. In an announcement business minister Pat McFadden said: "Last year the government secured a deal in Europe on the Agency Workers Directive that allows us to base Britain's rules on the agreement reached in the UK between the CBI and TUC. "This allows us to implement the directive in this country in a way which gives fair treatment to agency workers and maintains labour market flexibility. It was only possible because the government is engaged in the mainstream of Europe actively influencing proposals coming from Europe, which affect the UK economy and UK workers. Careful and sometimes difficult negotiations were required to get the CBITUC agreement reflected in the final EU directive. "As the Prime Minister has said, the government is committed to getting this legislation on the statute book by the end of this parliament. The law will come into force in the UK in October 2011, giving recruiters and their clients time to prepare and plan. We are also mindful of the need to avoid changing requirements on business until the economic recovery is more firmly established." http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=7 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100 Swine flu remains a topic of concern and with fears growing as we see a rise in cases, GP's have issued a warning to Insurers that there could be a severe delay in processing Income Protection claims... If you fall ill or have an accident that prevents you from working then you will claim on your Income Protection policy until you are well enough to return to work. In order to claim on this essential temporary worker safety net you will need to have some proof that you are unable to work and for most insurers, this proof comes in the form of a GP report. Normally, this is a relatively simple procedure and your claim is processed quickly and efficiently. However due to the Swine flu pandemic that we are currently experiencing, GP's are under added pressure and an increased workload that is preventing them from processing GP report requests. This could begin to have a significant effect on the number of claims processed per month and many claimants may be left waiting for their money to come through. Similarly those wanting to take out cover ahead of the pandemic worsening could find hard pressed GPs are struggling to provide the medical reports that Insurers require so delaying the start date of cover at a time when you need it most. What can I do to ensure my claim or application is processed? Many Insurers are now offering alternatives to a GP report as a means to making an underwriting decision and are embracing alternative methods such as teleunderwriting where the Insurer will call you to go through any medical issues that you have had previously rather than request details from your GP and even medical examinations at a location to suit you are carried out by trained nonNHS staff rather than a GP. Those temporary workers who are looking to take out cover should ensure that the chosen insurer can be flexible with regard to the application requirements to ensure you are covered with a minimum of delay. Similarly ContractorFinancials '1st day income protection' from Dentists and General requires no GP report for short term claims and the Insurer has had many claimants over the past month who have self certified rather than have to go to the Doctors and risk spreading the infection further. If you purchase your Income Protection policy through an Independent Financial Adviser IFA then they will be on hand to help you apply and claim, alleviating the stress of chasing providers and GP's and leaving you to concentrate on recuperation if ill. Your IFA should be able to advise you on the cover that suits your needs as a temporary worker i.e. covering salary whilst also finding a provider that will use alternative methods of assessment if your GP is unable to produce a report. For more information on our income protection services contact Tony Harris at ContractorFinancials on0845 062 8888 or email fps@contractorfinancials.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=1 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100 The winner of our competition has now been drawn and we are delighted to announce Clare Eldred as the winner Clare, from London has been a member of FPS Group for 1 year now and currently works through the Hertfordshire branch of 'Pulse Recruitment'. Congratulations Clare, enjoy your bottle of bubbly http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=25 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100 In their latest Brief 50/09 issued in August 2009, HMRC has given a clear indication that they intend to crackdown on those recruiters and umbrella companies who are flouting their expense dispensations. Increasingly, such companies are marketing their dispensations as a way to improve the take home pay of temporary workers. Dispensations are described by HMRC as "a notice, issued by an Inspector, which relieves you [the employer] from reporting details of expenses and benefits on forms PllD or P9D". Dispensations remove the need for a receipt to be forwarded by the employee to the employer in relation to an expense claim. This does not mean that receipts are not required at all, as tax inspectors could and indeed do check with individuals that the expenses are legitimate and a receipt will be adequate proof that the expense has been incurred. Thus, an automatic generous allowance for subsistence marketed by some umbrella companies may be placing their workers at risk from a future HMRC tax bill. FPS administers all expense claims on behalf of its Umbrella company employees. The FPS Expense Status Questionnaire, which was developed in consultation with HMRC, indicates if a member is eligible to claim travel and subsistence expenses. In addition we process receipted expenses in accordance with HMRC guidelines on allowable business expenses. We take these precautionary steps to give peace of mind to the individual and their recruitment agency that the correct PAYE tax and NICs are being deducted. