Colin, IT Contractor, West Midlands

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• An Introduction to Agency PSLs for Contractors

  If you’re a contractor working through an agency, chances are you’ve come across Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) in the past. In simple terms, a PSL is a pre-approved list of umbrella companies that an agency will work with. So, what exactly does it mean for you and your chosen umbrella company?

  PSLs can be confusing. Sometimes they are strict, yet other times they can be merely guidelines. Searching for answers doesn’t seem to help clarify the situation either. If you look up PSLs online, you’ll find that most of the information on them is there to help agencies and not contractors. Fortunately, Umbrella Broker is here to buck the trend. Read on as we take a closer look at PSLs, why they exist and how they could affect you.

  A brief introduction to PSLs

  A PSL – also known as an ASL (approved supplier list) – is something you’ll find at the majority of agencies nowadays. They’re an agencies way of controlling who their contractors use as an umbrella company.

  Some agencies use simply them as the name suggests – as a way to recommend their preferred umbrella suppliers to their contractors. Yet others are stricter and refuse to work with umbrella companies that aren’t on their PSL. Why? The reasons are mainly two-fold…

  Compliance

  Agencies will openly admit that they use PSLs to maintain compliance. Essentially, they want umbrella companies to be legally compliant, meeting all the same regulations as they do themselves. So, they make an ASL or PSL comprising of all the compliant umbrella companies they have either audited or belong to a trusted umbrella organisations such as the FCSA.

  They will complete regular audits of companies on their PSL to ensure they are always following the correct rules. That way, they can let contractors bill through these umbrella companies safe in the knowledge that there will be no future kick back to them should that contractor have chosen to be liberal with their tax payments

  Financial incentives

  Another reason, which some agencies are less open about, is the financial incentives given to agencies by the umbrella companies that are on their PSLs.

  Having a list of companies which you prefer or insist on contractors using will naturally provide more business for those companies. This limits the companies that contractors can use, or at least points them in a certain direction, helping those on the PSL sell more.

  In return for sending contractors their way, the favour is returned by the umbrella company in the form of commission payments, although these aren’t always strictly legal.

  The benefits of PSLs for contractors

  We’ve firmly established that PSLs are advantageous to agencies. But on top of that, they can also help contractors in a number of ways:

  1.    Trust

  Most agencies’ PSLs will only include companies with certain accreditations, such as:

  • The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
  • The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE)
  • The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA)

  These organisations require certain standards from their members. Companies have to be compliant to gain accreditation. With that in mind, a good PSL provides you with a list of umbrella companies you can trust.

  2.    Specialists

  While some umbrella companies provide services across sectors, others specialise in specific industries. If you’re looking for the latter, a PSL could help. Agencies might only include umbrella companies that operate in and understand your sector.

  This will make things easier going forward, as they can assist with any industry-specific issues or regulations that come up.

  3.    Services

  Agencies will know what services and additional extras their clients require, from fundamental payroll and benefits to different kinds of insurance. Through a PSL, you could find that all companies provide these services – rather than having to search and filter through many that don’t.

  4.    Convenience

  Let’s face it, comparing umbrella companies can be stressful if you go it alone. Where do you start, with so many different providers, varying service levels and prices?

  A PSL gives you a list of recommended umbrella companies to choose from to narrow things down. Be wary, however, as they may just be companies who have agreed to pay the agency for this privilege.

  To make their services more attractive, PSL umbrella companies may even offer a discount to contractors operating through certain agencies.

  How to navigate a PSL

  A PSL could have several of the benefits listed above. However, it could have none. It’s important to ask agencies about their PSL or ASL so you know exactly where you stand. Find out whether they are accredited, industry specialists and what services they offer.

  Make sure you’re clear on whether the list is preferred or obligatory. If it’s just a recommended list of umbrella companies, there’s nothing stopping you looking elsewhere for a better deal and more comprehensive service.

  It’s also worth noting that agencies can’t legally take money for pushing contractors towards using a particular umbrella company. So, if you suspect this is happening, remember there’s no obligation to use those umbrella companies.

