Britain’s employment tribunal backlog has hit 531,000 open claims, and the Employment Rights Act 2025 is about to add more. Deb Murphy on a system buckling under the weight of reform.
Originally written for Contractor UK, 11th September 2023 As the ‘Freelancer & Contractor Services Association,’ it might not be the sort of thing which you’d
Originally written for Contractor UK, 27th July 2023 When hiring a contractor, it’s important to keep in mind that there is a variety of payment
Post written by JMW Solictors LLP Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, it has been anticipated that lawmakers will attempt to move
Written by Brabners LLP Agency workers are entitled to certain rights while they are assigned to work for end clients (aka “hirers”). Some rights
PARTNERSHIP BOLSTERS CYBER SECURITY PROTECTION FOR FCSA MEMBERS The Freelance & Contractor Services Association is delighted to announce details of its new strategic partnership with
FCSA are delighted to announce that Swift Employment have been accredited and have achieved FCSA Membership for their umbrella employment services.
FCSA today announce that MainPay have achieved membership accreditation for their umbrella employment services.
We are delighted to announce that New Red Planet have achieved FCSA Accreditation for their Umbrella Employment services. Based in the North West of
Written by Brabners LLP Fear of Catching Covid-19 is not a Protected Belief according to Employment Tribunal As cases relating to COVID-19 begin to
Whilst there are current attacks underway, there is, naturally, a focus on resolving what are major system outages as soon as possible and striving to minimise the impact on employees expecting payments or having queries go unanswered. In our view it is crucial that workers are kept informed of progress.
The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has appointed a new CEO
The FCSA was delighted to be invited by the House Of Lords Finance Sub Committee to present evidence on the effect on the outsourced worker sector of recently introduced IR35 reforms in the private sector and specifically the effectiveness of the HMRC CEST tool
Government launches call for evidence on umbrella market.
Omnia Outsourcing have achieved FCSA accreditation for their Umbrella Employment and CIS/Self-Employed Contractor Provider services.
The FCSA is delighted to announce that Quest Pay Solutions have achieved Accreditation for their Umbrella Employment and CIS/Self-Employed Contractor Provider services.
Brabners discuss self-employed contractors and the right of substitution.
FCSA says it is delighted to see that Margaret Beels has been appointed to the role of Director of Labour Market Enforcement.
Investment in key sectors is welcomed, but no detail about government support to provide the labour required to realise such ambitious plans.
On 21 October 2021, the All-Party Parliamentary Loan Charge & Taxpayer Fairness Group wrote the following letter to the FCSA in respect of the change
New regulations making vaccinations compulsory for care home staff in England will come into force on 11 November 2021. This means that all staff working
In this series of articles, we are reviewing the current legal framework for calculating holiday entitlement for agency workers, and considering the particular challenges which
The FCSA is disappointed by the recent article contained within Computer Weekly which can be found here: IR35: FCSA defends Charter change that lets umbrella
Cloned companies are a real risk to agencies, umbrellas and workers alike.
Employees of umbrella companies could potentially be classed as part-time workers and could consequentially obtain protection from discrimination in the same way other part-time workers do. Brabners explain.
Witten by. Brabners LLP In this series of articles, we are reviewing the current legal framework for calculating holiday entitlement for agency workers, and
Over the last few weeks, we have been heavily involved in creating a response to BEIS having been given a copy of their draft legislation
In August 2021, the FCSA launched a new suite of Accredited Member logos to provide supply chain partners and contractors greater clarity on services accredited.
Brabners consider who the Conduct Regulations apply to, what protection they afford to the various parties in the supply chain, and the circumstances in which someone can (and cannot) opt out of the Regulations.
Brabners discuss the consequences of breaching National Minimum Wage legislation, what to look out for and how to avoid mistakes.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for the Government to ban the use of umbrella companies to employ agency workers, The Guardian has reported
Brabners provide answers to those all-important questions concerning right to work post Brexit.
Brabners discuss the huge number of pings on the Covid app is causing chaos amongst businesses.
Revised Codes for member firms provide added assurance for agencies, end hirers, and contractors. Watch the video to find out more.
