It may not be the end of the year just yet, but as we close in on Christmas 2024, it's been an interesting year.
It's been mixed fortunes for those of us working in the contingent labour market in the UK.
Political unrest and change during the year did not help the underlying economic uncertainty that has dogged us for the last few years. However, inflation and interest rates have moved more favourably for businesses and individuals. The consensus of successive governments remains to promote economic growth and development of industry and business with better skills and more jobs.
So, while many of our clients and competitors have reported 2024 as a challenging year without significant growth, there is still plenty of positivity for the new year and beyond.
Change Has Been the Buzzword of 2024
As the history books will tell us, 2024 was a year for change.
This was never more evident than when the Labour Party won the general election and returned to power after 14 years on the back of a campaign founded on a vote for change.
A significant part of Labour’s manifesto revolved around its “Plan to Make Work Pay” and its promise to provide better and fairer rights to workers. Although still in their embryonic stages, these plans will change the contingent labour market, although it will be a while before we see the extent of their impact.
In a final nod to the political realm, this year’s autumn statement included a historical first mention of the umbrella sector. An accompanying proposal to shift the responsibility for PAYE from the umbrella company to a recruitment agency was another unequivocal sign that change is on the horizon for the sector.
Back in January, our Managing Director, Tracey Williams, commented that “compliance and control will become the cornerstone of the relationship between the agency and the umbrella company.” (Article)
Truer words were never spoken.
Chances to Celebrate TJW
Amidst the hustle and bustle of such a busy year, we also enjoyed and celebrated a couple of milestones. 2024 saw TJW Contract Solutions mark its 13th anniversary in business, and our Director, Darren Underwood, celebrated ten years of working at TJW.
Exciting Plans for 2025
At TJW Contract Solutions, we’re very proud of our achievements and the bonds we have forged throughout the year. As an organisation that genuinely cares about the well-being of our contractors and clients, our aim for 2025 is to continue to flex and adapt our services to each customer's unique needs.
As always, our contractors and agency partners will be the focus of our efforts, and we appreciate all of you who have worked with us and supported us during 2024.
For more updates from TJW Contract Solutions, visit our website at https://www.tjwcontracts.co.uk/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
Alternatively, call our team on 01784 270300. We’re always happy to help.
