HMRC’s core mandate is to collect taxes but in light of its shortcomings, Crawford Temple asks if the tax authority is fit for purpose.

Three ways the 2024 Autumn Budget affects the umbrella company market

Outside IR35: What the Autumn Budget’s Employers’ NI changes mean for IT contractors

Autumn Budget 2024: Umbrella firms face new pressures in compliance overhaul

Autumn Budget: Employment agencies to take on PAYE processing from umbrella firms from April 2026

Umbrella company tax liabilities to be overhauled

Budget views from Around the Industry

Experts say the implications could be costly and risky for some contractors

Autumn Budget 2024: Umbrella companies hit, Employer NICs hiked, and BADR heading for 18%

The government has launched a consultation on how reforms to zero-hours contracts should apply to agency workers, as the Employment Rights Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons.

An increase in employer’s national insurance would have far-reaching
consequences for freelancers.

Government Should Scrap ‘Outdated’ MSC Legislation.

How to close down mini-umbrella company risk as a contractor.

Umbrella company expenses rules: explainer

Following Rachel Reeves’ address to the Labour Conference.

HMRC’s umbrella director indemnity tip to agencies falls a bit flat.

HMRC tax avoidance blacklist surges past 100 schemes for contractors to beware.

No Oscar for HMRC mini-umbrella company film, but at least it’s a warning, of sorts — experts

Professional Passport is issuing an urgent alert to recruitment agencies.

Compliance firm warns over unsolicited calls from umbrella brokers.

Crawford Temple is CEO and founder of Professional Passport, discusses Labour’s promise to tackle tax avoidance and level the playing field.

"Ghost payroll”: new tax avoidance scheme coming after contractors and recruitment agencies

Ghost Payroll schemes threaten recruitment industry

Umbrella contractors warned over ‘ghost payroll’ schemes

How Labour can address supply chain non-compliance

Could Labour wipe out the UK’s £278bn freelance economy?

Tax avoidance in the crosshairs as parties make big promises.

Specialists raise concerns on applying ‘exploitation’ term to professional freelancers.

King’s Speech 2024 threatens labour market flexibility, contractor sector warns.

Further reaction has come from various parts of the recruitment industry as the new government gets to work in fulfilling it promise of change.

Politicians and policymakers “just don’t understand” small businesses in 2024  

Contractor concerns sidelined in election manifestos

The Scottish National Party (SNP) released its manifesto yesterday (19 June 2024) ahead of the UK general election on 4 July. The SNP manifesto highlights workers’ rights, tax and immigration.

Following the launch of manifestos, the picture is mixed…

HMRC identifies three more tax avoidance schemes as calls for umbrella regulation grow

The next government must deliver on promise to tackle tax avoidance once and for all

The UK needs a fair tax system fit for the 21st century

HMRC issues warning to recruiters on using umbrella firms

Government leaves umbrella industry out in the rain

Fresh inaction on umbrella companies by the government leaves contractors continually vulnerable

Government’s slow regulatory response to umbrella company abuse

Government update on bad umbrellas “underwhelming”

Government updates umbrella company regulation backers - with just three paragraphs

Freelancers left frustrated by latest government inaction over umbrella company tax avoidance protections

The road to regulation is far from a smooth journey

The time for tolerance on tax avoidance is over

Significant changes to holiday pay calculations and rules are coming into effect on April 1st 2024

The great contracting debate: umbrella or limited company; which is best for IT contractors?

Umbrella company regulation backers pin hopes on April 18th 2024

Contractors using limited companies ‘get nothing,’ despite higher VAT threshold and 2p NICs cut

Government committee says HMRC ‘is apparently struggling to cope’

The Government must step up enforcement to tackle tax avoidance

The Uncomfortable Echoes Of The Loan Charge And The Boston Tea Party

Umbrella work may appeal to first-time contractors amid rising job insecurity, but counsels conducting due diligence and being informed about how your agency and umbrella work with you.