  Alternatives to a PSL

  Despite all the potential benefits of a PSL to contractors, it’s quite rare that they are fine-tuned and filtered in the contractors interests. Instead, they focus on the benefits to agencies, with compliance top of the list. While compliance also matters to contractors, you ideally want an umbrella company that ticks all the boxes and gives you the greatest financial benefit.

  Fortunately, there is a way to understand how each umbrella company benefits you financially. Using a reliable umbrella company comparison site, you can compare providers based on what’s important to you. Whether it’s the price, reviews and ratings, or additional benefits, you can find the perfect company for you without any obligation.

  How can we help?

  At Umbrella Broker, we make it easy for contractors to find the perfect umbrella company for their needs. We have a wide collection of handpicked, well-reviewed providers, ready for you to compare online. Using our fast comparison tool, you can compare the very best umbrella companies based on your specific details.

  See your take home pay, any taxes and the effect of any benefits. If you want to know more, simply click on the chosen provider for more information. Best of all, there’s no need to resubmit information if you want to see how a change in pay would impact your take-home pay or tax. It’s never been easier to choose the best umbrella company for you.

• What Exactly is an Umbrella Company?

  Contracting is an exciting career change for professionals in all kinds of sectors. It provides more income, added freedom and extra flexibility in the way you work. Rather than providing your services to an employer, you sell them directly to a client who pays you much like another company.

  However, unlike another company, you don’t have to use the same invoicing and payment route. Contractors can choose between setting up a limited company and working through an umbrella company. Unlike the sometimes-overwhelming step of setting up a limited company, an umbrella company provides a simple and straightforward way to start your contracting career.

  Want to know more? Read on as Umbrella Broker looks at how umbrella companies work, how they compare to the alternatives and whether a contractor umbrella company is right for you.

  The basics of umbrella companies

  It’s understandable that some people are unfamiliar with umbrella companies. If you’re not a contractor, they’re not really something you will encounter. However, they’re actually one of the most common options for contractors because of how easy they make it to work for yourself.

  While limited companies need to be set up and run by contractors, umbrella companies simply hire contractors as pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) employees. You are added to the payroll of the umbrella company and pay a fee to them. For this fee, they take care of all your administrative and financial duties – like a permanent employer.

  They will provide statutory rights like insurance and paid leave. They’re also responsible for paying your taxes, so any money you receive is your take home pay. However, unlike a permanent employer, your umbrella company won’t set you work. You can take on contracts as normal, focus on work and leave the administrative work to them.

  How do umbrella companies work?

  When you’re employed by an umbrella company, you simply submit your timesheet to them after each contract. They will then invoice your client and chase payments, like a middle man working on your behalf. Once payment is received, the umbrella company will deduct and pay the right amount of tax and national insurance contributions (NICs) from your wage and transfer you the final sum.

  Should I use an umbrella company?

  Umbrella companies aren’t for everyone. The alternative – setting up your own limited company – provides higher income as a trade-off for more administrative work. With that in mind, umbrella companies are the ideal solution for contractors that don’t have the time to run their own business while also completing contract work.

  Unlike a limited company, there’s no need to keep track of different payments, create and send invoices or calculate your own tax and NICs. It also removes the burden of company accounts and VAT returns, so you have complete peace of mind and can focus on the job at hand for each contract you work on.

  You don’t have to kick back and relax though. The time and energy you save can be put towards more work or other projects. You could even spend the time on training to improve your skills and secure higher-paid contracts in future.

  Umbrella companies are also useful for people who are new to contracting. Many professionals use them as a transition between regular employment and running their own business. As you become more experienced and establish a bigger client network, it’s possible to switch to a limited company at a later date.

  It’s also the ideal route if you only plan to work in contracting for a temporary period as it’s easy to move in and out of an umbrella company – as opposed to setting up and dissolving a limited company. For that reason, many professionals use umbrella companies to try out contracting and see if it suits them.

  Umbrella company vs limited company

  Setting up a limited company, as mentioned, is the main alternative to working through an umbrella company. It’s the route that matches “be your own boss” to a tee. And it has significant financial benefits if you’re willing to put in the extra work.

