News
The Genesis of Umbrella Companies
Umbrella companies have become a staple in the modern gig economy, offering a convenient employment solution for contractors and freelancers. However, the origin of umbrella
1 December 2023
Employment Law
Spent Convictions: Reduced Timescales for Criminal Record Disclosure
Written by Brabners LLP The Law Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (“ROA”), job applicants are not required to disclose “spent” convictions, although
28 November 2023
Employment Law
Key Changes to the Law on Holiday Pay and Working Time Regulations for Part-Year and Irregular Workers Set to Come Into Force
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP Following two consultations which took place earlier this year into holiday entitlement and pay calculations, the Government has now
28 November 2023
News
Unlocking the Potential of the Apprenticeship Levy: FCSA Levy Network is Here!
If you’re an employer in England, you’re no stranger to the Apprenticeship Levy. It’s a well-intentioned scheme aimed at bridging the skills gap, allowing employees
27 November 2023
CEO Blog
Chancellor Hunt’s Autumn Statement: A Perspective from FCSA’s Chief Executive
By Chris Bryce, Chief Executive, FCSA Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s second Autumn Statement has made waves, primarily for its headline act: a reduction in Employee’s National
22 November 2023
News
FCSA Statement regarding Contractor Voice
FCSA refutes inaccurate claims and calls for apology from Contractor Voice.
16 November 2023
CEO Blog
The rise of new technology
Chris Bryce – Chief Executive of FCSA Several new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, are emerging that have the potential to enhance the
14 November 2023
Employment Law
Holiday Pay – the latest development
Written by Brabners LLP On Wednesday 4 October 2023, the Supreme Court handed down its unanimous judgment in the case of Police Service of
25 October 2023
Employment Law
The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP The policy paper known as the ‘Good Work Plan’, published on 17th December 2018, addressed the Government’s strategies towards the
25 October 2023
CEO Blog
Building a Solid Reputation: The Key to Success
By Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of FCSA As the CEO of FCSA (Freelancer & Contractor Services Association), I’ve witnessed the evolution of the umbrella company
23 October 2023
News
Cool Company Becomes FCSA Accredited Member and Passes Umbrella Certification
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Cool Company Freelance UK has been accredited as a new member and has passed
16 October 2023
Advice
The Joint Employment model: why it doesn’t work
In 2021, the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) made a significant decision to remove the joint employment model from its Accreditation Codes. This move
11 October 2023
Advice
Cyber Security Awareness Month: Free ransomware prevention guide available from Mitigo
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and demands a ransom payment to decrypt it. Ransomware attacks can be devastating for businesses,
9 October 2023
CEO Blog
Is tax (too) complex?
Tax and employment laws are two of the UK’s most complex areas of law. Both areas constantly change, making it difficult for contractors to keep
9 October 2023
Guest Blog
Your Guide to Claiming Expenses as an Umbrella Company Contractor
Guest blog written by The Danbro Group ‘Expenses’ should not be a source of confusion for Umbrella Company contractors. You’re entitled to claim ‘chargeable’ expenses
6 October 2023
News
FCSA Levy Network Surpasses £1.2 Million in Pledges Within 24 Hours of Launch!
In a remarkable display of industry support and dedication to the future of apprenticeships and compliance, the FCSA Levy Network has achieved an incredible milestone.
6 October 2023
News
Empowering Apprenticeships: Introducing FCSA’s New Apprenticeship Levy Network
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is excited to unveil a game-changing initiative that’s set to make a significant impact on access to apprenticeships in
4 October 2023
CEO Blog
A rising tide lifts all boats
Our accreditation program is like a rising tide: it lifts all boats. By setting the industry standard in our Code and Charter, which we expect
29 September 2023
News
FCSA Announces Partnership with iSIPP to Provide Personal Pensions to Contractors
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is excited to announce a new partnership with iSIPP, a leading self-invested personal pension (SIPP) provider with over
28 September 2023
Employment Law
Worker Protection Bill Updated … Less Responsibility On Employers?
