Editor | 30 October 2020

It’s Halloween tomorrow and our staff are not afraid to get in the spirit today.

There’s some scarily gruesome make up going on in the office today fundraising for charity.

The ‘Most Horrible Workspace Competition’ was won by Ellie Preston with her spooktacular haunted house of horrors.  

Update from the FCSA : Recent issues emerging out of off-payroll reforms.

Following concerns that umbrella companies might be affected by some ambiguity in the legislation emerging out of off-payroll reforms. HMRC and FCSA held a productive meeting yesterday to confirm that the new legislation was not designed to capture the relationship between umbrella companies and recruitment agencies. 

World Mental Health Day 2020

It’s World Mental Health Day on 10th October. We’d like to take the opportunity to remind our contractor customers that you have access to a free professional counselling service with Umbrella Rewards. If you are affected by mental or emotional strain, especially in these difficult times, login to the Umbrella Rewards Customer Portal and visit the 'Care & Support' area. 

New Government Covid Support Scheme Announced

Yesterday, the Chancellor announced new financial measures to support UK businesses and workers.

Primarily it seeks to address the concerns of the hospitality sector and those areas now deemed to be in Tiers 2 and 3. These new measures are due to come into effect after the current scheme ends on the 1st November and will run for 6 months.

Workers may be paid up to 67% of their wages up to a maximum of £2,100 per month if a business has to close under the Tier rules.

April 2021 IR35: The key facts you need to know

A controversial set of changes to off-payroll working (IR35) rules is due to take effect in the Private Sector from next April.

For contractors, the next few months represent a crucial period in which to prepare for the changes and minimise the financial impact of the tax changes.

To help you get ready for the April 2021 IR35 reforms, we have published a brief guide with only the key facts that you need to know about.

Umbrella.co.uk September Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Hannah Kelman on winning Umbrella.co.uk September Employee of the Month.

“Hannah is an asset to the payroll team; she consistently goes above and beyond!” Holly Oakes, Payroll Manager