  Limited companies are a more tax efficient option. Contractors name themselves as the company director and sole shareholder, taking a salary as dividends. There are other tax benefits too, with directors entitled to claim back tax on accountancy fees or office costs in some cases.

  Another benefit with limited companies is the removal of a service fee. As you’re running your own company and taking care of your own finances, there’s no need to pay a service fee from your income.

  However, with this role comes extra responsibility. Unlike an umbrella company, you’re solely responsible for your finances, tax and general administration. That means processing invoices, chasing payments and paying yourself through the company. It may even be worth hiring an accountant to assist with these responsibilities, which could take away some of the financial benefit.

  Making your choice

  To decide between an umbrella company and limited company, carefully consider how much time and effort you can commit to contracting. If you’re just starting out or, for whatever reason, you don’t have the time to take care of invoicing and tax, an umbrella company may be the best option.

  Alternatively, if you’re looking for the highest possible income and you’re prepared to commit the time and effort – a limited company might be suitable. Remember, a limited company is more of a commitment, while you can easily use an umbrella company for a short period to test things out.

• Umbrella vs Limited Company: Which Is Right for Contractors?

  Umbrella companies are a great option for contractors who want to keep things simple. They take the administrative burden of invoicing, payroll and tax off your plate, giving you a final sum of ‘take home pay’ every month, or after each job.

  Eventually, however, many contractors make the switch from an umbrella company to becoming a limited company. Generally, it’s because of reduced taxation – and higher income as a result.

  But when is the right time to make the switch? And are you ready? Read on as Umbrella Broker takes a look at the transition from umbrella to limited company.

  The best fit for you

  Working for yourself isn’t a case of one size fits all. It’s important to find the best way of doing things, especially when you’re starting out. Most self-employed professionals begin as sole traders, which is the simplest way to effectively run a business – without any of the registration fees.

  As things become more complex, many contractors make the move to an umbrella company. These firms take on contractors as employees, taking payments and paying tax on their behalf while paying out income monthly or on a job-by-job basis. This is something of a hassle-free option for contractors.

  However, as business begins to grow and more opportunities arise, it may become more suitable to set up a limited company. This changes how you’re taxed and can increase your income as a result. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done, so it’s important not to dive in too soon.

  Introducing the umbrella company

  Umbrella companies are all about simplicity. Getting set up is refreshingly simple. You just need to sign a contract with an umbrella company, who will contract your services to other businesses. You don’t have to actually set up a company and there’s minimal administration going forward

  Day to day, umbrella companies take care of invoicing, payroll and taxation. In many cases, they even source contracts for you so you don’t need to market yourself and network. Sometimes, it’s necessary to find your own work and you may have to review your contract with the umbrella company occasionally. However, by and large, you can focus on your job and whatever you choose to do outside of work.

  Drawbacks of umbrella companies

  It’s not all advantageous though. This minimal responsibility is matched with a reduced level of control. Umbrella companies determine how you are paid and taxed for sick days, holidays and maternity or paternity leave.

  Using an umbrella company also means your tax is paid through pay as you earn (PAYE). This is the system used by permanent employees across the UK, and on the plus side it is a lot simpler as this is taken care of by the umbrella company. So, less admin time on the accounts. However, you can’t take advantages of any of the tax benefits that come with having a limited company.

  Finally, you will need to pay a small fee to work through an umbrella company. This is typically a fair amount, but it does mean your pay will be reduced to around the 70% mark when combined with tax deductions. In most cases, this will still be significantly better than what you would have earnt in permanent employment. And with a steady stream of contracts and less time hunting for new work, you can easily offset the fees.

  What about limited companies?

  Limited companies are a tax-efficient alternative for contractors, allowing them to maximise their take home pay. As a contractor, you become the director of your company, as well as the sole shareholder. This allows you to claim numerous extra expenses as well as drawing some of your funds out as a dividend, which is subject to far less tax than the PAYE rate.