Brabners LLP discusses the correct approach to the calculation of annual leave and holiday pay for umbrella employees in part one of this article series.
Brabners LLP look at contrasting decisions given in cases concerning the dismissal of employees for expressing concerns about COVID-19
FCSA welcomes set up of single enforcement body to protect vulnerable workers and says it’s a step closer to regulation in our sector.
Last week, FCSA Chief Executive, Phil Pluck and Board Chair, Chris James met with BEIS officials to emphasise the FCSA’s disappointment that there was no
BEIS guidance issued following Royal Mencap case on NMW for sleep-in workers. Brabners LLP look at this recent case.
FCSA welcomes Granite BPO Ltd having successfully passed the rigorous assessment process to demonstrate the highest standards of compliance for umbrella employment.
FCSA welcomes HMRCs guidance for agencies and employers on the importance of carrying out proper labour supply chain due diligence.
We are pleased to announce that Oasis Umbrella and Oasis Accountants have achieveed FCSA Accreditation for their umbrella employment and contractor accountancy services.
Employment Bill missing from Queen’s Speech raising sector-wide concerns about the government’s commitment to enforcing much-needed legislation in the sector.
Employer not liable for dismissal of employee who refused to attend work because of COVID-19 concerns
“Joining the FCSA identifies our company as having proven that we operate at the very highest level of compliance and service,” says CWC Accounting Solutions Director on becoming the latest accredited member firm.
On becoming FCSA Accredited for umbrella employment services, Lucy Smith, director at Clarity Umbrella said: “Clarity is what our business is all about and becoming an FCSA Accredited Member will only help to confirm this to contractors and agencies alike.”
Brabners LLP discuss whether employers can force employees to wear face masks whilst the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing.
FCSA’s recorded webinar looks at the risks for agencies and end hirers of non-compliance with IR35 and the commercial opportunities for their business beyond April 2021. Watch now.
Download the February 2021 FCSA Workforce Barometer report for comprehensive analysis of ONS data relevant to the temporary workforce sector.
Read FCSA’s response to the Budget announcement made by the Chancellor on 3 March 2021 and how it will impact the temporary workforce sector.
Supreme Court rules that Uber drives are workers. What does that mean for umbrella companies? Brabners LLP discuss.
The FCSA has requested increased government resources to protect contingent workers from being exploited by non-compliant companies high ahead of March 2021 budget.
FCSA announces the appointment of Deborah Murphy to the newly created post of Membership Manager to support existing members and future membership growth.
The Indigo Group has passed FCSA Accreditation for its umbrella employment and CIS payroll services.
FCSA looks at what tools can help support an accurate decision for the IR35 status determination of your contractor workforce.
FCSA is to sponsor Best In-House Recruitment Team and Recruitment Agency of the Year (Large 100+ Employees) 2021 Recruiter Award categories.
Phil Pluck will join the TIARA Tech Star Awards 2021 judging panel to review the entries for the workforce, contractor and compliance award categories.
FCSA explains to recruitment agencies what impact it will have on their profitability and cashflow if they fail to adequately prepare for IR35 reforms.
Download the January 2021 issue of FCSA Workforce Barometer for analysis of the latest ONS Labour Market Statistics.
Brabners LLP discuss the key considerations for employers on their approach to the COVID-19 vaccines within their workforce.
FCSA’s pre-recorded webinar provides end hirers and agencies with a practical roadmap to ensure they’re prepared for the IR35 reforms. Watch now.
As the UK’s leading membership organisation for professional employment service providers, the FCSA is committed to setting umbrella employer standards in order to stamp out
Watch this IR35 webinar for guidance on how to identify and mitigate risk in the supply chain, how fee payers and payment intermediaries are responding to the reforms, and advice on managing your contractor workforce through the changes.
Watch this on-demand webinar for an easy-to-understand explanation of IR35 and off-payroll reforms, how it will affect the recruitment supply chain for end hirers.