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP Background: The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill previously proposed new obligations on employers to prevent sexual
25 September 2023
Employment Law
Menopause Discrimination in the Workplace
Written by Brabners LLP The recent Employment Tribunal case of Mrs M Lynskey v Direct Line Insurance [2023] highlights the difficulties an employer can face
25 September 2023
Advice
10 Reasons Contractors Should Use an Umbrella Company
If you’re a contractor, you may wonder if an umbrella company suits you. Umbrella companies can offer several benefits, including: Compliance: By working with an
20 September 2023
Advice
What Happens if my Umbrella Company goes Bust?
Guest Blog by Contractor Umbrella What happens if my umbrella company goes bust? – a scenario no one wants to have to think about, but
14 September 2023
News
Payroll: A Key Part of Our Members’ Businesses
National Payroll Week is a week-long celebration of the important work that payroll professionals do. This year, National Payroll Week took place from September 4-8,
8 September 2023
Employment Law
AECOM Ltd v Mallon [2023]
The duty to make reasonable adjustments is aimed at levelling the playing field by ensuring that disabled persons are not placed at a substantial disadvantage
29 August 2023
Employment Law
To what extent can Artificial Intelligence be used in recruitment processes?
The House of Commons released a research briefing on 11 August 2023 on Artificial Intelligence and Employment Law, which delved into the benefits and issues
29 August 2023
Advice
10 Reasons Agencies Should Use Umbrella Companies
As an agency, you know that your contractors are the lifeblood of your business. They are the ones who deliver the work, and their satisfaction
25 August 2023
News
How FCSA Collaborates with Other Organisations
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is dedicated to elevating standards and ensuring compliance within the professional employment services industry. Collaborating with other organisations enables
17 August 2023
Member News
FCSA Welcomes i4 Pay as an Accredited Member
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) welcomes i4 Pay Partners as a newly accredited member. i4 Pay is an umbrella company that was acquired
16 August 2023
FCSA Governance
FCSA’s Non-Profit Status: Why It Matters
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to setting and raising standards for the temporary workforce. FCSA’s non-profit status
14 August 2023
CEO Blog
The Two Payment Method
Chris Bryce – Chief Executive, FCSA The Two Payment Method is a tax avoidance scheme some rogue umbrella companies use; it is a form of
10 August 2023
Guest Blog
Meeting the challenge of candidate retention & redeployment
Written by FCSA member, Liquid Friday Rising resourcing costs. Talent shortages. Diminishing candidate pools. These are the challenges recruitment businesses are facing to fill roles
8 August 2023
Guest Blog
Addressing the skills gap in UK PLC
This article was written by Graham Williams at NWM, FCSA Accredited Member. Our team here at NWM speak to recruiters daily, and two pressing subjects
7 August 2023
Advice
Agency Worker Regulations: Consequences of Non-compliance
The Agency Worker Regulations 2010 (AWR) are designed to protect the rights of agency workers. They ensure that agency workers are entitled to the same
3 August 2023
Advice
Why continuity of employment is so important
Continuity of employment is a term used to describe the length of time a person has been employed by the same employer. Its importance is
2 August 2023
Member News
Your Sprightly Achieves FCSA Accreditation
We are pleased to announce that Your Sprightly, a top provider of Umbrella services for contractors and freelancers, has achieved FCSA Accreditation. This accreditation is
31 July 2023
Employment Law
Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill has officially received Royal Assent and will now be officially enshrined in the statute books. This is a big
26 July 2023
Advice
An Essential Guide For New Contractors
Businesses working in professional services rely on their reputation and hold lots of confidential and valuable information belonging to their clients and the projects they work on. This combination makes them the ideal target for cybercriminals who once inside a firm’s IT systems will use a number of different tactics to hold a firm to ransom.
