The latest news affecting umbrella companies in the UK. Featuring HMRC, the Agency Workers Directive, the 2003 Agency Regulations, and IR35.
In a recent article (July 2022) by Chris Bryce on the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association’s (FCSA) website, it’s been unveiled that the FCSA has updated its Codes of Compliance. With the primary objective of the FCSA to “champion compliance across the sector and protect the interests of members, workers […]
The FCSA Updates Codes Of Compliance – July 2022 » Read the full story
As if choosing a compliant umbrella company isn’t difficult enough! There are over 500 umbrellas in the UK, and while most are compliant, some are tax avoidance schemes preying on vulnerable contractors and freelancers. In an article by Contractor UK, a ‘sham’ accreditation body has been identified. If you’re a
An FCSA accredited umbrella company, Exchequer Solutions, has lost a First-Tier Tribunal against HMRC relating to an £11 million tax bill due to errors processing historical contractor expenses. In this article, we summarise the case between HMRC and Exchequer Solutions and share the FCSA’s official response to the First-Tier Tribunal
Using an umbrella company is a popular payroll choice for tens of thousands of contractors and freelancers working on temporary assignments. However, not everyone is keen to use an umbrella. There have been reports of recruitment agencies forcing temporary workers to use specific umbrella companies if they want to keep
Contractors should never feel forced to use an umbrella company » Read the full story
Compliant umbrella companies will not only explain how holiday pay works before you register with them, but they’ll also ensure they process it compliantly and as requested. Frustratingly, this hasn’t always been the case and a few umbrella companies have been accused of retaining holiday pay for themselves – leaving
In a report (25th May 2022) by the Committee of Public Accounts entitled ‘Lessons from implementing IR35 reforms’, HMRC is accused of having “done little to understand the wider impact of the reforms on workers or labour markets”. Keep reading as we summarise the report and share IPSE’s views on
There is often a lot of confusion surrounding umbrella company fees, so we wanted to clarify any misunderstandings. This article will explain how umbrella companies make money and what you should expect to retain after the deductions to your gross salary have been made. If you have any questions, please
Umbrella company fees: what do you need to know? » Read the full story
In an online corporate report (‘Current list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers’), HMRC named and shamed three tax avoidance schemes. While three isn’t many, it’s a start. Keep reading for more information, including the warning signs of a tax avoidance scheme and what you should do
HMRC name and shame three tax avoidance schemes » Read the full story
If you’re a contractor or freelancer, there are many rules and regulations to understand within your sector – especially when it comes to payroll. For example, with so many temporary workers finding themselves inside IR35 since recent changes to off-payroll working rules, hundreds of thousands of workers have been required
10 organisations every contractor and freelancer should be following » Read the full story
We’ve noticed that many contractors and freelancers are Google searching for ‘umbrella company examples’, and as a result, our team has put a few examples together to help you out. Please keep reading for two umbrella company examples – one example being an experience with a compliant umbrella company and
The umbrella company market is booming, and there are over 500 providers in the UK. With so many companies to choose from, how do you know which umbrella will provide you with the best value and most reliable payroll service? Please keep reading because this guide will explain everything you
An Umbrella Company Comparison Guide » Read the full story
Transferring umbrella companies sounds stressful. However, you may be surprised to know that it’s pretty easy, and your new umbrella will support you throughout the process. Please keep reading, and we’ll summarise the steps involved when transferring umbrella companies, and we’ll help you decide whether it’s worth moving or not.
Should You Bother Transferring Umbrella Companies? » Read the full story
In a blog on the Freelancer and Contractor Service Association’s (FCSA) website, CEO Chris Bryce explains how he believes leaving out the Employment Bill from the Queen’s speech is a “missed opportunity”. Chris reiterates the umbrella company sector still requires “much-needed” regulations to protect contingent workers. Keep reading for more
There are hundreds of umbrella companies in the UK, meaning it’s difficult to choose a provider you can trust with so many options. To help make your life easier, we’ve updated our popular umbrella company directory that shows the providers accredited by either the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA)
The UCHQ team recently received an email from a concerned contractor. The message suggested an FCSA accredited umbrella company had given the contractor a misleading take-home pay illustration, and this was discovered once the worker had been paid for the first time. Please keep reading, and we’ll share the story
The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) has released a report which looks at the attitudes of temporary workers who are using the services of umbrella companies for payroll. The report has some fascinating findings, as we summarise in this article. Please keep reading for more information and