  Needless to say, limited companies are financially beneficial for contractors. As mentioned, working through an umbrella company, you can expect to take home around 70% of your earnings. In contrast, a limited company will typically provide over 80% of your earnings as take-home pay.

  Limited company drawbacks

  There are some downsides to limited company ownership. First of all, you will need to set up the business. This requires choosing a name and submitting your details to Companies House either online or on paper. This small step is well worth it considering the financial benefit in the long term.

  When switching from umbrella to limited, you also have to once again take on the administrative burden of invoicing and taxation. You’re completely responsible for your finances – and that of your company – so you have to chase clients for payments and make sure everything is spot on for tax.

  Fortunately, accounting services can reduce the burden of these tasks, either by assisting or taking them on completely. You may find that the price of professional accounting assistance is more than covered by the financial benefit of running a limited company.

  Time to switch

  The extra control of a limited company versus working through an umbrella can be useful as a contractor. If things go wrong or you’re expecting a lack of work for the foreseeable future, it’s much easier to prepare your finances and adapt to the changing situation.

  If you’re working through an umbrella company and you’re ready to take on the challenges explained above, it’s time to start setting up your limited company. Be sure to inform any existing clients about your plans to set up as a limited company as well as any service providers or suppliers.

  Following this, set up a business bank account and inform HMRC of your changed status. You will need to register for corporation tax within 3 months of beginning to trade and register for VAT through your company. To pay yourself a director’s salary, you’ll also need to register as an employer with HMRC.

• Are Umbrella Companies Exempt from IR35?

  Introducing IR35 (And How Umbrella Companies Can Help)

  With hefty fees for non-compliance, it’s essential for contractors to understand IR35 and umbrella companies. In short, IR35 legislation is used to distinguish between companies providing a service to clients and people who are essentially employed by those companies. But there are plenty of ins, outs and tricky points to be aware of, including the role of umbrella companies. Confused yet?

  Don’t be caught out. Read on for the Umbrella Broker guide to IR35, your status and how umbrella companies could help.

  A short history lesson in IR35

  The road to IR35 started in the 1980s, when HMRC introduced a rule making recruitment companies liable for any tax errors they made prior to paying contractors. It made working with self-employed contractors far riskier for recruitment companies, with many subsequently refusing to deal with them.

  To continue working with recruitment companies, contractors began setting themselves up as limited companies, for which recruitment companies held no liability. This also meant they could pay themselves in dividends, which are subject to lower rates of income tax and exempt from national insurance contributions.

  Understandably, this meant HMRC was taking significantly less tax from the market. The new system also enabled companies to effectively ‘hire’ limited companies without the usual responsibilities as an employer. To counter these issues, they introduced IR35 in 2000.

  What is IR35?

  Also known as the Intermediaries Legislation, IR35 aimed to establish a contractor’s true employment status. So, those who were operating through limited companies – known as ‘intermediary companies’ or ‘intermediaries’ – would still have to pay tax and national insurance under traditional employee rules.

  Since its introduction, it’s become hugely important for contractors to assess their status. Operating through an intermediary and paying less tax and national insurance may seem beneficial. However, any savings will likely have to be paid back. In most cases, this is further down the line when you don’t have anything close to the full amount readily available.

  Who is in and who is out?

  With that in mind, it’s important to determine whether you’re operating inside IR35 or outside of it. Unfortunately, there is no clear way to tell because IR35 has no set definition for a case which is inside or outside of the regulation. To assess your status, HMRC provides status tests online.

  The tests can be used by an agency placing a worker, an organisation hiring a worker, or a worker themselves who is providing a service. They cover several different aspects of the working engagement:

  • Responsibilities of the worker
  • Who decides what the worker needs to do
  • Who decides the terms of work – when and where it’s done
  • How the worker is paid
  • Whether the work engagement includes any expenses or benefits

  These criteria help determine who is in control of the worker. When there is a right to exercise control over a worker, they are likely to be classed as an employee. They also assess the right to employ other assistants or substitutes to perform the job. Employees are hired to do the job directly, themselves, while truly self-employed contractors may hire someone to do it for them if necessary.

