Spent Convictions: Reduced Timescales for Criminal Record Disclosure
Written by Brabners LLP The Law Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (“ROA”), job applicants are not required to disclose “spent” convictions, although employers still have the right to ask applicants about any unspent convictions during the recruitment process. This is subject to a few limited exceptions for certain professions where spent convictions…
Key Changes to the Law on Holiday Pay and Working Time Regulations for Part-Year and Irregular Workers Set to Come Into Force
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP Following two consultations which took place earlier this year into holiday entitlement and pay calculations, the Government has now published its long-awaited response and has laid out proposals for key changes to the law on both holiday pay and the Working Time Regulations which are set to come into…
Unlocking the Potential of the Apprenticeship Levy: FCSA Levy Network is Here!
If you’re an employer in England, you’re no stranger to the Apprenticeship Levy. It’s a well-intentioned scheme aimed at bridging the skills gap, allowing employees to access training and upskilling opportunities. However, as many employers have discovered, navigating the intricacies of the current Apprenticeship Levy can be challenging, leaving funds unspent and potentially wasted. Consider…
Chancellor Hunt’s Autumn Statement: A Perspective from FCSA’s Chief Executive
By Chris Bryce, Chief Executive, FCSA Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s second Autumn Statement has made waves, primarily for its headline act: a reduction in Employee’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from 12% to 10%. This move translates into a welcome tax cut for approximately 27 million workers in the UK. Notably unconventional was the immediate implementation from…
The rise of new technology
Chris Bryce – Chief Executive of FCSA Several new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, are emerging that have the potential to enhance the umbrella company industry and help protect workers. Workers are turning to umbrella company providers as never before as the effects of off-payroll working legislation, the increasing popularity of self-employment, the…
Holiday Pay – the latest development
Written by Brabners LLP On Wednesday 4 October 2023, the Supreme Court handed down its unanimous judgment in the case of Police Service of Northern Ireland v Agnew and Others (“Agnew”). The judgment could potentially increase the liability of businesses for historic underpayments of holiday pay, although in many cases this judgment will not…
The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP The policy paper known as the ‘Good Work Plan’, published on 17th December 2018, addressed the Government’s strategies towards the future development of employment rights. One of the headline commitments was the introduction of the right to request a more stable contract for those on zero-hour or casual contracts of…
Building a Solid Reputation: The Key to Success
By Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of FCSA As the CEO of FCSA (Freelancer & Contractor Services Association), I’ve witnessed the evolution of the umbrella company and agency landscape. In today’s competitive business world, where trust and credibility play pivotal roles, building a strong reputation isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. A solid reputation…
Cool Company Becomes FCSA Accredited Member and Passes Umbrella Certification
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Cool Company Freelance UK has been accredited as a new member and has passed the FCSA Umbrella Certification. Cool Company provides digital solutions and staffing services to businesses in the UK. “We are delighted to welcome Cool Company to the FCSA community of accredited…
The Joint Employment model: why it doesn’t work
In 2021, the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) made a significant decision to remove the joint employment model from its Accreditation Codes. This move was driven by FCSA’s unwavering commitment to promoting transparency and fairness within the contracting industry. In this blog post, we will delve into why FCSA chose to take this stand,…