Unhappy Umbrella Experience...

[TAN2015]

Hello All

I’m a contractor and opted to use an umbrella company.

Numerous issues have ensued, net pay being very low compared to almost 'like for like' quotes elsewhere, convoluted pay slips unable to clearly reconcile the ‘invoiced’ to ‘net’ pay (feels like money is 'missing'), defensive staff (when challenged) who are quick to respond but not equipped to deal with detail, misleading promotions, and hidden/unfair costs (I know that’s a subjective statement, but if I explained the full detail, I think most people would understand).

Am considering leaving them as very unhappy, and have asked for a quote of exit costs, I was thrown some legal type statement and was not given an amount, rather ‘we‘ll have to see what your final invoiced amount looks like and deductions made accordingly’. Surely they would have an idea of any fees due to them for their services over a given period?

At present want to know who to turn to for help/advise, anyone got any ideas? I don't have confidence approaching their own staff. It’s bugging me, and keen to hear if anyone has had a bad experience and how they may of approached/resolved – I’m sure due to time constraints some people ‘let these things go’…but I'm willing to expend some time and effort to get some fair closure and if i'm 'right' share my experience with others.

It’s been a bad experience, enough to put me off contracting and advise people to stay away from them where possible (sorry strong statement, but thats my view at the moment, I’m sure there’s some decent ones out there so perhaps unfair to paint the same picture for all...)

Thanks

T.M.

[Scruff]

What do the terms and conditions that you have signed say? All the charges should be detailed in the contract. If they have a website perhaps share it in the thread so that others who might have the opportunity to read through it can give the benefit of their opinions?

[sravs]

What do the terms and conditions that you have signed say? All the charges should be detailed in the contract. If they have a website perhaps share it in the thread so that others who might have the opportunity to read through it can give the benefit of their opinions?

Hi T.M.,

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with contracting through this Umbrella company. Are you able to share the details of the particular Umbrella company so others like me who are new to contracting and looking for Umbrella companies are warned? If you are not comfortable with public putting the name here, are you able to PM me? Would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

You should have signed a Contract of Employment with your umbrella company which will give the process required to terminate your employment with them. With regard to take home pay - the only variation between the figure with this company and any other should be their margin. Their payroll department should be able to give you a detailed breakdown of your tax and national insurance payments and any deductions made and there should definitely be no 'exit costs'. If you want to email me the payslip I would be happy to have a look at it for you - [email protected]