  After taking the status tests, you can print your results as a way to demonstrate that you took reasonable care. These assessments need to be completed for each work assignment. If any of your working arrangements change, you will need to check again whether you’re inside or outside IR35.

  Why it’s worth checking

  As well as avoiding costs further down the line, there are a multitude of reasons to check the IR35 status of contracting work:

  • Comparing jobs – If you’re in a position to choose between two or more contracts, IR35 status could be a deciding factor. Jobs that are outside IR35 typically provide more income because of lower taxation.
  • Operating structure – Checking your IR35 status could provide better direction for your contracting work. If you’re operating inside IR35, for instance, it may be worth considering an umbrella company. On the other hand, if you’re operating outside IR35, it could be beneficial to set up a limited company.
  • Limited companies – If you’re already operating as a limited company, being inside IR35 will determine how you need to receive and pay tax on income.

  What about umbrella companies?

  A popular way to circumnavigate IR35 is by using an umbrella company. Umbrella companies employ contractors and work as an intermediary between them and their clients. This provides a balance between the ‘be your own boss’ benefits of contracting and the simplicity of being an employee.

  With an umbrella company, you are classed as an employee, with no need to worry about payroll, accounts and taxation. This means there is no need to determine your IR35 status time and time again. Contracting umbrella companies are fully tax-compliant, so you won’t be caught out by any charges in the future.

  Invoicing and chasing payments is also taken care of by umbrella companies, removing a stressful and time-consuming task for contractors. Essentially, they eliminate the cost and hassle of operating a limited company.

  Penalties and tax implications

  Under IR35, the traditional low salary & high dividend model – used by limited companies – is unavailable to contractors. And if you’re caught by IR35, regardless of whether you’re using a limited company or an umbrella company, you will need to process your full contract value through PAYE.

  This means that a Limited Company will be largely uneconomical as it adds an extra cost and administration burden when compared to an umbrella. In the event you fail to process your payments through PAYE, you could be subject to an IR35 fine of up to 100% of the unpaid taxes due. In short, getting your tax calculations right is paramount.

  Why an umbrella is the smart move

  Whether it’s IR35 penalties or increased taxation from being classed as an employee (even if you have a Limited company), IR35 can significantly impact the amount contractors take home each month. This means using an umbrella company is the smart way to ensure that throughout your contracting career it doesn’t matter whether you’re caught by IR35 or not.

• Insurance For Contractors

  Insurance for contractors is of paramount importance, covering you against legal costs, unexpected damage and even cyber attacks. There are several kinds of contractor insurance available, so it’s a smart move to get familiar before choosing the right one for you.

  That’s where Umbrella Broker can help, with our review of the different types of cover available to contractors…

   

  Public liability insurance

  There are two kinds of liability insurance available for contractors. The first is public liability insurance, which covers any risk to the public and the resulting claims. This could be anything from your postman slipping when delivering to your site, falling debris from scaffolding causing injury or just somebody tripping over a loose cable while passing.

  It also includes your clients when they visit your premises, as well as any damage that may be caused by you or your employees when visiting a client’s site. Let’s say you knock over something expensive while you’re there – they won’t think twice about claiming for that damage.

  In short, public liability insurance is essential for anyone who deals with customers or clients face to face. The cost will depend on a number of factors, such as:

  • Your industry
  • How many employees and clients you have
  • Your location
  • Previous claims

   

  Employers’ liability insurance

  The other type of cover is employers’ liability insurance, which is a legal requirement for contractors with one or more employees. Here’s the difference: employers’ liability insurance protects you against costs from compensation should employees become injured or unwell from work.

  As soon as you take on any employees, you need to be covered for at least £5 million by employers’ liability insurance. Insurance must be provided by an authorised insurer and it includes any casual workers or short-term contracts. Fail to do so and you could face a fine of up to £2,500 per uninsured day.

   

  Professional indemnity insurance

  With professional indemnity insurance, you’re protected from any claims against your services, products or advice. So, if a client claims that your work is substandard or incomplete, your insurance will cover the cost of the legal defence and any expenses as well as any compensation should they succeed in claiming against you.