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=9 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100 It is expected that the government will publish draft regulations and its second consultation for the agency working directive in late September 2009. Following three highly successful agency summits held in London during 2008 and 2009, which attracted more than 600 delegates to discuss the AWD, the REC is now moving the debate on by holding a number of regional workshops in the Autumn. The workshops are designed to provide recruiters with all the latest information and practical tips for working with clients ahead of implementation. For more information on REC workshops visit: www.rec.uk.com/agencysummit4 http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=8 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100 The government is predicting a 2nd wave of swine flu from October onwards. It is envisaged that it will peak again but this time as a stronger strain before finally weakening. The second wave of swine flu is set to bring certain challenges to the recruitment industry. Some industry commentators are predicting a surge in demand for short term illness cover, seeking out temporary workers to fill this gap. Swine flu can be easily spread in the workplace and businesses are being urged to begin preparing now for the next wave and put in place contingency plans to minimise business interruption. FPS has put in place a contingency plan to ensure it is adequately resourced if the prediction becomes reality. For more information and advice on how to prepare and guard against swine flu go to:http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?r.s=lr.lc=enr.i=1082470688r.t=ONEOFFPAGE http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=10 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100 The rates payable on tracker mortgages are now comparatively so low that many borrowers are taking these mortgages irrespective of the risk that base rate may rise. With fixed rate mortgage rates rising by around 0.6 and tracker rates being cut by around 0.3 in June increasingly borrowers are being tempted towards variable deals. The choice between a fixed and a tracker mortgage is normally based on expectations of what the base rate is expected to do but when one is so much lower than the other, homeowners are inevitably tempted by the cheaper option. In the competitive mortgage market of 2 years ago, tracker rates were a small margin over the Bank of England base rate or were even below the benchmark cost of borrowing. Today we live in a completely different lending landscape and the norm is that rates are 23 above base rate. It is important, however, for borrowers to remember that the base rate could rise just as rapidly as it fell last year and as such a tracker mortgage that seems attractive now may be considerably more costly over the term of your mortgage. If you can afford a fixed rate mortgage at current levels then you are cushioned from any rise in the cost of borrowing whereas a tracker could place a very real strain on your budget. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the long term affordability and with money market rates seemingly on the rise it would appear as if fixed rates could increase further. Now may be the time to snap up current deals whilst they last. For advice on your mortgage or remortgage requirements contact Simon Foster at ContractorFinancials on 0845 062 8888 or email fps@contractorfinancials.com. None of the regular broker fees will be charged for FPS clients. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=4 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100 FPS Group is holding a prize draw competition over the next month and the winner drawn will receive a free bottle of champagne. All you have to do to bee in with a chance of winning is locate the image of a bottle of champagne hidden in the member lounge area of the FPS Group website. Once you have your answer simply email us at: memberqueries@fpsgroup.com providing the word champagne in the subject line and your answer as to the exact location of where the champagne bottle image is hidden with your phone number and postal address in the email body. Your details will automatically be entered into our Free Prize Draw. The prize draw will run from 31st July to 31st August 2009 and the winner will be announced by the 14th September 2009. Please see our website for our offer terms and conditions. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=13 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100 A recent landmark ruling saw a subcontractor in the transport industry deemed as an employee and given entitlement to claim for unfair dismissal. Despite the individual working through a limited company, paying his own national insurance, income tax and billing on an hourly basis he was deemed as an employee of the company. The conclusion drawn by the judge was based on several factors including his work structure and the manner in which he worked as well as the tasks performed. It is felt that this ruling may have implications for many other workers in the transport and contract labour markets. End clients using temporary candidates need to guard against this. type of situation occurring. They should understand that apart from the benefits and value that a temporary worker can bring to a business, they need to avoid any integration with their permanent staffing so that they avoid putting themselves in a position where they may be deemed as the employer facing a case of unfair dismissal or redundancy costs. