£7.4 Million returned to underpaid workers
The Government has today [29 May 2025] named 518 employers that failed to pay their workers the legal minimum wage, collectively leaving nearly 60,000 people short-changed by more than £7.4 million. These businesses have since repaid what they owe and been hit with financial penalties of up to 200% of the underpayments. This naming-and-shaming round,…
Section 41 Equality Act 2010 – Strike Out of Indirect Race Discrimination Claim Brought By Contract Worker Upheld by EAT
In Djalo v Secretary of State for Justice [2025] EAT 67, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) upheld the Employment Tribunal’s decision to strike out a race discrimination claim brought by a contract cleaner. The case highlights the legal limitations faced by outsourced workers seeking equal pay with directly employed staff, particularly in light of the Court…
Right to Work changes relating to casual workers
Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, has recently confirmed that the government plans to extend the UK’s Right to Work scheme to include self-employed contractors. Every employer in the UK must undertake a right to work check to secure a statutory excuse to an illegal working civil penalty being imposed. If imposed, an illegal working civil penalty…
The Recruitment Network joins FCSA as a Business Partner
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to welcome The Recruitment Network as the latest addition to its growing Business Partner community.
Shining a Light: HMRC’s Tax Avoidance Scheme List
Tax avoidance remains a key focus for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and one of their most public tools in tackling it is the list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers, and suppliers. But what is this list, and why should you be aware of it? What is the List? Essentially, it’s a public…
Unlock Compliance Confidence & Gain a Competitive Edge: Become an FCSA Recruiter Partner
In a market where compliance failures can quickly damage reputations, recruiters need more than good intentions—they need confidence in every link of their supply chain. With legislation like IR35 and increasing scrutiny on umbrella companies, recruiters need to demonstrate they’re working with the right partners. That’s where joining the FCSA Recruiter Partner Programme can make…
FCSA opens investigation
FCSA is currently investigating allegations of action being taken by HMRC against one of our members. In line with our governance procedures and commitment to integrity, the member concerned has been advised. Update as of Friday 9th May 2025: Further hearings will take place in the near future and pending the outcome of those the…
Combatting Payroll Pirates: The Role of Compliant Payroll Providers
Recent reports have highlighted the alarming involvement of several UK recruitment firms in tax avoidance schemes, putting workers at significant financial risk. These deceptive practices, often led by fraudulent operators, have not only endangered the financial stability of workers but have also undermined the integrity of the UK’s tax system. We strongly condemn these dishonest…
Beware the Payroll Pirates: Mini Umbrellas Are on the Rise
Payroll pirates have a new bounty on their horizon. With Employer National Insurance Contributions (ErNICs) increasing in April, some businesses are looking for ways to cut costs—unfortunately, this means mini umbrella companies (MUCs) are creeping back into the supply chain as FCSA warned after the Budget last October. We’ve already had reports from our members…
Spring Statement 2025: Our Wishlist
With the Spring Statement 2025 fast approaching, businesses, recruiters, and contractors are keeping a close eye on what the Chancellor might announce. While the government has pledged to limit tax changes to once a year, economic pressures could force their hand. Here’s what we at FCSA would like to see from the Spring Statement—real, practical…