  Professional indemnity insurance is required for several professions – such as management consultancy, business consultancy and IT contractors – in order to secure contracts. Basically, clients want to know you’re covered, so they know they’re covered too.

  Even if you’re not legally obliged to take out professional indemnity insurance, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Legal fees and compensation can stack up and cost thousands just for one claim. They can be crippling if you have to fork out yourself, while the cost of insurance is completely manageable.

   

  Personal accident insurance

  As a contractor, there’s no sick pay to tide you by if a serious injury stops you working. Instead, you’ll be short of money or reliant on your own savings. That’s where personal accident insurance comes in. When you’re covered by personal accident insurance, you will receive an ongoing payment to cover the loss in profits while you’re out of work, or a lump sum if you suffer a permanent disability.

  Personal accident insurance can also be taken out for key employees. Again, if one of your employees is injured, it’s you that will need to cover their wage or sick pay. Statutory Sick Pay is £92.05 per week for up to 28 weeks and can no longer be reclaimed from the government. That’s over £350 per month, which could cause serious problems for some contractors if they need to cover it themselves.

  As well as temporary injuries, personal accident insurance can be taken out to cover death. A lump sum will be paid out for people who are covered by the policy. This could help relatives of the contractor, or the contractor themselves if one of their employees can no longer work.

   

  Contents insurance

  Insurance for your office contents protects you in case any office equipment or furniture is lost, stolen or damaged. This could be computers and office phones, furniture like desks and chairs or even important documents that are stored on your premises.

  You can even insure portable items, which aren’t stored permanently in your office. Fortunately, with the right flexible policy, you can get insurance for remote working too – so yourself or any employees will be insured when working at home.

   

  Buildings insurance

  Buildings insurance is useful for contractors who own their office. Unlike contents insurance, it covers fire and water damage to the office itself. Without it, a fire or leak could set you back thousands. However, it’s important to have contents insurance alongside buildings insurance, as no contents are covered by the latter.

   

  Cyber insurance

  Most contractors are reliant on digital tools in some way or another – whether it’s for communication, payment or just data storage. Needless to say, any data breaches, hacks or information loss can set you back and cost you big. That’s where cyber insurance comes in.

  Also known as cyber risk insurance, it covers you for the recovery process after any cyber damage or loss. This could include investigating what went wrong, notifying and compensating clients, and reimbursing monetary losses.

   

  Which type is right for you?

  Contractors’ insurance isn’t a case of “either-or”. Instead, it’s about deciding where the risk lies and which plans are required to cover you. Professional Indemnity and Public Liability are the two most common insurance types held by contractors – in addition to Employers’ Liability insurance because it’s required by law.

  However, Professional Indemnity insurance is required by some regulators and essential for members of some professional bodies. Because of this, both Professional Indemnity and Employers’ Liability insurance are provided as standard by umbrella companies.

  The other types of insurance – such as cover for contents, cyber attacks or personal accidents – are optional, but will provide that extra peace of mind.

   

  Make things easier

  If you’re looking for peace of mind with contracting work, Umbrella Broker can help. We help contractors find the right umbrella company and accountant, so there’s no need to worry about payroll and taxes.

  Need more information? Feel free to contact us today.

   

• Umbrella Company Services – The Next Steps for Contractors

  8 Key Steps to Start Using Umbrella Services

  Umbrella companies bridge the gap between full time employment and self-employed contracting. They take care of payroll, provide regular payment terms and in some cases offer employment benefits like paid holidays and sick pay.

  To sign up with an umbrella company online you’ll need to disclose some personal information along with signing a contract of employment, just like you would if you were accepting a job. Of course, working for an umbrella isn’t quite like any other means of employment but the paperwork you’ll fill out is very similar.

  All of the applications on Umbrella Broker are hosted by Adobe Sign, a safe and secure way to sign your contract and pass your personal details onto the umbrella.

  Umbrella Broker does not store the details you enter into these forms, they go directly to your new umbrella.