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=12 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100 With the 200809 tax year just ended now is the ideal time to get your tax affairs up to date Tax Essentials is able to provide individuals with assistance on tax returns and rebates and offers a preferential rate to existing FPS Group clients. For more information on our tax services and details of our preferential rates please contact the Tax Essentials team on: 08707 669 249 or Email taxadmin@taxessentials.co.uk http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=11 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100 An NHS report has warned about a reduction of £15bn in NHS finances in the 5 years from 2011. The report, which was published in mid June, warns that such a shortfall in funding could lead to a reduction in permanent staff, and the possibility of trained staff being retrained and becoming multiskilled. The report can be accessed from: http://www.nhsconfed.org/Publications/leadership/Pages/Dealingwiththedownturn.aspx http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=15 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100 It's easy to forget, when you are running to a busy schedule, to let us know the hours you have been working. We appreciate that working on assignment can be hectic, but it could mean a delay to your payment if we are not in receipt of your hours worked. Your billing details activate a chain of events that not only raises an invoice for your services to the recruitment company, but it also means that we can identify your money as it comes into us from those recruitment companies that are on an automated system with us. You can leave your hours with us by choosing from the following convenient options: 1.Online at www.fpsgroup.com and click on Member's Lounge 2. Email to hours@fpsgroup.com 3. Telephone 08707 669 229 4. Fax 01624 818535 It will only take a minute of your day but makes a big difference to being paid promptly http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=14 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100 Just a reminder that you can still benefit from our longestablished Refer A Friend scheme. When you refer a friend and your friend signs up with FPS and bills through us, both of you will receive an MS voucher to the value of £25 each. To Refer go to: http://www.fpsgroup.com/refer_a_friend.shtml or call 0800 634 4848 Both you and your referral must invoice through FPS to qualify for £25 each. Alternative vouchers on request. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=17 Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100 FPS Members will receive their P60 no later than the 31st of May, in line with HMRC guidelines. For those members who have claimed expenses and earned £8,500 or more during this tax year, they will receive a P11D no later than the 6th of July. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=16 Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100 Don't forget to logon to our new FPS Group website at www.fpsgroup.com for the latest FPS Group news updates, leave your comments on our news stories and to access the members lounge area for details of your account. If you can't remember your user ID and password for the members lounge please contact our Membership Services Team on 08707 669 229 and they will be happy to assist you. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am 6pm and Friday 8am to 5.30pm. Also, if you have just moved house or have changed your contact details recently remember to let us know your new details to ensure we can keep in touch with the latest news about your account. You can update your details in the following ways: Phone 08707 669 229 Fax 01624 818550 Email membership@fpsgroup.com Log onto website www.fpsgroup.com http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=5 Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100 With only days left until we announce our prize draw winner for our Spring 2009 promotion there is still the opportunity to enter through referring a friend We recognise the importance of this referral process and will send you a £25 Marks Spencer voucher and also another £25 MS voucher to your friend when they begin using the FPS service and your details will then be placed into a Prize Draw giving you the chance to scoop a further £250 of shopping vouchers FPS Members who receive MS Vouchers between 1st of March and 29th May 2009 will have their details automatically entered into the Prize Draw, and the winner will be drawn on Monday 1st June 2009. To be in with the chance of winning £250 please go to http://www.fpsgroup.com/refer_a_friend.shtml or call with your friends details on free phone 0800 634 4848. Both temp and referral must invoice and bill through FPS to each qualify for their £25 voucher. Alternative vouchers on request. For terms and conditions of the Prize Draw visit www.fpsgroup.com. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=18 Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100 The UK Government has announced new national minimum wage rates which will be effective from 1stOctober 2009. Workers aged 22 and over will receive an increase from £5.73 to £5.80 an hour, while the hourly rate for 18 to 21yearolds will rise from £4.77 to £4.83. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=19 Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100 FPS, together with sister company in the Charterhouse Group PayDynamics, has been invited by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation REC to sponsor its Nursing and Social Care Group's latest research profile into the social care and nursing markets. The research has been coordinated by the REC's Industry Research Unit and will be launched at a dinner in the House of Commons on 7th May. The dinner will be a high profile networking event, hosted by Dominic Grieve QC MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Attorney General. Attending the launch will be Charterhouse Group CEO Iain Messenger. