Government opens umbrella working consultation

Government opens umbrella working consultation

12/21/2021 - 11:45

Contractors and agencies are being encouraged to share their views in a new consultation on umbrella working.

Umbrella companies support the flexible labour market by providing employment services for temporary workers.

But a lack of industry regulation has resulted in the proliferation of tax avoidance schemes, worker exploitation and other examples of bad practice.

Through their consultation, the government is particularly keen to tackle the issue of disguised remuneration, which is thought to have increased significantly in 2021.

Miles Grady, Director of Umbrella.co.uk, said: “Earlier this year, changes to private sector IR35 rules prompted many contractors to start using umbrella companies. This increased demand for umbrella companies has attracted more dodgy operators to the industry, resulting in more tax avoidance schemes.

“This consultation, which is open to contractors, agencies and other key stakeholders, is a good opportunity to shape the future of umbrella employment.”

The rise of tax avoidance schemes

Recent IR35 rule changes mean that it’s easier and more profitable for many contractors to operate via umbrella companies, which aren’t subject to IR35 regulations.

Increased demand for umbrella schemes has led to an increase in the number of disguised remuneration schemes which attempt to dupe contractors.

These schemes often present themselves as umbrella schemes but use unlawful practices to pay contractors - like using loans in a way that’s not compliant.

Tax avoidance schemes often advertise higher rates of take-home pay and try to convince contractors by saying they are ‘HMRC-approved’. However, in most cases, the schemes are too good to be true and HMRC will seek to recover unpaid taxes from anyone that uses one.

Tax avoidance warning signs

HMRC says there are three main warning signs that might indicate that a scheme is engaged in tax avoidance. These are:

  • The proposed contract pay arrangements are very complicated
  • You have been told you’ll take home more money after tax than you otherwise would have expected
  • You are offered a cash bonus if you recommend a friend

Conversely, one of the best ways to tell if an umbrella company is compliant is to look for a recognised accreditation.

Umbrella.co.uk holds both FCSA accreditation and ASPCo Umbrella Company Trusted Partner status, which reflects our high compliance standards.

For more information about the consultation, disguised remuneration or umbrella working, speak to a member of the team today. Call: 0800 121 6513.