Hi All,
Firstly i apologise before hand for some of the dumb questions im about to ask. I have done a lot of reading but i still have some questions, i am expecting to get flamed but i hope i get some help too
Secondly a bit about myself. Im a network engineer with 2 yrs exp with a CCNA and a Uni IT Degree and have been doing network support, design and implementation work. I'm arriving in London from Oz in July on a HSMP visa (which doesnt have any work restrictions). After a bit of research i have decided to work as contractor in London.
* I have read the inland revenue "Employed or self-employed?" document and im not sure if i qualify as self-employed. Esp the points regarding work hours, equipment etc. If i am being interviewed by a client do i tell them bfore hand that I determine what hours i work or do i work this out after ive already landed the job and we're negotiating the contract?
* If i go through a umbrella company like Parasol IT for example is there a risk or is it pretty much guaranteed that i wont be pulled up for an "employee"?
* I went to a seminar here in oz of a company catering for IT proffessionals going to work in the UK. For 50p/h They claim to provide " you will be able to claim the first 6 months of your rent as a tax free expense as well as your
flights and travel expenses to the UK. Professional indemnity insurance up to 1,000,000 pounds, completion of any tax returns you are required to complete and a P60 at the end of the financial year showing the exact amount of tax for that period. There are also add ons you may select over and above the basic service, relocation 50p/h (flights, travel insurance, transfers and accommodation), private pension 50p/h (salary sacrificing to a private pension) and a weekly payroll if you prefer for an extra 50p/h.
When i pressed them for more detail i got told The structures which xxxx offers you are a PAYE employee under our limited company which operates inside IR35.
Does this sound like a crap deal compared to other options in the UK?
Thanks for your help
Firstly i apologise before hand for some of the dumb questions im about to ask. I have done a lot of reading but i still have some questions, i am expecting to get flamed but i hope i get some help too

Secondly a bit about myself. Im a network engineer with 2 yrs exp with a CCNA and a Uni IT Degree and have been doing network support, design and implementation work. I'm arriving in London from Oz in July on a HSMP visa (which doesnt have any work restrictions). After a bit of research i have decided to work as contractor in London.
* I have read the inland revenue "Employed or self-employed?" document and im not sure if i qualify as self-employed. Esp the points regarding work hours, equipment etc. If i am being interviewed by a client do i tell them bfore hand that I determine what hours i work or do i work this out after ive already landed the job and we're negotiating the contract?
* If i go through a umbrella company like Parasol IT for example is there a risk or is it pretty much guaranteed that i wont be pulled up for an "employee"?
* I went to a seminar here in oz of a company catering for IT proffessionals going to work in the UK. For 50p/h They claim to provide " you will be able to claim the first 6 months of your rent as a tax free expense as well as your
flights and travel expenses to the UK. Professional indemnity insurance up to 1,000,000 pounds, completion of any tax returns you are required to complete and a P60 at the end of the financial year showing the exact amount of tax for that period. There are also add ons you may select over and above the basic service, relocation 50p/h (flights, travel insurance, transfers and accommodation), private pension 50p/h (salary sacrificing to a private pension) and a weekly payroll if you prefer for an extra 50p/h.
When i pressed them for more detail i got told The structures which xxxx offers you are a PAYE employee under our limited company which operates inside IR35.
Does this sound like a crap deal compared to other options in the UK?
Thanks for your help
Comment