Independent advice

[jkgom]

Hi all,

Can anyone convince me that this forum isn't biased in terms of advice for umbrella companies since it seems to only be linked positively with one particular umbrella company?

Are there any independent organisations that provide advice to new contractors looking for an umbrella company?

Many thanks in advance!

[cojak]

Hi all,

Can anyone convince me that this forum isn't biased in terms of advice for umbrella companies since it seems to only be linked positively with one particular umbrella company?

Are there any independent organisations that provide advice to new contractors looking for an umbrella company?

Many thanks in advance!

It's not for us to convince you, we aren't selling anything.

Lucy at contractorumbrella has been here years, gives good advice and there are posters here who use her company and are very happy with the service offered.

However there are other umbrellas that are members of All Umbrella Companies Are Equal, ask them about their fees and get reviews on their customer service.

[SueEllen]

Unfortunately only about 3 firms that run umbrella companies decide to post on here and out of those as you can see ContractorUmbrella is the most frequent.

One of the others posts if there are complaints about their service, while another mainly deals with contractors working abroad.

Btw Edit your post to remove your name unless you want agencies etc to work out who you are in future, as all threads are viewable via a Google search.

[cojak]

And we don't advise on specific umbrellas, we advise on choosing a legitimate umbrella

[jkgom]

It's not for us to convince you, we aren't selling anything.

Exactly why I asked! It's a forum isn't it.. but All Umbrella Companies Are Equal is great, thanks!

Also, removed my name but wondering what the real risk is if my complaining about the umbrella company will force them to review their conduct to avoid a bad reputation? Or will I be disciplined as an "employee"?

I'm only a few weeks in the country and I have about 25 tabs open trying to get my head around this whole thing.. what with the teething issues of the new legislation etc...

[jkgom]

Apparently All Umbrella Companies Are Equal was dissolved in Jan 2017?
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08555057

I was recommended this by my umbrella company instead for independent regilation of UC's (I realise the potential bias in this statement)..
FCSA Accredited Members | Highest standard in compliance

[cojak]

Apparently All Umbrella Companies Are Equal was dissolved in Jan 2017?
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08555057

I was recommended this by my umbrella company instead for independent regilation of UC's (I realise the potential bias in this statement)..
FCSA Accredited Members | Highest standard in compliance

AUCAE dissolved? That's a bummer.

Well, it looks as if we'll be pointing posters to the FCSA in future...

[BrilloPad]

Admin has always promised that if the forum is biased, you will get your subscription fee back.

You get what you pay for.

[TheFaQQer]

Exactly why I asked! It's a forum isn't it.. but All Umbrella Companies Are Equal is great, thanks!

AUCAE share two directors with Contractor Umbrella, so maybe one will be along to explain what's happening at some stage.

[TheFaQQer]

Well, it looks as if we'll be pointing posters to the FCSA in future...

Contractor Umbrella aren't associate or affiliate members of FCSA, but that wouldn't necessarily prevent me from recommending them.