Questions To Ask Before You Accept An Off-Payroll Job

An IT freelancer’s guide to working through an umbrella company

HMRC’s new umbrella companies guidance for agencies

Autumn Statement 2023 focuses on NIC cuts and IR35 as UK growth forecasts are downgraded

Overall positive news for the sector although more could be done

We highlight the key takeaways and expert reactions to the Autumn Statement

Hunt confirms IR35 offset to apply from April 6th 2024, in ‘unradical’ mini-Budget for UK contractors

[PODCAST] Non-compliance in the umbrella industry: The Definitive Review featuring Crawford Temple and John Whelan

An employer’s guide to the new laws on holiday pay for part-time workers

The UK Government has tabled new laws from 2024, which aim to simplify the issues around holiday pay calculation

Government announces reforms to simplify holiday pay calculation for UK short-term staff

‘Frustrated’ Margaret Beels unveils Labour Market Enforcement Strategy 2023-24

The ins and outs of working for an umbrella company, something many freelancers are having to do these days due to changes to tax legislation.

Employment law compliance: ‘ministers are dragging their feet’

HMRC must be held accountable for umbrella compliance failures

Advice for people working through an umbrella company

Following the case of hundreds of police officers in Northern Ireland who are owed back pay, People Management investigates what it means for other businesses

Supreme Court rules Police Service of Northern Ireland must pay £40m in holiday pay case

Police short-changed holiday pay for decades

It is important that locums — and the pharmacies that hire them — conduct their due diligence

IT contractors ‘forced against their will’ to work for umbrella companies, survey finds

New stats: Umbrella contractors are getting swindled on pay, rights and pensions and the government has known it for years

Taxman adds Hamilton Bradbury, Olympus Contracting and Edge Umbrella to his ‘same-old, same-old’ avoidance list.

Government inaction over tax umbrellas drives avoidance schemes,
experts say.

As consultation closes, HMRC already has what it needs to make a difference.

HMRC must demonstrate commitment to umbrella company regulation, experts say

The IR35 Effect

How to work painlessly with umbrella firms

Would HMRC fine itself if its contractors got caught up in an umbrella tax avoidance scheme?

Professional Passport has added a new function to its site to help recruiters to manage their preferred supplier lists

Treasury to double max sentences for tax avoidance and create a new criminal offence

Government umbrella company consultation

Contractors urged to check umbrella payslips after more unlawful deductions

Recruiters should take note of the Criminal Finances Act.

Treasury’s ‘tougher consequences for avoidance promoters’ look soft to contractor advisers

Off-payroll has “fuelled” tax avoidance schemes and double taxation “flaws”

The consultation to clean up umbrella industry needs more work, says industry.

Warning: Off-payroll tax avoidance loophole masquerading as credible payment method.

New umbrella industry clean-up could still leave clients and agencies “saddled with liability”.

New consultation aims to tackle non compliance among umbrella firms.

IR35: Government set to tackle ‘murky’ umbrella company market

Government responds to umbrella company call for evidence

Experts warn of off-payroll tax avoidance loophole that leaves agencies exposed

Experts warn of Off-payroll tax avoidance loophole that leaves people exposed

Umbrella payslip: how should contractors check it is correct?

Big developments in Off-Payroll, skimming and rolled-up holiday pay

Government vows to make rolled-up holiday lawful

Tax avoidance promoters to face criminal charges under govt rules

A new HMRC consultation will assess whether to criminalise the failure to comply with a Stop Notice

How to navigate the course when working with umbrella firms

Enforcement is key to tackling non-compliance in employment

HMRC\'s ‘naming and shaming’ of Absolute Outsourcing Ltd and Purple Pay Ltd, expires

Where Labour Market Enforcement Strategy 2023/24 should step in for the contractor sector

Pay while the Sun Shines

The recruitment industry gives a mixed reaction to the Budget.