25 July 2023
Employment Law
Joint employment – United Taxis Ltd v Comolly and another
Written by Brabners LLP The issue of “dual” or “joint” employment under UK law is problematic. Although joint employment is a recognised concept in
25 July 2023
Employment Law
High Court quashes Government Strike Legislation
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP On Thursday 13 July 2023, the High Court quashed regulations which allowed for workers on strike to be replaced by
25 July 2023
News
APSCo & FCSA Partnership
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association has re-committed to its partnership with ASPCo UK (The Association of Professional Staffing Companies). “We are pleased to announce that
25 July 2023
CEO Blog
FCSA Forum 2023: Strength in Community and a brighter future
I recently had the pleasure of hosting the inaugural FCSA Forum, which took place on Tuesday the 11th of July in Manchester. It was a
13 July 2023
Employment Law
Government Consultation on Reforms to the Working Time Regulations, Holiday Pay and TUPE
Written by Brabners LLP Background On 10 May 2023, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published a policy paper, ‘Smarter regulation to grow the
28 June 2023
Employment Law
Government Consultation on Tackling Non-Compliance in the Umbrella Company Market
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP On 6th June 2023 the Government announced its intention to publish a consultation on policy options aimed at regulating umbrella
28 June 2023
News
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association Welcomes Freelancer Financials as Business Partner
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) today announced that it has welcomed Freelancer Financials as a Business Partner.
26 May 2023
Employment Law
Employment Update: The Government’s Proposals
Employment Update: The Government’s Proposals… On 10 May 2023 the UK Government (‘Government’) announced its intention, namely through its policy paper “Smarter regulation to
25 May 2023
Market Insights
FCSA Launches Contractor Payslip Review Initiative To Protect Contractors
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association aims to promote compliance and give contractors a voice in the industry.
16 May 2023
FCSA Governance
IAP’s Review following Orange Genie suspension
FCSA has received the final determination of the FCSA’s Independent Arbitration Panel (IAP), regarding the membership status of Orange Genie
12 May 2023
News
HMRC names even more tax-avoidance schemesters
HMRC has again updated their ‘named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers’ list. All five of the latest batch, are businesses based in the
11 May 2023
Employment Law
Brabners discuss the new offence of failure to prevent fraud which has been tabled by the Home Office.
Written by Dan Stowers, Partner and Head of Business Crime and Compliance, Brabners LLP On 11 April 2023 a new offence of ‘failing to
4 May 2023
Employment Law
IR35 and deemed employment – Eamonn Holmes loses HMRC appeal
Written by Brabners LLP In the recent case of Red White and Green Limited v The Commissioners for HMRC [2023], the Upper Tribunal concluded that
25 April 2023
Employment Law
Maintaining Positive Workplace Relations: Considerations for Employers Regarding the Importance of Social Media Policies
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP As technology continues to evolve, social media has become an increasingly prevalent feature within the workplace. Platforms such as
24 April 2023
Employment Law
Budget 2023 – Pensions taxation reforms
Written by JMW solicitors LLP The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his first budget on Wednesday 15thMarch. A number of changes to the
28 March 2023
Employment Law
Written terms or the practical reality of the employment relationship – what is the starting point?
Written by Brabners LLP The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the Uber case reinforced the idea that the contract is not always king when determining
28 March 2023
Employment Law
The increasing concerns around pay equality
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP A recent study by beqom (‘Study’) has indicated that employees based in the United Kingdom (UK) are becoming increasingly concerned
28 March 2023
News
HMRC names another tax-avoidance schemester
HMRC shared another company yesterday (2nd March 2023), on their ‘named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers’ list. Hive Umbrella Ltd (HUL) were caught
3 March 2023
News
HMRC names 2 more tax-avoidance schemesters
HMRC shared another two companies yesterday (23rd February 2023), on their ‘named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers’ list. The companies named were:
23 February 2023
Employment Law
Auto-enrolment – are your affairs in order?
