Reply to: Why do some agencies only use certain Umbrella's?

[dmini]

They search the fora for references to them. Just avoids them giving me grief!

[curtis]

Ratewhore, I can say Hays I was just messing as that was what someone else put!!

[dmini]

Been there. It used to be a few umbrellas - some of which my umbrella company (and I) had never heard of. My umbrella tried direct communication, and pressure, but didn't manage to get the policy changed.
The list used to be:
Giant, Parasol, Lester Sybersolve, 3-Sixty, JSA & Liberty Bishop.

My experiences with the one I chose, made me take the plunge and go limited the next time I got a contract through them!

[ratewhore]

Its is the one beginning with 'H' - Dried grass!!!!

Why can't you say Hays?

[curtis]

Its is the one beginning with 'H' - Dried grass!!!!

[HermanDune]

Computer Futures recommend Parasol

Computer Futures Solutions are part of the S3 group and only take on contractors who are prepared to work with one of four umbrellas.

[NickFitz]

Or thier parent company has an interest in that umbrella hence if you use the one they tell you to the group gets to take an even bigger slice of the wedge...

Exactly. The only reason it could possibly make a difference to them is if they have a vested interest.

I'd tell them to get stuffed, and that if my choice of brolly wasn't to their liking I would therefore consider myself free to enter into a direct arrangement with the client. That strategy probably depends on how much you want the contract, and how much the end-client wants you rather than anybody else.

[Ardesco]

Or thier parent company has an interest in that umbrella hence if you use the one they tell you to the group gets to take an even bigger slice of the wedge...

[dmini]

would it be an agency starting with H?? - dried grass?

[original PM]

who were the other 3 on the list?

[NotAllThere]

They justify it as a means of ensuring that they don't fall foul of MSC legislation.

Of course, if you change brolly each contract, you may not be able to legitimately claim any T&S expenses.

[VectraMan]

but contractually can they force you to use one of their umbrellas???

Of course! It's up to them who they do business with. And if they're giving you a choice of four umbrellas, then that's quite a lot of choice.

Parasol charged £60pm when I was with them a few years back. I'm sure it's more now, but the amount you save on a different umbrella can hardly be a major loss. Unless you're planning on using some dodgy off-shore, loan based system in which case you can fully understand the agent refusing.

[downsouth]

but contractually can they force you to use one of their umbrellas???

[curtis]

It matters to me which one I use as the they were asking me to use Parasol which charge more than the other Umbrella I use so I will be getting less pay.

[VectraMan]

Surely an Umbrella is just a company that provides PAYE services so why does it matter what one a contractor uses as they all do the same thing?????

Why does it matter to you which you use?