The Big Four accountancy firms signed £307m worth of contracts for new government consultancy projects in 2018, with PwC  taking the largest slice

The government is planning to introduce tougher rules to tackle abuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality clauses in the workplace

The government is to consult on proposed  measures to improve employment conditions for flexible workers, including compensation for short-notice cancellations, as part of the government’s Good Work Plan

The government is planning to extend the legal protections against redundancy by six months for new mothers returning to work, subject to further consultation 

In this week’s accountancy career moves, partner appointments at RSM, Deloitte Legal and CVR Global, internal promotions at UHY Hacker Young and senior appointments at FRC and IESBA

The Charity Commission has appointed interim managers to Island Health Trust amid concerns about how funds were managed by former trustees

Sir Jon Thompson is to leave the top post at HMRC after just three years to take on the role of chief executive at the troubled audit regulator, Financial Reporting Council (FRC)

Having an accountancy qualification or holding a masters of business administration (MBA) are the two most common routes to the top roles in the UK’s largest companies, according to a survey from recruitment specialist Robert Half

In this week’s accountancy career moves, partner hires at Grant Thornton, BHP, UHY Hacker Young and RSM, EY adds 57 partners, new council members at the Financial Reporting Council, board appointments at the Institute of Internal Auditors and Parasol bolsters IR35 service

Simon Wright, managing director at CareersinAudit.com gives the accountancy profession some pointers on how to ensure your online presence is professional and reflects your skills and experience

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into educational charity Avicenna Global due to concerns over potential misconduct and mismanagement at the Sheffield-based charity

Fraud is costing businesses and individuals in the UK £130bn each year, while the cost to the global economy is put at £3.89 trillion, with losses rising by 56% in the past decade

Top twenty firm Haines Watts has reported turnover of £96m for the year, up from £84m, recording a 13% hike in revenues  from both organic growth and an active acquisition strategy

Progress on improving diversity in senior roles at the UK’s largest companies has stalled according to two research reports, with one estimating FTSE 350 boards are unlikely to achieve gender balance before 2090 at the current rate

Smith & Williamson, the financial and professional services firm, has reported 4.3% growth as operating income hits £278m and confirmed it is still planning to list in 2020