JSL Is Live: What Agencies Must Do Now
The 6th April 2026 deadline has passed. Joint and several liability for umbrella company PAYE is no longer a coming change. It’s here. From this date, HMRC can pursue recruitment agencies directly for unpaid PAYE and National Insurance contributions when an umbrella company in their supply chain fails to account for them correctly. Approximately 30,000…
Miss E Bibescu v Clare Jenner Limited t/a Jenner’s
Background The Claimant was employed by the Respondent from 21 November 2018 until her dismissal on 11 June 2020. The Respondent had ongoing concerns about the Claimant’s standard of work. As a result, a subcontractor was asked to carry out a “peer review” of the Claimant’s work after several mistakes were identified. The Claimant was…
Statutory Sick Pay Reforms: What Changes in April 2026
The Employment Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in December, introduces significant reforms to Statutory Sick Pay from 6th April 2026. These represent the most substantial changes to SSP since the system was revised in 1985, and employers across the supply chain need to understand the implications. Three Key Changes The Lower Earnings Limit…
Employment Rights Act 2025: what’s in force, what’s next, and what’s still to be written?
April 2026 marks the first round of important changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”) for those operating in the labour supply chain. Here’s a summary of the most relevant upcoming legal changes for umbrella companies from April and beyond. Paternity and Parental Leave From 6 April 2026, employees gain dayone rights to…
FCSA Responds to Government Plans to Extend Right to Work Checks
The government is currently consulting on a proposal to extend the Right to Work (RtW) Scheme so that it applies not only to traditional employees, but also to people working on more flexible arrangements—such as limb (b) workers, casual staff, and those on zero-hours contracts. In simple terms, they want to make sure that anyone…
A tax and spend Budget but where’s the plan for growth?
The Chancellor’s Budget got off to worst possible start – it was accidentally leaked by the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) around 45 minutes before the Chancellor stood up. Did she manage to recover the moment? Probably yes, but if you were hoping for a growth-oriented plan to get the economy moving you would have…
ACAS Conciliation period is doubling from six to twelve weeks
If a worker wishes to bring a claim against their employer, umbrella company, agency or end client, then they are legally required to contact ACAS – the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service – before submitting a claim in the Employment Tribunal. ACAS is an independent public body that provides free advice and guidance on employment…
Fair Work Agency’s Chair Appointed
Matthew Taylor, a former policy chief for Tony Blair and Theresa May’s governments, has been appointed as the Chair of the newly created Fair Work Agency (“FWA”). What is the Fair Work Agency? The Fair Work Agency is a new UK Government body set to come into force in April 2026, which will be tasked…
Fire and Rehire Reformed: Last minute amendments to the Employment Rights Bill and what this means for Recruiters and Employers
Introduction As industry professionals are no doubt aware, the Employment Rights Bill (the ‘Bill’) is set to shake-up the legal landscape for recruiters and employers. The good news is that the wait is nearly over, with the Bill now in its final stages following the House of Commons vote on Monday. While the most amendments…
Agency fees under the Spotlight
Facts of the case: Talent Systems Europe Ltd (trading as Spotlight) operates an online directory through which performers, such as actors and musicians, can pay to upload and maintain their profiles for casting directors to view. Spotlight describes itself as a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) business, offering a digital platform that enables actors and…