[UPDATED 03/07/2023] We have encountered rumours that Optimum Pay Group, previously accredited by Professional Passport, has stopped paying their employees. If you are a contractor or freelancer using Optimum Pay Group, please get in contact with us by commenting below and letting us know the current status of the umbrella company.
Optimum Pay Group, an umbrella company that was recently accredited by Professional Passport, appear to have stopped paying workers (based on rumours we have heard on 23rd June 2023). Having looked on Professional Passports’ website, we see that they are no longer accredited.
If you use Optimum Pay Group for your payroll, please comment below and let us know if these rumours are true or not, and please let us know your experiences with the umbrella company since you registered with them.
The following quote is from a recent Trustpilot review:
“My partner hasn’t got paid and the chat bot ignored us. Don’t use this company for your employees.
To add to this, he was promised he would get paid today and he still hadn’t received the money he has earned. He has already emailed luciapino but no response, where can I send his email address to resolve this issue?”
Update on 03/07/2023
Over the last few days, we’ve received some concerning comments and emails about Optimum Pay Group. However, we must point out that we do not have any definitive information about what is going on. If you represent Optimum Pay Group, please do reach out to us and let us know what is going on at the moment – to provide reassurance to your umbrella company employees. Please email info@umbrellacompanies.org.uk, and we’ll publicly post any updates we receive from Optimum Pay Group representatives.
The umbrellacompanies.org.uk website is here to share facts and genuine concerns with our readers. We are not here to spread rumours, which is why we would like to thank those who have contacted us, and why we are urging Optimum Pay Group representatives to email us (from an email address with an official company domain) so that we can share an update with our readers.
“I cannot get through to Optimum”
One concerned contractor has commented to say that Optimum Pay Group has failed to pay them on time. The comment said:
“I have noticed today that I have not been paid, I cannot get through to Optimum and have been trying for two hours”.
Another contractor reiterated the difficulty in reaching out to Optimum Pay Group:
“Not contactable today. Mixed, conflicting stories, from Customer Care team all week.. Not reassured. Leaving them. Shane’s, as they were very efficient and reliable.. Now they are history.. Shame”.
In an email anonymously sent to us, a concerned stakeholder (possibly an umbrella employee with Optimum Pay Group, but we cannot be certain) explained the situation from their point of view. The email stated:
“Yes, there is extreme cause for concern for all contractors currently being paid by optimum pay group.
At present the largest area of concern is for those who are registered as CIS.
The staff of Optimum and its parent company the bolton group, are currently locked out of their office with minimal access to systems since Friday 30th June.”
The email also suggested that senior staff at Optimum Pay Group are currently under HMRC investigation, and that parts of Optimum are currently being liquidated. Links were included:
- Resolutions for Winding Up – OPTIMUM CIS LIMITED (https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4384530)
- Appointment of Liquidators – OPTIMUM CIS LIMITED (https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4384532)
I have noticed today that I have not been paid, I cannot get through to Optimum and have been trying for two hours.
Not contactable today
Mixed, conflicting stories, from Customer Care team all week.. Not reassured. Leaving them. Shane’s, as they were very efficient and reliable.. Now they are history.. Shame