A moment to reflect on progress, and the work ahead
As the year draws to a close, it feels like the right moment to pause and reflect on what has been an intense, often challenging, but ultimately constructive year for FCSA and for the wider labour supply chain. Much of our focus this year has been on policy and advocacy. The introduction of joint and…
My Lords you are confused – Employment Rights Bill Committee Stage
On Thursday 5th of June, it was the 7th Committee Stage Sitting of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords. The Bill’s progress through the Upper House is sluggish with debates lasting late into the evenings. Thorough scrutiny is welcome and much needed, but I am concerned that the debate is beginning to…
Viewpoint: How HM Treasury is undermining the Employment Rights Bill
Originally Written by Nick Dancer for Recruiter Magazine Will the government’s solution to tackling tax avoidance really work? Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Autumn Budget that the government would tackle tax avoidance in the umbrella sector was a long-overdue commitment to clean up bad practice. However, the proposed solution – shifting PAYE liability from…
Recent Amendments to the Employment Rights Bill: What You Need to Know
The Employment Rights Bill (ERB), published on 10 October 2024, primarily enacts the proposals detailed in the Labour Party’s pre-election document from June 2024, Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay: Delivering A New Deal for Working People. It is described as the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation and the government states…
The Employment Rights Bill: A Political Tug-of-War with Real-World Consequences
Prime Minister’s Questions this week put the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) firmly in the spotlight, with the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, going on the offensive. She claimed the Bill will cost businesses £5 billion, contradicting the Prime Minister’s so-called “growth test.” Keir Starmer, in response, pointed to international comparisons and celebrated Heathrow’s third…
Flattery gets you everywhere (sometimes)
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—but what about constant attention? At FCSA, we’re genuinely flattered to know that so many people, including other industry players, are keeping a close eye on our website. It’s clear that FCSA has become the go-to resource for information on reputable umbrella companies and compliance in the…
HMRC’s New Umbrella Pay Calculator – A Step in the Right Direction
As we all know, the umbrella sector has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, with the focus being on improving transparency, compliance, and fairness for workers. In this context, HMRC’s recent release of the umbrella pay calculator is a welcome development and a step towards a more transparent and ethical sector. The tool provides…
Threat of an Employer’s NICs Rise
As we approach the next Budget, there is mounting speculation that we may see a rise in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs). For some, this may seem like just a small rise to a tax on business under the new government, but for those of us who work with umbrella workers and small business owners,…
Upholding Integrity: Our Approach to Investigations
In our ongoing commitment to fostering professionalism and ethical conduct within the freelance and contractor sector, the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) holds steadfast to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Our meticulous approach to investigations is at the core of our dedication, driven by principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for due…
Autumn Budget 2024: UK contractor sector’s hopes, fears and expectations
Originally written for Contractor UK Just 20-something days into her chancellorship, the UK’s new boss of HM Treasury, Rachel Reeves, has delivered a short but serious statement on how she plans to move forward – with controversial cuts to winter fuel allowances and the cancellation of mooted infrastructure projects, as well as large pay increases…