With so many umbrella companies in the market and many more emerging since the announcement of IR35 reforms in the private sector, choosing the right
Most UK umbrella companies operate honestly and ethically, ensuring all statutory deductions are made, and the contractor’s pay is accurate. However, the term ‘umbrella company’
FCSA CEO Phil Pluck writes on behalf of FCSA members to urge the Chancellor to implement additional measures to protect contingent workers and the businesses that support them during the new lockdown.
NWM is awarded FCSA Accreditation for its umbrella employment and CIS payroll services, and its sister firm 2020 Accountancy, accredited for contractor accountancy.
A Statement of Work (SoW) is an agreement between two businesses that typically defines key deliverables to be achieved, to consider a project satisfactorily complete
We explain what a Statement of Work “SoW” is and how is relevant to the IR35 off-payroll reforms.
Discussion around the end of free movement and the impact for umbrella companies
HMRC issues report to increase awareness of contrived schemes that are sold to one or more individuals and employers for a fee to reduce their tax liabilities.
The FCSA welcomes three new Board members – James Burrows from Danbro, Daniel Haslem from Giant, and Alison Roberts from Optionis.
Discussion around whistleblowing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
FCSA receives official confirmation that technical change to the off-payroll working rules will be included in Finance Bill 2021.
FCSA launches webinar series to help recruitment agencies and employers to navigate the complex IR35 reforms and to get their business ready for April 2021.
An easy-to-understand explanation of the IR35 reforms, how it will affect the recruitment supply chain, and what the changes will mean for employers.
FCSA provides employment agencies with advice on what they need to action in order to be ready for IR35 reforms in the private sector.
Download this guide for agencies and employers of Ltd company contractors to help you make sense of these complex rules and what it means for your business.
IR35 is tax legislation that aims to stop individuals from avoiding tax by supplying their services to the client through an intermediary, such as a
When IR35 first came into force in 2000, each contractor was responsible for assessing their own IR35 status. Therefore, the contractor’s limited company or employment
Inside IR35 Meaning To be ‘inside’ IR35 means that you are considered, for tax purposes, an employee of your end hirer and therefore subject to
The new rules come with significant compliance and tax risks for both agencies and end hirers. The agency is the first port of call for
FCSA summarises new financial support measures for businesses and workers in line with Tier 2 and 3 restrictions announced on 22 October 2020.
New guidance on the Job Retention Bonus released
What is a Key Information Document (KID)? What must you include in a KID? What do employment agencies and employers need to do? We explain.
Further to the FCSA’s meeting with HMRC officials this week (Wednesday, 14 October), following HMRC having been made aware of concerns regarding the wording of
FCSA report “a very positive and constructive meeting” with HMRC officials regarding the recent issues emerging out of IR35 off-payroll reforms. Find out more.
FCSA congratulates Umbrellaphant on achieving accreditation for their umbrella employment services. Umbrellaphant MD, Becci Wilson comments.
Fair Pay Services MD, Adam Holby comments on how proud his firm is to have achieved FCSA Accreditation for its umbrella employment service.
With the accommodation and food services sector facing new COVID-related trading restrictions, and with the ending of the current furloughing scheme fast approaching, new ONS
On behalf of the FCSA and its members, I am disappointed by the Chancellor’s statement today. Without an Autumn Budget, the Government has taken away
In FCSA’s September 2020 edition of Workforce Barometer, we continue to seek to provide data and insights to support recruitment agencies and end-hirers with issues
Written by Brabners LLP Cycle couriers engaged by City Sprint still workers despite contract In January 2017, the Employment Tribunal (“ET”) held in a
EY has produced a useful guide setting out the basic rules for SSP and the temporary change that have been introduced in response to the
Congratulations to Tribepade on winning the FCSA Contractor Solution of the Year Award at the 2020 Talent Tech Star Awards, and Parasol for being highly commended.
Data published by HMRC for the period ending 30 June highlights that three in ten Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) claim (31%) were made by
Government announces further details about the Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus
JMW Solicitors look at a recent EAT case to explain why, in some circumstances, making deductions from wages for training costs and accommodation expenses may put you in breach of minimum wage law.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, only 5% of UK workers predominantly operated from home. As of 8 – 12 July 2020, more than a quarter
