Safe Solutions

[DimPrawn]

Well said Malvolio. These same muppets are the first to cry like babies when the agency/brolly goes tits up, or the government spin some new legislation to squeeze even more tax out of them.

If you ain't running a company, you're just a temp.

[DimPrawn]

The separate point is that 95% of agency contractors are caught inside IR35 so would be no better or worse off under (a properly run) umbrella

Where did you get that figure from, Dawn Primorolos website?

More like 95% of contractors are outside IR35 if they took 10 minutes to organise their working practices, contracts and company activities.

[malvolio]

I don't believe that the agencies are in the business of stopping people working through their own ltd companies-they couldn't make that stick and no one would stand for it, as you say.

Well yes they are, actually. Go talk to CP or Hays or some of the other big boys. And I know of people who have been told to use this or that umbrella as a condition of the offer and have walked away.

I'm not a greedy contractor, as you so charmingly put it. I work hard and I deliver a value service. Equally, I don't get sick pay, time off, pensions, health care, long-term sick pay, cars, expenses, canteens, free gym, employment protection or bonuses at Christmas, nor do I get paid 365 days a year come what may. I run a fair degree of risk to get my income, which is why it's higher than most. I also pay a lot more tax than most, year on year. So go sit behind your comfy desk and feel superior, but don't knock what you don't understand.

[Uncle Max]

Not suggesting that you are a greedy contractor Malvolio-simply saying some want to maximise their income but pay no heed to the consequences. You are clearly outside and welcome to your divvies.

Also a very close friend works for Hays and i asked him directly about this-his answer was: own ltd is fine (and comprises about 70% of the contractors on assignment) as is (approved) umbrella. Composite is not. Not knocking anyone but in this case "I do understand it".

[Tramline]

Not suggesting that you are a greedy contractor Malvolio-simply saying some want to maximise their income but pay no heed to the consequences. You are clearly outside and welcome to your divvies.

Also a very close friend works for Hays and i asked him directly about this-his answer was: own ltd is fine (and comprises about 70% of the contractors on assignment) as is (approved) umbrella. Composite is not. Not knocking anyone but in this case "I do understand it".

I think this may have something to do with the fact that certain umbrella's pay referral fees (back handers) to agencies. I don't think it has anything to do with the umbrella going bust. IMO if the agent has paid your umbrella and your umbrella goes bust you acn't moan at the agent or the client. To do so would be stupid, cost you your contract and a good reference.