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP There can be little doubt that the introduction of auto-enrolment in 2012 has been a success, with workplace pension participation
21 February 2023
Employment Law
The right to request a predictable working pattern – what does this scheme entail?
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill has recently passed its second reading in the House of Commons. The Government
20 February 2023
Employment Law
Termination and Re-engagement
Written by Brabners LLP On 29 March 2022, in the wake of P&O Ferries’ dismissal of around 800 employees without consultation, the government announced
20 February 2023
Employment Law
Changes to flexible working – The Government’s response to a more flexible workforce in the post-pandemic world.
Written by JMW LLP Flexible working has been a hot topic ever since the pandemic hit in March 2020, and a large proportion of the
23 January 2023
Employment Law
The holiday pay saga continues with Agnew and others.
Written by Brabners LLP Holiday pay remains a hot topic. In July, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the case of Harpur Trust
23 January 2023
Employment Law
Holiday accrual during periods of industrial action
Written by Brabners LLP What has happened? On 29 November 2022, in advance of further strikes proposed by Royal Mail staff, the Chief People
20 December 2022
Member News
BISHOPSGATE, are the latest firm to join roster of FCSA Members following compliance assessment
Bishopsgate Employment Services Limited has been revealed as the latest company to be accepted into the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA), providing umbrella PAYE
14 December 2022
Member News
FCSA STATEMENT ON LIQUID FRIDAY
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has now finalised its investigation into allegations that Liquid Friday had made deductions for “business overheads” from its
8 December 2022
Employment Law
Can a settlement agreement settle unknown future claims?
Written by Brabners LLP In the case of Bathgate v Technip UK Ltd (2022), the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held that unknown future
29 November 2022
Employment Law
Fertility in the Workplace: A Statutory Right?
Blog post written by JMW Solicitors LLP Fertility in the workplace has attracted headlines in recent months, highlighting issues faced by individuals and couples undergoing
28 November 2022
FCSA Governance
FCSA MOVES TO CORRECT MISINFORMATION
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has today been made aware of claims that multiple FCSA members have been suspended or expelled in the
18 November 2022
Member News
Orange Genie are suspended from FCSA membership for six months from 11th November 2022
Following the receipt of the Independent Arbitration Panel’s decision regarding Orange Genie’s appeal against termination of their membership by FCSA, we today confirm that Orange
15 November 2022
Member News
FCSA has terminated the membership of DNS Accountants and DNS Umbrella for noncompliance.
We issued a termination notice to the member for the breach and have now heard their appeal. It is FCSA policy to name the
28 October 2022
Employment Law
The future of dress codes: Virgin Atlantic flies the flag with gender neutral policy.
Written by Brabners LLP Virgin Atlantic has introduced a gender-neutral dress policy for its cabin crew, pilots, and ground staff in a new branding
26 October 2022
Employment Law
How will the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill 2022 affect employment laws in the UK?
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
26 October 2022
News
FCSA COMMENT ON PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT
In common with many commentators and the global markets, the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) had anticipated today’s U-turn regarding the cancellation of
14 October 2022
Member News
STONEBRIDGE, are the latest firm to join roster of FCSA Members following compliance assessment
Stonebridge Payment Solutions Ltd has been revealed as the latest company to be accepted into the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA). Stonebridge provide a
4 October 2022
News
FCSA’s view on the mini-budget
The Chancellor’s not-so-mini financial statement last Friday brought some welcome news to many but not all
27 September 2022
News
FCSA WARNS THE SECTOR ABOUT CLONED UMBRELLA COMPANIES
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has today issued a further warning and an update about the fraudulent activity of cloning real companies and
23 September 2022
News
HMRC names another 3 tax-avoidance schemes and promoters
HMRC shared another three companies last week (18th August), on their ‘named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers’ list. The companies named were:
22 August 2022
FCSA Governance
FCSA INTRODUCES THE INDEPENDENT ARBITRATION PANEL
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has announced the formation of a new panel of independent industry figures to act as the final arbiter in any disputes concerning FCSA members.
