Reply to: Question on Umbrella Reviews

[tech6]

Hi There

Newbie to contracting here
So my scenario is the following. I will only be a contractor for a short period of time for an IT role (6m only) then I'm back to permanent roles, this is why I want to use an umbrella company. But I'm really struggling to find how to get reviews of the different umbrella companies I've been provided with.

How can I find reviews about these?

Apex
Clipper
Crest
Danbro
Giant
JMK
NASA Consulting
NoPalaver
RACS
Sterling
umbrella.co.uk

TIA

Hi Lilly,

I've got the exact same list of umbrella companies I need to choose from. Can I ask which one did you go for?

[psychocandy]

Given that you purchased on price it's hardly surprising that responsiveness isn't there... Equally you are probably seen as a needy customer and one that they may regard as more hassle than its worth...

Says who? Come on eek - don't believe everything you read on here mun.

Heres how I selected. Agency gave me a list of suppliers. These were the only one on the trade body list (cant remember what it is - the one that contractor umbrella look after). The price is the same as everyone else I think.

[eek]

To be honest, I did complain to the sales director (about the phone call thing) and they did phone me then. Trouble is nothing much changed and it went back to normal.

I just think they really are not bothered and just happy to take the money and do as little as possible.

Given that you purchased on price it's hardly surprising that responsiveness isn't there... Equally you are probably seen as a needy customer and one that they may regard as more hassle than its worth...

[northernladuk]

To be honest, I did complain to the sales director (about the phone call thing) and they did phone me then. Trouble is nothing much changed and it went back to normal.

I just think they really are not bothered and just happy to take the money and do as little as possible.

Sounds like it. Now maybe that will be the end of it.

[psychocandy]

I'd mail them links to your posts anonymously. That should get them to step up. There are tons of stories where people complain about a company on twitter and they take swift action. If they know your complaining endlessly about them they may step up?

To be honest, I did complain to the sales director (about the phone call thing) and they did phone me then. Trouble is nothing much changed and it went back to normal.

I just think they really are not bothered and just happy to take the money and do as little as possible.

[northernladuk]

I'd mail them links to your posts anonymously. That should get them to step up. There are tons of stories where people complain about a company on twitter and they take swift action. If they know your complaining endlessly about them they may step up?

[psychocandy]

Some constructive criticism of Sterling and how they've dealt with me :-

1. After setup, I tried to arrange a call back to ask a few questions. First time, three hours late - I gave them a one hour window so I could speak at lunchtime. Second time - just did not even call me at all. 3rd time lucky - only after I moaned to their senior person.

2. Pensions. Took 3 emails for someone to reply to my request for info on this. Bottom line is now they will only allow minimum pension to NEST.

3. Contract/schedule of work. Three times asked for copy of schedule of work. Still not recieved 5 weeks in despite several promises.

4. Generally, they ignore the first two emails it seems, and only answer 3rd or if you moan. Then they will promise to do something and then not do it.

[lucyclarityumbrella]

noted

[psychocandy]

First stop should be All Umbrella Companies Are Equal - Straight Talking Umbrella Companies and see which of those, if any, are listed.

Cant believe Sterling got on that list. Straight talking? More like avoid and do as little as possible....

[psychocandy]

Sterling - Do not go anywhere near. They are completely useless.

If you want to spend your time waiting for them to do stuff, chasing them for stuff they havent done but promised then crack on.

[Matt FPSGroup]

Question on Umbrella Reviews

Hi, transparency on customer service standards is as clear as mud in the umbrella industry. You need to do your research before rushing in and picking a provider. We are not on your list but like to think we buck this trend on transparency. Our reviews page now has over 530 independent customer ww w.fpsgroup.com/about-fps/reviews]Reviews - Good luck with your search

[Anonimouse]

Avoid Giant
Danbro are ok'ish
umbrella.co.uk are poor

[DaveB]

Hi There

Newbie to contracting here
So my scenario is the following. I will only be a contractor for a short period of time for an IT role (6m only) then I'm back to permanent roles, this is why I want to use an umbrella company. But I'm really struggling to find how to get reviews of the different umbrella companies I've been provided with.

How can I find reviews about these?

Apex
Clipper
Crest
Danbro
Giant
JMK
NASA Consulting
NoPalaver
RACS
Sterling
umbrella.co.uk

TIA

First stop should be All Umbrella Companies Are Equal - Straight Talking Umbrella Companies and see which of those, if any, are listed.

The only ones who get consistently good comments on here are PAYE Umbrella Companies for UK Contractors | Contractor Umbrella Company . Lucy the MD posts here regularly on Umbrella and tax topics.

[SueEllen]

Ask PC how good Sterling is...

That's not nice....

[northernladuk]

Ask PC how good Sterling is...