Frequently Asked Questions
Some questions are asked more often than others…
…so we hope to give you answers to most of your queries about umbrella companies here. If this page don’t cover your question, please do get in touch.
We process payments every day, so we can set it up for you to be paid on a weekly or monthly basis, or whatever is suitable for the project or job you are working at. We make all transfers by CHAPS at no extra cost.
Absolutely. We will send payslips and statements weekly. Some workers may need to issue invoices themselves, but for most we will copy you on any paperwork we need to issue for your payments.
The rules changed regarding expenses in April 2016. Umbrella companies can no longer process non-chargeable expenses, like local travel and food & drink, for tax relief purposes. Some companies were using large expenses figures to offset against tax and exaggerate workers’ potential take-home income, but HMRC have now outlawed this practise.
For a longer run-down on expenses, take a look at our article on the subject here.
Yes, we’re here to help you, so we won’t hide our charges and promise that what we do charge is competitive and value for money. Feel free to call our office or go to the online chat for more information from one of our agents.
No, working through an umbrella company with not affect your rights. So, you will still be entitled to sick pay, maternity pay, pension scheme and insurance through our service.
IR35 is a short name for ‘intermediaries legislation’, changes to which take effect April 6 2017. It ensures that contractors supplying services to a company through the worker’s own limited company, or ‘personal service company’, are paying the correct tax and national insurance on the pay they receive.
The full official description is on the HMRC’s site.
Also, umbrella company group Unitum have created a thorough run-down and questionnaire website here: www.ir35advice.com
However, by joining Senigpay, this does not apply to you. You will be paid via PAYE, and all your income through us will be fully compliant with HMRC.
Problems can arise from many sources. If it’s an issue with discrimination of any kind, then you should go straight to the appropriate legal channels, or check with Citizen’s Advice first.
Your job description might have changed, or you may be getting asked to do tasks outside of your remit. If so, then this is a contractual issue and you should bring it up with the boss and us.
If there’s a problem with payments or accounts, then of course we step in and cover your back!
In general, if someone has said or done something that makes you uncomfortable, it’s best to try to talk to your boss in the first instance as early as possible to nip it in the bud. This will avoid resentment or complacency building up and a major situation developing further down the line.
You’ll notice some umbrella sites have a take-home calculator, but you can’t always believe what it says. Most of them don’t take into account your actual tax code, the expenses you’ll really be able claim or many other variables. Contact us for a reliable assessment.
Our parent company is Seniguk Consulting Ltd, and we are expert accountants for contractors, self-employed workers, agencies and SMEs. We’d be happy to work with you on your accounts, and in fact it might make a lot of sense to have all your employment needs under one roof! Please click through to senigukconsulting.co.uk to learn more about us and get in touch for an informal chat.