Another brand under the Optionis Group, SJD Accountancy, has also been hit by cybercriminals. Earlier today, we wrote an article about a similar threat faced by Nixon Williams – contractor accountants within the Optionis Group. Here is what we know. Two Optionis brands, Parasol (umbrella company) and Nixon Williams (contractor …
“Key systems” at SJD Accountancy impacted by cyber security incident » Read the full story
2022 has already been a very stressful year for several leading umbrella companies that have been subjected to malicious cyber threats, including Brookson and Parasol. Now, it appears another leading umbrella company and contractor accountant has been targeted by cybercriminals – Nixon Williams. We’ve found an update on the Nixon …
Brookson, a leading UK-based umbrella company, had been hit by a cyber-attack this week that’s caused a temporary halt to services. Astonishingly, Brookson is not alone. Parasol, another well-known umbrella, has also been targeted recently, and Giant Pay was heavily impacted by cyber criminals last year. The Freelancer and Contractor …
The FCSA responds to recent cyber-attacks targetting umbrella companies » Read the full story
Sadly, the threat of umbrella company cloning doesn’t appear to have faded away. Instead, it remains a severe danger to the industry. If you work for an umbrella company, you must understand what umbrella company cloning is to protect your own business. But it isn’t just umbrella companies that need …
Umbrella company cloning remains a serious threat to the sector in 2022 » Read the full story
The government has opened a consultation into the umbrella company marketplace, and it is seeking assistance from contractors, payroll providers and industry stakeholders. If you use an umbrella company or have feedback that could help the government, you’re being encouraged to participate. The more participants, the better the government will …
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has confirmed that Chris Bryce is taking over as CEO (previously the CEO at IPSE), replacing Phil Pluck. Keep reading for more information about the change in CEO and a brief introduction to the FCSA’s new leader. Farewell to Phil Pluck, and a …
The FCSA welcomes Chris Bryce as new CEO » Read the full story
There is no hiding from the fact that changes to IR35 (off-payroll) have resulted in more unscrupulous tax avoidance schemes targetting workers who require umbrella payroll (PAYE). It’s disappointing to see. While most umbrellas are UK based and fully compliant with HMRC’s rules and regulations, some are preying on vulnerable …
The government has unveiled a new open consultation, and they would like you to help. Whether you work through an umbrella company, possibly as a contractor or freelancer, or you represent a recruitment agency or end-hirer, now is your time to share your thoughts on umbrella companies to help the …
How Can You Help The Government Regulate The Umbrella Company Sector? » Read the full story
Unusually, the government has opened a consultation to “call for evidence to ensure it has an up-to-date and well-informed view of how the umbrella company market operates”. Is this a sign that the umbrella company is on the verge of being regulated by the government? Keep reading, and we’ll summarise …
Is The Government On The Verge Of Regulating Umbrella Companies? » Read the full story
The demand for umbrella companies is rising due to recent changes to off-payroll working rules (IR35). It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of temporary workers require the services of an umbrella for their payroll. Our latest article is aimed at both well-established contractors and those who are becoming temporary workers …
Sadly, it appears that a well-known umbrella company has filed for liquidation – leaving hundreds of contractors potentially without pay. This is a terrible scenario, and our deepest sympathies are with all the affected employees. We sincerely hope that all outstanding payments are made and no temporary worker finds themselves …
Helpful information if you are unpaid by an umbrella company » Read the full story
In a recent article posted on Contractor UK, HMRC defends itself for exclusively referring contractors to umbrella companies that have an accreditation from the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) and claim it’s because of a supplier. From our perspective – surely this is proof that HMRC values the FCSA? …
The umbrella company sector has recently come under scrutiny from several stakeholders. Some have gone as far to refer to the marketplace as being like the “wild west”. Keep reading our blog, and we’ll explain why the umbrella company industry has been criticised and what you can do to ensure …
Why is the umbrella company marketplace compared to the “wild west”? » Read the full story
In September, we reported that Unified Payroll, a well-known umbrella company, was subjected to security issues that resulted in delayed payments to its employees. Well over a month later, there still appears to be no resolution to the deeply concerning situation. Here is what we know so far. Overview Several …
No Update From Unified Payroll Leaves Umbrella Employees Very Worried » Read the full story
The FCSA, the UK’s leading professional body committed to ensuring the supply chain of temporary workers is compliant with UK tax law, has updated its Charter in response to concerns raised by third parties. Rather than approach the FCSA in a calm and collected manner, some stakeholders were quick to …
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has had its website cloned by a third party. This type of behaviour is shameful. The person or persons responsible registered a similar-sounding domain on the 11th of October and have built a replica of the FCSA’s website. The cloned website includes bogus …
