Joint webinar to explore umbrella companies

The three labour market enforcement bodies will hold a joint webinar next month focusing on umbrella companies.

Experts from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) and HM Revenue and Customs’ National Minimum Wage team will explain the work being done in this area to improve compliance and protect workers.

The webinar will take place on Tuesday October 4 at 2pm. You can find out more details about the webinar and register for it here.

Umbrella companies generally employ contractors who work on short-term assignments. They act as intermediaries between a contractor and their ‘end client’ or agency.

As an employer, umbrella companies provide payroll services for their contractor employees.

Many umbrella companies are compliant with the tax rules but some use tax avoidance schemes. The labour market enforcement bodies work together where potential fraud or other offences are identified to ensure compliance with UK law.

GLAA Head of Prevention and Partnerships Frank Hanson said: “Next month’s webinar will explore what can go wrong with using umbrella companies and where you can find further help and guidance.

“At the GLAA, one of our main priorities is to create a level playing field for business. By driving up compliance across supply chains, we can raise employment standards and ensure that workers receive all the rights that they are entitled to.”