Paystream, Mypay or Sapphire?

**Neil@Intouch** · 17 September 2018, 15:24

Is there any reason why you are opting for Umbrella over Ltd Company?

There may well be a valid reason, but I just wanted to put it across to you, as your take home pay could be higher via a Ltd Company over Umbrella.

**Krone6** · 17 September 2018, 15:29

Originally posted by Neil@Intouch View Post

Is there any reason why you are opting for Umbrella over Ltd Company?

There may well be a valid reason, but I just wanted to put it across to you, as your take home pay could be higher via a Ltd Company over Umbrella.

No reason, really. When I was offered the position the options handed to me were to use the agency itself or an umbrella company.

Personally, I do not want the admin of having to set up a Ltd company or to deal with any tax affairs etc. and don't want to find a trustworthy accountant (been burned in the past). Just want the most hassle-free option right now that ideally won't cost too much.

**northernladuk** · 17 September 2018, 16:00

Looking at that list I'd guess PS.

I've only ever heard of Paystream on here and that wasn't overly great. Sapphire have next to zero information on their site about the offering and the mypay site is just yuk.

Glad I'm not in your boots with that lot

**Krone6** · 17 September 2018, 16:53

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Looking at that list I'd guess PS.

I've only ever heard of Paystream on here and that wasn't overly great. Sapphire have next to zero information on their site about the offering and the mypay site is just yuk.

Glad I'm not in your boots with that lot

Oh dear....not promising.

I called each one of them to ask a few questions and get a feel for them. Turns out each company offers pretty much an identical package in terms of pay cycle, speed of pay, insurance cover, etc. The weekly margin differs slightly: GBP 14.00, 25.00 or 23.00 (although this company claim as it is deducted before any payments made to me it "could be as little as GBP 13.74").

The one company offers a much higher take home pay, though. Like 40 pounds more each week compared to the other two. And straight off the bat spoke about not having to pay tax til I get passed the minimum threshold. It does make me slightly suspicious.....

Paystream offers an extra "rewards scheme" though (vouchers and discounts). That's about the only big difference in terms of offerings. Due to this and a much better website, I might just go with Paystream.

**Anonimouse** · 17 September 2018, 17:54

I wouldn’t, they don’t pay regularly will attempt to charge you £25 to actually receive your pay, will be late paying you and thus you will receive two payments in one week, whoopee you think till you discover they have issued two payments but taxed it as one, but can't see a problem. Awful

**Krone6** · 18 September 2018, 12:06

Originally posted by Anonimouse View Post

I wouldn’t, they don’t pay regularly will attempt to charge you £25 to actually receive your pay, will be late paying you and thus you will receive two payments in one week, whoopee you think till you discover they have issued two payments but taxed it as one, but can't see a problem. Awful

Now I just feel depressed.....
I don't really have a lot of options and I can find next to zero information on the other two.

**Anonimouse** · 18 September 2018, 12:18

Is it only 3 on the agency list? I won’t work for the agency which force paystream, they can’t understand why and keep contacting me

**Krone6** · 18 September 2018, 12:59

Originally posted by Anonimouse View Post

Is it only 3 on the agency list? I won’t work for the agency which force paystream, they can’t understand why and keep contacting me

Yes those are the only three they offered. When did you use Paystream?
Unfortunately I don't have a choice to work with the agency or not - I need to work to keep on living and this is the only offer I have.

**MonkeysUncle** · 18 September 2018, 13:37

Originally posted by Krone6 View Post

Yes those are the only three they offered. When did you use Paystream?
Unfortunately I don't have a choice to work with the agency or not - I need to work to keep on living and this is the only offer I have.

Have you asked. Even if those are the 3 offered its worth asking if you can use another one.
I used Paystream last year and can mirror the earlier comments...absolutely awful.
Havent heard of the other 2.

I am currently using Contractor Umbrella and so far so good. They also offer the same rewards scheme as PayStream.

Paystream, Mypay or Sapphire?