Happy Halloween from all the team at Umbrella.co.uk.
Editor | 31 October 2019
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Happy Halloween from all the team at Umbrella.co.uk.

We’ve all been embracing Halloween in the office today whilst fundraising for Mind, our charity of the month.

 

Employers Should Prepare for Good Work Plan Legislation

Buried deep in the Queen’s Speech, one of the government’s policy proposals is likely to have significant consequences for employers, workers and freelancers.

Speaking through the Queen, the Government stopped short of making firm employment law policy commitments, but it did affirm that it would “continue to deliver on the commitments set out in the Good Work Plan”.  

NHS Consultant Fundraiser to Challenge HMRC IR35 Challenge

An NHS consultant urologist is crowdfunding his challenge to an unfair IR35 classification on behalf of other independent healthcare professionals.

Providing his services to the NHS as locum, George Mantides and others in his position are treated as employees for tax purposes, but don’t receive any of the benefits that employees traditionally enjoy.

Banks to Block IR35 Contractors After IR35 Changes

UK banks Barclays and Lloyds appear to have followed the example set by HSBC and others by blocking the engagement of limited company contractors when private sector IR35 reforms take effect.

A letter sent by Barclays to contractors suggests that the bank will stop using personal service company (PSC) contractors and tax all contractors in the same way as salaried employees.

BBC Newsreaders Lose IR35 Tribunal
Editor | 2 October 2019
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HMRC has recorded a rare IR35 victory after a tribunal decided that three self-employed BBC newsreaders were operating as so-called ‘disguised employees’.

IR35 Rules Won’t Automatically be Applied Retrospectively

With around six months to go until public sector IR35 reforms take effect in the private sector, HMRC has clarified how it will enforce the regulations.

The tax authority has announced that the new rules will only be applied retrospectively in cases where it suspects fraud or criminal activity.

Umbrella Brings the Outside In With New Break Area

We’ve gone all green-fingered with our new break out area, creating the perfect garden space for staff to eat, meet and relax during breaks.

 

The weather isn’t always brilliant outside our Wilmslow offices, especially now that we are inching towards winter. But the new garden-themed breakout area turns every lunch time into a park-side picnic.

With large picnic tables, foliage walls, planters and reclaimed wood panelling, the garden paradise is the perfect place to sit down, collect your thoughts and take five. But our favourite feature is the three large brand-coloured umbrellas that unify everyone under the same canopy.

 

Umbrella.co.uk are supporting World Mental Health Day, on Thursday 10th October.

Umbrella.co.uk are supporting World Mental Health Day, on Thursday 10th October. We are also fundraising for Mind, the mental health charity, throughout October.

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is suicide prevention.

Today Umbrella.co.uk are holding a Tea and Talk event to encourage colleagues to have a natter if something is the matter. Just by building social links and relationships, can make workplaces happier and a more mentally healthy community.

 

Congratulations to Hannah Kelman, Payroll, on winning Umbrella.co.uk October Employee of the Month. “Hannah’s enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile is valued by everyone in the business. As a key contributor to the payroll team and the wider business, the award is well deserved. Well done Hannah, enjoy the champagne!”
Editor | 2 October 2019
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Congratulations to Hannah Kelman, Payroll, on winning Umbrella.co.uk September Employee of the Month.

“Hannah’s enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile is valued by everyone in the business.  As a key contributor to the payroll team and the wider business, the award is well deserved. Well done Hannah, enjoy the champagne!” Jon Biddle, Director.

 

Umbrella.co.uk raises £530 for Willow Wood Hospice

Umbrella’s charity of the month was Willow Wood Hospice. Based in Ashton under Lyne, they provide free specialist palliative care for patients with life limiting illnesses.

Umbrella staff held an office bake sale, mini golf and raffle which raised £280. We’d like to thank Centralus, our pension and employee rewards scheme provider, for their generous donation of £250. Also we are really extremely grateful for the amazing raffle donations from local businesses including Holt Business Supplies, Manchester City, The Body Shop, Morrisons, Chariot Office Supplies, Cloud Accountant and Gallagher Joinery.

If you would like to find out more about the incredible work that Willow Wood Hospice does click here.

Photo: Andy Finikin from Centralus presenting a cheque to Allison Gallagher.