  Examples of the information in an application include:

  • Your name and address
  • Your contract details
  • Your bank details (so they can pay you)

  When you’ve completed your application, you chosen umbrella will hand hold you through a series of steps designed to ensure your payments run smoothly.

  Read on as we look at umbrella companies and how the process works after applying.

  1. Contacting your client or agency

  Having applied, your umbrella company will contact your end client or recruitment agency. They do this to inform clients or agencies that they will be invoicing on your behalf. This is a key step for yourself, your client or agency and your umbrella company as it’s the main thing that will be changing for all parties. You no longer have to worry about invoicing or chasing up payments.

  2. Verification

  Your umbrella company also needs to verify your identity. As a company you work through, they may never meet you. But they still need to check you’re entitled to work in the UK, for instance. To do so, they usually need a copy of your official ID documentation.

  This is also important because they need to cover you under their insurance. Umbrella companies typically provide public liability, professional indemnity and employers’ liability insurance for their employees. Again, this is a worry taken off your mind as it covers you against most damages, compensation or legal fees.

  3. Engagement

  To assist with set up, your agency or client will send an engagement pack to the umbrella company. This will include a schedule of your work and payment terms. Within this, your client or agency will also request details of your umbrella company’s insurance information and evidence of tax compliance, in some instances. Essentially, it’s a way of making sure you’re covered from day one.

  4. Contract exchange

  Your agency and umbrella company will exchange a contract for service. This outlines the agreement between the two companies and is separate from the contract you’ll sign with the umbrella company to become an employee.

  5. Timesheet

  Once the contracts are in place, your umbrella company will add you as an employee and walk you through the process of providing them with a timesheet. Your timesheet contains information about the hours you’ve worked each week for one or multiple clients, as well as any expenses you’re entitled to claim.

  6. Invoicing

  Once you submit your first timesheet, your umbrella company will raise an invoice for your work and send it to your recruitment agency or end client. The client or agency will pay your umbrella company, who will process the funds through pay as you earn (PAYE) tax either the same day or the day following payment.

  7. Payment

  The next step depends on the payment terms you have agreed with your umbrella company. They will either pay you weekly or monthly, with all the funds you have accumulated for that period – minus tax and national insurance. You will receive a net payment along with a payslip for your own records, as you would with a regular employer.

  8. Tax payments

  Finally, it’s up to the umbrella company to process the money deducted from your pay for income tax and national insurance. Once a month, they will send the correct amount to HMRC on your behalf.

  Steps you should take

  If you’re ready to choose an umbrella company, there are also some steps to take yourself to make sure you get the right umbrella services for you.

  1. Background check

  Find out as much as you can about the umbrella company’s background. Check their credit rating and how long the company has been trading. Both of these are good indicators of how much you can trust a company.

  2. Check the fees

  Umbrella companies charge contractors a fee for their services, which can vary depending on the provider. Find out whether you will be paying weekly or monthly – and how much you’re paying.

  3. And what’s included…

  The cheapest umbrella services aren’t always the best. Some umbrella companies will charge extra for things like processing your expenses, while others will include benefits like statutory leave and sick pay as part of their fee. Consider the monetary value of these benefits when you’re comparing umbrella companies.

  4. Contracts

  Your umbrella company acts as a full-time employer, so you want to make sure you’re covered with a full contract of employment. This is where your statutory rights and benefits will be outlined, so it’s essential to check over before signing anything. Look for payment terms – when and how you’ll be paid – along with the process or penalties should you want to leave.

  5. Support

  Another key element in your umbrella service is the support on offer. Firstly, what are the umbrella company’s opening hours? Do you have a contact for outside-of-hours support? Contracting is far from a 9 to 5 lifestyle, so you’ll want to be able to contact them whenever you need assistance.

  Secondly, how are timesheets submitted? It may be useful if your umbrella company provides an online portal, making it easier to keep track of what you’ve submitted and do things when it suits you.

  Umbrella comparison made easy

  Umbrella Broker provides a quick and easy way for contractors to compare umbrella companies. We provide up to ten free umbrella quotes in under 2 minutes, so you don’t have to do the hard work.

  Need any assistance? Feel free to get in touch with our team.