Contractor sector condemns Spring Budget 2023 as a totally wasted opportunity

Hunt told to ‘fix or ditch’ IR35 ahead of spring budget

Campaign calls on government to ‘fix or ditch’ IR35

Outlook for HMRC avoidance list deemed worryingly healthy

IR35 reforms are “misaligned with Conservative values and impede growth”, say freelancer advocates and MPs

Reversal of IR35 reform at Spring Budget 2023 all but ruled out

HMRC updates list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers

Jeremy Hunt urged to withdraw CEST at Budget 2023 amid HMRC ignoring outside IR35 results

Crawford Temple on why the umbrella industry should take its lead from the financial services sector.

Taxman tries to tackle ex-rugby union ace Stuart Barnes on IR35, but fails

Government accused of leaving umbrella company regulation in limbo by shelving enforcement body

Umbrella company advisers condemn the Single Enforcement Body being set aside

Freelancer and startup numbers are likely to rise in 2023, even against the odds

Has HMRC admitted that contractors are now paying unnecessary taxes

Government needs to take ‘visible enforcement action’ after ditching plans for workers’ right watchdog

Government’s call for evidence into umbrella sector, still not revealed

Umbrella companies in 2023: what’s in store for contractor payroll firms

Autumn Statement 2022 'wasn’t the time or place for loan charge resolution'

New IR35 off-payroll review 'would be worst Autumn Statement outcome for contractors'

Contractor experts respond to reports that some agencies are reducing assignment rates following national insurance rate cut.

How Professional Passport is protecting contractors from the skims and the scams

What is salary skimming and how does it hit umbrella company contractors?

Umbrella company Orange Genie accused of skimming £4million from contractor salaries.

What does the scrapping of the IR35 reversal mean for the labour market?

IR35: self-employed contractors have been ‘thrown under the bus’

Contractors ‘thrown under the bus’ by government’s IR35 flip-flop, say compliance firms

Off-payroll U-turn: New chancellor Jeremy Hunt rips up pledge to repeal IR35 reform

Freelancers: get prepared for more fiscal U-turns, IR35 reform uncertainty

New chancellor reverses repeal to IR35 reforms

Plans to repeal IR35 reforms scrapped by new Chancellor

The end of IR35 may not yet be the end of employment complexity

Tell government not to retrospectively apply IR35 rules

The government's decision to repeal IR35 reforms has been hailed a victory for independent contractors.

Following his statement, fleet professionals expressed their opinion

Recruiters give nitty gritty on changes to IR35 and MSC legislation

We cover some of the initial reactions followed by the news.

Government repeals public and private sector IR35 reform from April 2023

The government has scrapped controversial reforms to the tax status of self-employed workers in a move aimed at freeing up time and money for businesses.

The treasury has today announced that reforms to IR35 will be abandoned from 6 April 2023.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng delivered his Mini-Budget which pledged to repeal the 2017 and 2021 Off-Payroll (IR35) reforms.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng is due to announce a mini emergency budget tomorrow

The contractor community is patiently awaiting the outcome of this Friday’s mini-Budget

Recruitment Industry and IR35 experts say new Prime Minister Liz Truss must review IR35

In Truss we Trust? What the self-employed need from the new PM and her Cabinet

Tackling non-compliance in the supply chain

Here’s what IR35, compliance and tax experts have to say on the evolving saga of tax avoidance schemes.

New umbrella company initiatives go live to help protect contractors, and get them holiday pay

What the Harpur Trust vs Brazel ruling means for the supply chain

Know who you are working with and know that your supply chain is operating compliantly.

Umbrella IT contractors could get back-dated holiday pay windfall following Supreme Court ruling

A new threat to compliance is on the rise in the umbrella sector

Global Recruiiter Technology Special

Exchequer Solutions Ltd and its £11million tax bill: are there implications for contractors and providers?

Tribunal rules in favour of HMRC as it pursues umbrella company for £11m in unpaid tax

Exchequer v. HMRC: will it mean more bills for contractors?

