iConsult Umbrella Enters Liquidation: What Contractors Need to Know
On 21 August 2025, iConsult Umbrella (iConsult Payment Solutions Limited) officially entered liquidation. The company’s website now carries a notice confirming it is no longer trading, leaving many contractors and agencies uncertain about unpaid wages, employment continuity, and compliance matters.
A Strong Reputation Before Closure
iConsult had built a solid reputation in the umbrella sector. It was FCSA-accredited, meaning it had been independently audited against industry standards, and it had generally positive reviews online.
On Trustpilot, iConsult held an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 across more than 150 reviews. Many contractors praised the company’s staff for being approachable and professional, highlighting smooth onboarding and reliable payroll in earlier years. For many, this reputation was a key factor in choosing iConsult as their umbrella.
Negative Feedback Emerges in Mid-2025
However, as the company approached liquidation, reviews began to tell a different story. From July 2025 onwards, multiple contractors reported sudden communication breakdowns, delays in salary payments, and uncertainty around the company’s financial stability.
One reviewer in late July wrote: “Company has gone into administration… no details provided on how to reclaim salary.” Another added: “Gone into administration – no contact, causing a lot of stress.”
These reviews show a clear shift from years of positive feedback to an abrupt collapse in service, with workers caught off guard by the speed of events.
What Liquidation Means for Contractors
When an umbrella company goes into liquidation:
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Unpaid salary and holiday pay become claims against the company’s assets.
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PAYE records should still be filed with HMRC, but errors or delays can occur.
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Pension contributions and deductions may need to be checked directly with providers.
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Recruitment agencies must quickly arrange alternative payroll solutions for affected contractors.
Details of the liquidation process, including how to make claims, will be published by the appointed liquidator in due course. Contractors should monitor updates closely.
Next Steps for Affected Workers
If you were employed by iConsult Umbrella, here are some immediate steps to take:
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Speak to your agency to confirm how your next payment will be processed.
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Check with HMRC that your PAYE and tax records are correct.
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Monitor liquidation notices for information on how to make claims for unpaid wages or holiday pay.
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Review alternative umbrella companies, prioritising providers with strong compliance credentials such as FCSA accreditation and, ideally, SafeRec certification for added transparency.
Lessons for the Umbrella Sector
The sudden collapse of iConsult demonstrates the risks contractors face when an umbrella fails, even one with accreditations and a history of positive customer reviews. While compliance audits are vital, they cannot guarantee financial resilience.
For contractors, this is a reminder to not only check accreditations but also to consider the financial stability and transparency of umbrella providers. For the sector, it raises important questions about whether stronger safeguards are needed to protect workers in future collapses.
