Computer People

[Biker Boy]

I've been told that Computer People only allow contractors to use one Umbrella/Ltd Company when working through them.

Is it true? Is it legal? Does anyone know who the lucky umbrella company is?

[The Master]

Don't know. Yes. No.

CP are not held in very esteem by most contractors with experience of them. Allegedly.

[Rebecca Loos]

I don't think it's just ONE umbrella company (might be a selection of 3 or 4) and also I think (not sure) that they will let you use your own LTD - it's just that they will not let you use an umbrella that's not in their list
And yes it is probably legal even if it's not right

[boredsenseless]

I don't think it's just ONE umbrella company (might be a selection of 3 or 4) and also I think (not sure) that they will let you use your own LTD - it's just that they will not let you use an umbrella that's not in their list
And yes it is probably legal even if it's not right

Totally legal but totally wrong

[malvolio]

Bit like Computer People themselves, really...

[paulb567]

I am currently in a contract with Computer People. As far as I'm aware they didn't mind which umbrella I was going to use although I went the limited co. route in the end. Not too sure why they have such a bad reputation as I've had no problems so far. My contract was deemed outside of IR35 by b&c and they've paid on time everytime so far.

[Mailman]

Totally legal but totally wrong

You may want to check that as being forced to use a service (ie having to select from a small number of agency "approved" service providers) is against the employment regs...unless of course you have opted out?

Mailman

[Alexander Coe]

Its true there are only certain umbrellas/composite companies they will allow their contractors to use...

I was working for CC a while ago and they got us all to move over to using CP as our agency, about a year into the contract.
At the time I was using Giant and at CP told me I'd have to change to one of there preferred umbrellas - I old them I had no intention of changing my umbrella for them, they came back and said in my case, as they took me on mid-contract I could stay with Giant.

[boredsenseless]

You may want to check that as being forced to use a service (ie having to select from a small number of agency "approved" service providers) is against the employment regs...unless of course you have opted out?

Mailman

But if you opt in to employment regs you are basically saying that you are an employee, as that allows you access to redress against things like early termination, Working Time Directive etc all things which don't apply to businesses only their employees