New Travel Processes and How They Might Affect You
Here at Umbrella Contracts, we’re proud to have a diverse base of customers (contractors), many of whom hold EU citizenship or are from even further afield. Recently the Government released new guidance about travel logistics with careful consideration to the difficulties that COVID still poses, and with preparatory advice enabling you to stay on the […]
In-Person Right-To-Work Checks to be Delayed in Favour of Digital
Gov’t decides to delay the return of in-person right-to-work (RTW) checks The recruitment industry has welcomed the news that the UK Government is to delay the return of in-person right-to-work (RTW) checks until September 1st at the earliest. The decision means the continuation of a more efficient, less logistically-challenging procedure that many are petitioning heavily […]
Why do Companies hire Contractors and Umbrella Employees?
If you’re considering getting into contracting it’s important to know your worth and to understand why a company may choose to engage you instead of taking on a permanent employee. There are a few distinct reasons that a business may choose contractors over “permies” – let’s use a very common industry in the contracting world […]
Confusing Terms Explained
What does it all mean? It can be confusing as a contractor starting out when you hear so many acronyms mentioned by both your agency and Umbrella Company. You may hear things such as IR35, WTR, AWR, and SDC along with terms such as ‘Opting Out’. You will also see it on documentation that you […]
How do I claim holidays?
How do I request holidays as an Umbrella Employee? As an employee of Umbrella Contracts you are entitled to annual holidays just like any other employee in the UK. Taking holidays while contracting via an umbrella company is a relatively simple process, but if you’re new to this way of working sometimes it can be […]
2021/22 Tax Changes
New Tax Changes The new tax year has begun, and necessary changes have been made by HMRC and the Government that will affect most people throughout the UK. These changes could see individuals gaining more in their monthly wages, but may also result in having to pay higher tax contributions. We’ve complied the brief snapshot […]
Umbrella 101 – How is my Salary Calculated?
You’ve been asked to use an umbrella company, but one aspect that can be confusing is how an umbrella company calculates the salary payment you get at the end of each week or month. When you’re an employee of a company, the employer offers you an annual or hourly rate and calculates and deducts your […]
Can my Agency Dictate what Umbrella I Use?
Can my recruitment agency dictate what umbrella company I use? As IR35 approaches more contractors are seeking the services of umbrella companies throughout the UK. For the most part, umbrella companies are suggested to contractors from the recruitment agency associated with their relevant assignment. This is an attempt to help the contractor speed up the […]
Penalties for IR35 discrepancies dropped in year 1
No penalties for incorrect IR35 determinations The UK Government has announced that will waive penalties relating to incorrect IR35 determinations for 12 months from April 6th 2021. The move comes amid widespread confusion relating to the legislation from both fee-payers and affected contractors. The immediate prose of IR35 reform remains true; as of April 6th […]
IR35: 5% expense allowance being withdrawn from PSC contractors
IR35 reform for the private sector is less than a month away and, as we draw closer, more and more scrutiny is being placed upon the finer details involved. One aspect that seems to have passed below the radar is the loss of a 5% allowance that used to exist for limited companies operating within […]
