The increase in Employers’ National Insurance (NI) is likely to have the biggest impact on businesses that stopped using freelance workers because of the off-payroll working rules, says IR35 expert Introduced on 6th April 2025, Employers’ NI has gone up from 13.8% to 15%. At the same time, the point at which businesses start paying […]

The post “HA-Haw”: Companies that blanket banned freelancers hit hardest by Employers’ NI increase appeared first on Freelance Informer.

In this article, we provide an abbreviated breakdown of the key proposals of The Employment Rights Bill pertaining to zero-hours contracts and non-compliance in the umbrella company sector. Plus, commentary from those serving contractors and umbrella workers. The Employment Rights Bill has moved a step closer to becoming law. This Bill will have overarching implications […]

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SPECIAL REPORT HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released a report outlining the government’s assessment of the impact of the IR35 reforms on private sector contractors. However, several sources representing contractors contest the report’s findings, arguing that the reported figures regarding the number of affected individuals and the financial burdens imposed by the reforms do […]

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With major legislative changes set to rock the umbrella company sector in 2026, why are some advisories and other hiring companies keeping to an umbrella-only contractor policy? Keep on top of your game by joining the thousands of contractors already subscribed to The Freelance Informer newsletter: New law, new risks The new law shifts responsibility […]

The post Deloitte stays mum on future contractor hiring strategy as umbrella company sector shake-up looms appeared first on Freelance Informer.

A source has told The Freelance Informer how some umbrella companies could still be systematically withholding and pocketing holiday pay from contractors and temp workers, potentially affecting thousands, especially supply teachers. However, if existing and former umbrella workers claim unused holiday pay they could be quids in by Christmas, said the source. How the Scheme […]

The post Some umbrella companies could still be pocketing holiday pay. Here’s how to get it back by Christmas appeared first on Freelance Informer.

The UK government has launched a new beta tool aimed at helping umbrella workers and employment businesses estimate take-home pay and understand deductions. Available now on GOV.UK, the tool, the launch comes in response to growing concerns over tax compliance and transparency in the umbrella sector, highlighted in the recent Budget. A step towards clarity? […]

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The UK government has announced a major shake-up of the temporary labour market, aiming to tackle widespread tax avoidance within the umbrella company sector and improve conditions for workers. Legislation will be introduced that will shift the responsibility for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from the umbrella company to the recruitment agency supplying the worker. […]

The post Umbrella companies will no longer be “legally” responsible for operating PAYE payments appeared first on Freelance Informer.

Recruitment agencies and contractors alike are bracing themselves as the new government’s Budget proposals loom large, with potential changes that could drastically alter the recruitment landscape. Mary Maguire, Managing Director at Astute Recruitment Ltd, is among many recruiters warning that the impact of the pending UK Budget could be significant on recruitment levels. The concern […]

The post UK Budget: Recruiters warn contractors, clients and umbrella companies to brace for harsh landing appeared first on Freelance Informer.

The latest umbrella company fraud case in the UK serves as a stark reminder for contractors to exercise greater diligence when selecting an umbrella company. In this report, we detail the latest case and outline essential questions contractors should ask to protect their interests. In a complex and ongoing legal battle Payroll & Pensions Services […]

The post High court ruling raises concerns for contractors: “Umbrella workers cannot be self-employed” appeared first on Freelance Informer.

The contracting sector is constantly evolving, and unfortunately, not all developments are for the better. Professional Passport, a payment intermediary and umbrella compliance adviser, has sounded the alarm about a new form of tax avoidance known as “Ghost Payroll”. These schemes pose serious risks for unsuspecting contractors, who may find themselves unwittingly entangled in fraudulent […]

The post “Ghost payroll”: new tax avoidance scheme coming after contractors and recruitment agencies appeared first on Freelance Informer.