Compliance and transparency critical to labour market enforcement strategy

Freelance tax reforms leave traps for the unwary

To the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, here’s my message as a compliance expert

Industry rounds on Government for no Employment Bill

Queen’s Speech: Employment Bill omission suggests further delays to umbrella market regulation

UK – Recruitment industry criticises omission of Employment Bill from Queen’s Speech

Queen’s Speech ignoring Single Enforcement Body puts onus on Labour Market Enforcement Director to act on umbrella companies

Employees see "no benefit" to working for umbrella companies

Businesses urged to get to know their supply chain when hiring

IT contractor launches petition against Preferred Supplier Lists

Boox responds to MSC investigation by HMRC, slamming it as 'misguided'

HMRC names and shames Tax Avoidance Schemes

Umbrellas & Holiday Pay: Professional Passport Responds to MPs

The compliance special with a wide range of topics.

Recruitment industry responds to Chancellor’s measures at critical time.

A contractor’s guide to ‘trickster’ Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement 2022

NI threshold raised to £12,570 but some freelancers will be worse off next year says expert

FCSA to fix 'woolly wording' on holiday pay

How the Government can clean up the umbrella sector

Crawford Temple, CEO and founder of Professional Passport, on solving the Holiday Pay challenge

Put Single Enforcement Body to regulate umbrella companies on a timetable, Treasury told

Umbrella firms take the regulatory strain out of using contractors many in the sector think they exacerbate transparency issues.

What will the tax rises in April mean for contractors?

Finance Bill Sub-Committee blames IR35 for ‘concerning’ rise in umbrella company contractors

Unfair IR35 led to rise of rogue umbrella companies.

Umbrella IT contractors urged to seize on court ruling to reclaim withheld holiday pay

Umbrella Companies Could See A Spree Of Class Action suits From Workers Following New Judgment on Holiday Pay

Ruling in Pimlico Plumbers case could have financial impact on other businesses

Crawford Temple is CEO and founder of Professional Passport discusses how the rise in National Insurance for workers affects recruiters

Concern for contractors over reiterated plan to raise national insurance

Umbrella company cyber attacks prompt fresh calls for sector regulation to protect contractors

Top 10 freelancing tips for self-employed people in 2022

Advice for consultants working through an umbrella company

By carrying out some simple checks of their own, contractors can take control of their personal affairs

Call for evidence on umbrella companies echoed, as cloning spreads to comparison sites

Top 10 contractor business tips for 2022

Crawford Temple, CEO and founder of Professional Passport
advises against com-placency in compliance.

Contractors urged to share views on umbrella working with Government

One thing that won’t change in 2022, contractors must check the KIDs are alright.

Freelancers forced into tax avoidance by umbrella companies

Crawford Temple says this latest call by the government appears to be a genuine attempt to try to understand the challenges that the umbrella industry is facing.

IR35: Government consultation on umbrella companies fuels regulation hopes

A majority (88%) of off-payroll contractors have been told by firms that they must work through an umbrella company, despite questions about their credibility.

Government calls on contractors to give evidence on umbrella companies.

The government has called this week for evidence on the role that umbrella companies play in the market.

Contractor sector backs Margaret Beels as new Labour Market Enforcement Director

Contractors fear further IR35 changes as 'devastating' legislation holds back freelancers

Umbrella companies unable to get over 'disappointment' of a silent Autumn Budget 2021

The government’s so-called Recovery Budget has received divided reviews from the recruitment, business and economic communities.