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=26 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Today marks the tenth anniversary of the budget that announced the IR35 regulations. The original intention of IR35 was to prevent the growing practice of employees leaving their permanent positions on a Friday and being reemployed in the same role as a contractor on the Monday, offering services through their own limited company so that they could take advantage of tax breaks. However, the drafting of IR35 was poor and as such has been problematic for HMRC to police, and for contractors to comply with. It has been left to the courts to interpret its meaning and as a result we have witnessed a decade of conflicting decisions from Commissioners and Appeals heard in the High Court. With the introduction of the Managed Service Company legislation in 2007, there is now even more legal red tape for contractors with their own limited company to navigate. Its why so many people working on temporary contract have turned to umbrella companies to avoid the hassle and uncertainty that these regulations pose to people who simply want to offer their services and receive an honest wage. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=20 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT BMW Mini laid off agency workers at the start of this week with just an hour's notice. The headlinesscreamed out that the notice period was simply unacceptable. Although we would agree that an hour's notice is somewhat harsh, the fact is that temporary workers are engaged to offer companies the flexibility to adjust their capacity to accomodate peaks and troughs in their business. The UK has been able to offer overseas and domestic companies a welleducated temporary workforce and the flexibility that this can bring to the table, particularly in a recession. The headlines may appear harsh, but underneath the hype there is a stronger story of the competitive advantage provided by temporary workers that is available to businesses based in Britain. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=21 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT We attended a Lawspeed recruitment conference this week; it's always good to get the latest gen thinking about the challenges facing the recruitment industry so we can ensure our services can play a part in resolving practical issues. We took plenty away, so watch out for our next Agency newsletter It was interesting to hear that Lawspeed has been representing a client who is facing a Third Party Transfer of Debt challenge, and that there are three cases approaching final conclusion with HMRC, all of which are likely to receive a positive collection. We hope to see the outcome of these cases published, and those providers who have acted irresponsibly be named and shamed. At FPS, we are confident of the processes and procedures that we undertake to ensure that the correct NICs and PAYE on earnings are applied. Our aim is to simplify the payroll for temporary workers and, through the use of a single payroll, eliminate the risk of overpayment of tax through the application of emergency codes. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=22 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Here at FPS we realise the credit crunch is upon us so what better way to cheer you up than present you with a £25.00 voucher of your choice to treat yourself The catch? There isn't one. Really All you have to do is refer one of your friends to us and let them see for themselves how fps can work for them. As soon as they receive their first payment you receive your voucher. Not only that you will be flavour of the month as you will have not only helped them receive their pay in the best way possible, but they too will receive a voucher for £25.00. What are you waiting for? http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=27 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT ContractorCalculator has published an interesting article which suggests that more contractors will look to run their own companies and the contracting world will start to desert umbrella companies. The post also warns of further consolidation in the umbrella market as smaller players begin to suffer in worsening trading conditions. However, for many contractors, administering their own company is not as simple as it sounds. It can actually be a huge headache There are so many things they'll be responsible for, everything from reviewing contracts, invoicing, tax returns, employers returns, the list goes on. If they don't get the company accounts in on time, it's the contractor who is held responsible, not his or her accountant. Company law is always changeing so contractors running their own company will have to keep on top that too. All this, on top of doing your actual job. Umbrella companies take away all those responsibilities while still allowing contractors to work as tax efficiently as possible. Look for a reputable umbrella company that has no debt, otherwise a contractor could risk having to shoulder the debt in times of trouble. http://www.fpsgroup.com/cgi-bin/fpsg.cgi?Command=ShowNews&db_nid=23 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT The Times broke a story about tough times for temps working for Amazon over the busy run up to Christmas recently. Apparently temporary staff work seven days a week and risk the sack if they take time off sick. Very Scroogelike, indeed.The Times sent their reporter to spend seven working days at Amazon's warehouse after signing up with a large employment agency. She was told that the hourly rate for a day shift was £6.30, 57p more than the minimum wage. She worked on an evening shift until midnight, earning £6.80 an hour, but was told that she would have to pay £8.50 a day to use a communal bus laid on by the recruitment firm unless she could arrange her own travel to Amazon's warehouse. The Times quoted Allan Lyall, vice president of EU operations for Amazon: "During 2008, we have taken on over 4,000 temporary fulfilment centre associates in the UK and are benefiting from the lowest level of employees leaving the company that we have experienced over all our 11 Christmases. We hope that a good number of these will go on to become permanent members of the Amazon.co.uk team as well." FPS Umbrella salutes Britain's temporary workers who pull out the stops and put up with a lot over the festive season. What would our economy do without them? test