Latest news

Keep up to date with the latest going-ons in the world of contracting, umbrella, tax and financing.

Umbrella Payslips Explained: Where Your Money Really Goes in 2026

If you’ve ever looked at your umbrella payslip and thought, ‘Where did my money go?’, you’re not alone. Umbrella payslips can look more complex than standard PAYE payslips because they often show how your assignment rate is processed through payroll. This guide explains the typical sections ...

Sam Stanhope
26 May 2026 5 min read

How to Spot a Compliant Umbrella Company in 2026: A Contractor’s Checklist

In 2026, contractors are seeing tighter controls across umbrella supply chains. That makes choosing a compliant umbrella company more important than ever — not just for peace of mind, but to avoid onboarding delays and disruption. Use the checklist below to compare providers quickly and confidentl ...

Sam Stanhhope
21 May 2026 5 min read

Joint & Several Liability: What the April 2026 Umbrella Payroll Changes Mean for Contractors

From 6 April 2026, the UK introduced new PAYE rules for labour supply chains that include umbrella companies. While umbrella companies still operate payroll, HMRC can recover unpaid PAYE and National Insurance from another ‘relevant party’ higher up the chain in certain scenarios. For contractor ...

Sam Stanhope
24 Apr 2026 5 min read

Cleerly & Umbrella.co.uk: Mortgage Marketing Update – Q2 2026

The Q2 2026 UK mortgage market is stabilising but volatile, with rising fixed rates and new low-deposit schemes creating both challenges and opportunities for contractors, making specialist advice more important than ever. ...

Sam Stanhope
31 Mar 2026 3 min read

Key Tax Dates & Changes for Umbrella Contractors in the 2026/27 Tax Year

A clear guide to the key tax dates, umbrella company reforms, and Joint & Several Liability changes affecting contractors in the 2026/27 tax year. ...

Sam Stanhope
31 Mar 2026 5 min read

Making Tax Digital for CIS Workers: What You Need to Know Before April 2026

Making Tax Digital is a big shift for CIS workers, but it doesn’t have to mean more stress or more admin - as long as you’ve got the right setup behind you. If you’re earning over £50,000 and want to get ahead of the changes, it’s worth taking a look at the support available. ...

Sam Stanhope
26 Mar 2026 5 min read

Essential Guide to SIPPs

The ii Personal Pension (SIPP) empowers you with flexible investing, tax-efficient contributions, and expert-managed options, plus up to £3,000 cashback for new customers transferring or depositing £20,000 or more by 28 February 2026. ...

Sam Stanhope
03 Feb 2026 4 min read

Bank of England cuts the Base rate – What it Means for Contractor Workers

The Bank of England’s 0.25% base rate cut could improve mortgage affordability for contractors, but understanding how lenders assess your income remains key to unlocking your true borrowing power. ...

Sam Stanhope
29 Dec 2025 1 min read

April 2026 Tax Liability Changes: What Contractors Need to Know

From April 2026, new tax liability rules will increase supply chain accountability, making it essential for contractors to work through fully compliant umbrella companies. ...

Sam Stanhope
29 Dec 2025 5 min read

Autumn Budget 2025: How the New Changes Impact Contractors

The Autumn Budget 2025 introduces key tax and financial changes that will affect take home pay, pensions and overall costs for contractor workers operating through umbrella companies. ...

Sam Stanhope
26 Nov 2025 5 min read

Mortgage rates remain below 4%

With the Bank of England holding the base rate at 4%, there are still competitive mortgage deals available - and our partner Cleerly helps contractors take full advantage. By working with high street lenders and tailoring income calculations, Cleerly makes securing a mortgage simple, even in a chall ...

Sam Stanhope
24 Sep 2025 3 min read

Choose insurance that does Right By You

We highlights why contractor insurance is essential for protecting against risks such as client claims, financial loss, and professional errors, while also boosting credibility and peace of mind. Partnering with Kingsbridge, Umbrella.co.uk offers access to specialist, competitively priced insurance ...

Sam Stanhope
15 Sep 2025 5 min read

Tackling Non-Compliance: What New Legislation Means for the Umbrella Company Market

New legislation outlined in the Draft Finance Bill 2026 will introduce tougher compliance rules for umbrella companies, aiming to eliminate bad actors from the market and protect workers, while ensuring that ethical providers like Umbrella.co.uk can continue to support contractors with confidence. ...

Sam Stanhope
22 Jul 2025 4 min read

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