A bare Autumn Budget for contractors confirms IR35 reform as ‘done and dusted’

With a noticeable rise in disguised remuneration schemes, Crawford Temple is urging HMRC to focus on targeting the promoters of the schemes rather than the workers:

The research also found that of those who remain, 34% are now working through “unregulated” umbrella companies

Rishi Sunak 'cannot repeat the mistakes of his previous Budget' - IR35 & tax changes due

Crawford Temple speculates on what the Chancellor will focus on in his upcoming Autumn Budget:

'Nice-to-have HMRC guidance not a replacement for regulating umbrella companies at Autumn Budget 2021'

FCSA clarifies anti-tax avoidance stance of offshore Charter change for umbrella firms

FCSA defends Charter change that lets umbrella firms operate offshore setups

Professional Passport provides API tool for agency members to check up on providers

Umbrella firms suffer suspected ‘data breach’ leading to payment delays

Knowing your supply chain post IR35 reform

Crawford Temple from Professional Passport Discusses Holiday Pay Issues

New HMRC avoidance letters: how contractors with employers should respond

End hirer essential checklist for a compliant supply chain

Crawford Temple believes HMRC is fuelling the disguised remuneration marketplace.

Umbrella contractor expenses guide to Supervision, Direction or Control

IR35 reforms: TUC demand for government ban on umbrella companies raises eyebrows

TUC wrong to ban umbrellas, still a place for ethical firms

Trades Union Congress calls for ban on use of umbrella companies

Why HR should carry out audits on recruiters and umbrella companies

Government proposes tax avoidance and umbrella firm crackdown

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly - Addressing non-compliance in the supply chain for the good of today’s workplace

Government publishes proposals clamping down on tax avoidance and non-compliant umbrella companies

IR35: Government sets out plan to rid contractor market of non-compliant umbrellas and loan schemes

Does the financial services industry hold the key to compliance?

HMRC is getting more of your money from taxes - how much is inheritance tax costing you?

Loan charge: is it breaching the rule of law?

How your social media posts could get your freelance contract cancelled or worse

Addressing the issues of non-compliance in the supply chain

Addressing the issues of non-compliance in the supply chain for the good of today’s workplace

Addressing the issues of non-compliance in the supply chain for the good of today’s workplace

Addressing the issues of non-compliance in the supply chain for the good of today’s workplace

Addressing the issues of non-compliance in the supply chain for the good of today’s workplace

As the compliance debate continues Crawford Temple gives his view on the BBC mini umbrella report and the recent debate on the Finance Bill.

Financial Services industry holds the answer to stamping out non-compliance in the umbrella sector.

New 'Workers’ Watchdog' placates umbrella company regulation backers

BEIS confirms rogue umbrellas will be covered by single enforcement body’s clampdown powers

New watchdog to merge three bodies into one to protect UK workers

How to crack down on non-compliance in umbrella and payment intermediary sector

Professional Passport leads supply-chain compliance discussion with new report

Crawford Temple, CEO and founder of Professional Passport, views the challenges of making the umbrella sector compliant.

Crawford Temple outlines the importance of looking carefully at the credentials of a provider.

Government passes on amendments aimed at umbrella company regulation

Government rejection of umbrella firm curbs leads to clamour for regulation

The government has rejected calls for further regulation of umbrella companies.

How to avoid a ‘have I got a good idea for you’ scheme

Employment Tribunal awards contractor furloughed holiday pay

Umbrella trade body Prism has published an updated fact sheet in conjunction with the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group and endorsed by The Chartered Institute of Taxation to help contractors navigate the umbrella working model.

BBC mini umbrella company exposé sparks contractor sector blame game

'Salary-Sacrifice' pensions and umbrella companies

BBC’s File on 4 identifies tax loss through mini umbrella use.

A new report from the BBC has again put the spotlight on schemes that create sham ‘mini umbrella companies’ that UK temporary workers are employed through, costing the UK “hundreds of millions of pounds” in lost taxes.

HR GO and G4S implicated in exploitative umbrella scheme

HMRC facing calls to do more to tackle mini umbrella fraud in wake of BBC investigation

HMRC urged to act as 'dodgy' umbrella companies cost UK taxpayers millions - IR35 warning

IR35: HMRC updates rules on working through an umbrella company - 'this is a good start'

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has updated its guidance on working through umbrella companies this week, with key changes focused on clarifying and refining the information.