15 August 2022
News
HMRC names 4 more tax-avoidance schemesters
HMRC shared another four companies yesterday (4 August 2022), on their ‘named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers’ list. The companies named were:
5 August 2022
News
New body ‘Public Sector Fraud Authority’ has been launched by UK government today
Government Efficiency Minister, Jacob Rees-Mogg, today launched a new anti-fraud team, with the primary focus of catching fraud committed against the public purse, with
3 August 2022
Employment Law
New guidance brings clarity on employment status for workers and businesses
New government guidance will act as a one-stop-shop for individuals and businesses to understand which employment rights apply to them
26 July 2022
Member News
Further update on recent Code changes
Following the various news items and social media posts about recent updates to the FCSA Codes, many of which mischaracterise events or draw incorrect conclusions,
11 July 2022
Member News
FCSA UPDATES CODES FOR ACCREDITED MEMBERS TO CHAMPION SECTOR COMPLIANCE
It is for that reason that we have stringent conditions that must be met by businesses aspiring towards FCSA membership and require all of our accredited members to adhere to our Codes of Compliance.
1 July 2022
Employment Law
Exclusivity clause ban to be extended to low paid workers
Written by Simon Bloch, JMW Solicitors LLP On 9th May 2022, the government proposed to introduce legislation in relation to exclusivity clauses within
20 May 2022
News
FCSA disappointed by no Employment Bill in Queen’s speech
FCSA is disappointed to see that government has not included an Employment Bill within the Queen’s speech
10 May 2022
Employment Law
Right to Work Checks from 6 April 2022
Written by Laura Darnley, Brabners LLP A number of important changes affecting how employers undertake right to work checks have come into force with effect
26 April 2022
News
HMRC names avoidance scheme operators for the first time
HMRC names and shames avoidance scheme operators for the very first time
7 April 2022
Member News
FCSA Announces Mitigo As Cyber Risk Management Partner
PARTNERSHIP BOLSTERS CYBER SECURITY PROTECTION FOR FCSA MEMBERS The Freelance & Contractor Services Association is delighted to announce details of its new strategic partnership with
16 March 2022
Employment Law
When does the KID need to be amended?
Written by Brabners LLP Key Information Documents It has been almost 2 years since the requirement to produce Key Information Documents (KIDs) was introduced on
11 March 2022
News
NAO Report on Off-Payroll in the Public Sector
Read FCSA’s analysis of the NAO report on the 2017 reforms The National Audit Office has released its report on the 2017 reforms to off-payroll
9 March 2022
Employment Law
Smith wins against Pimlico Plumbers
The Court of Appeal has ruled on the long-running Smith vs Pimlico Plumbers case and overturned the decisions in lower courts to force Pimlico Plumbers to compensate Smith for previously unpaid annual leave.
1 February 2022
Employment Law
Fear of Catching Covid-19 is not a Protected Belief according to Employment Tribunal
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
24 January 2022
News
FCSA comment on the recent cyber attacks
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.
14 January 2022
News
FCSA appoints new CEO
The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has appointed a new CEO
10 January 2022
News
FCSA respond to call for evidence on IR35 reforms and CEST
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
5 January 2022
Employment Law
UK Government’s Call for Evidence on Umbrella Company Market
Government launches call for evidence on umbrella market.
13 December 2021
Employment Law
New Director of Labour Market Enforcement announced
FCSA says it is delighted to see that Margaret Beels has been appointed to the role of Director of Labour Market Enforcement.
23 November 2021
Economy
FCSA responds to today’s Budget statement
Investment in key sectors is welcomed, but no detail about government support to provide the labour required to realise such ambitious plans.
27 October 2021
FCSA responds to Loan Charge APPG following their concern regarding change to the Charter
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
22 October 2021