New legislation is the only way to get rid of "dodgy and repellent" disguised remuneration schemes that have ruined the lives of hard-working contractors, according to a leading industry figure.

Crawford Temple,CEO and founder of Professional Passport, discusses the recommendations made by the Loan Charge APPG.

Contractors Questions: What is a Mini Umbrella Company?

An MP has called for changes to the Finance Bill which would, if approved, effectively shut down the UK umbrella industry.

Ruth Cadbury MP who co-chaired the Loan Charge APPG’s inquiry into How Contracting Should Work issued last week, is calling on the government to remove Clause 21 from the Finance Bill which would effectively shut down the umbrella industry

IR35 tax changes have now been introduced and the controversial measure has made headlines for its potential impact on the self-employed and contracting industries.

Crawford Temple ‘s warning advice to the supply chain as Off-Payroll rolls out to private sector.

MPs call for rethink of recent private sector IR35 changes

'How Contracting Should Work’: MPs issued 12 recommendations on IR35 reform’s eve

Amend off-payroll reforms says Parliamentary group

UK – Loan Charge report accuses staffing firms of demanding illegal kickbacks

Crawford Temple, CEO and founder of Professional Passport on the intricacies of the compliance challenge.

Crawford Temple outlines some new and concerning trends that are growing in popularity with both established and new providers.

IR35 reforms: Slow government progress on umbrella regulation exposes IT contractors to tax risks.

Crawford Temple, CEO and Founder of Professional Passport shares his views.

BBC4 programme in claim that FCSA member is withholding holiday pay.

IR35 reforms: Confusion over who pays employers’ NI leaves IT contractors out of pocket.

IR35 warning issued contractors may be forced into umbrella firms - what does this mean?

Off-payroll legislation: How to spot a non-compliant umbrella scheme.

Off-Payroll rules: Beware the disguised remuneration operators.

Crawford Temple outlines what a compliant umbrella firm should be providing.

HMRC too complacent in its policing of disguised remuneration schemes says Professional Passport.

Budget 2021: Contractors with just one major client face 'big, unwelcome shock'.

A Supreme Court judgment finally ruling Uber drivers to be ‘workers’ and not independent contractors is being seized on as a boon for limited company workers caught by IR35.

Human cloud ride sharing firm Uber has lost a landmark legal case today in the UK Supreme Court and must classify its drivers as workers rather than self-employed.

As April’s implementation of IR35 Off-Payroll Working Rules gets closer, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has found itself back at the centre of a controversy this week.

The UK’s Right To Work (RTW) requirements have changed post-Brexit, and contractors may face new requests from recruitment and umbrella companies to re-verify their ongoing entitlement to work, writes Crawford Temple, founder and CEO of Professional Passport.

The issues to consider if you want to work through an umbrella company as a result of IR35 regulations.

Crawford Temple, CEO and founder of Professional Passport, outlines what an umbrella company is and how the umbrella model works, with reference to the Off-Payroll legislation changes.

Crawford Temple outlines the challenges that accountants are facing in the run up to the roll out of the new off payroll rules and how they can continue to service their contractor clients under the legislation.

UK – Government’s Labour Market Enforcement director role vacant as Matthew Taylor leaves with no successor

Whilst COVID-19 saw a delay to the incoming Off-Payroll legislation until April 2021, the introduction of Key Information Documents (KIDs) did become law in April 2020.

IT contractors warned to be wary of non-compliant umbrella companies.

Crawford Temple CEO and Founder of Professional Passport looks at the Recruiters making KID mistakes

Crawford Temple CEO of Professional Passport discusses A PEO versus an Umbrella

Having originated in the US, the PEO is an increasingly popular employment model in the UK today.

Agency kickbacks: when contractors use their recruiter’s PSL umbrella company.

With the new Off-Payroll tax rules set to go ahead in April 2021, we shall undoubtedly see an increasing number of contractors working through umbrella firms.