Giant or Contractor Umbrella?

[Hollyhock]

OK, so having decided to go down the umbrella route for a contract I have narrowed it down to these two options. I'm seeing more positive reviews for CU, but is that still the consensus here too?

Many thanks.

[Anonimouse]

My experience with giant was not good, but cu never called me back so no idea

[Wary]

Contractor Umbrella is definitely a company to avoid, and you may find that most positive reviews relate back to their previous ownership (Lucy). See these two threads for a starter:
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...xperience.html
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...use-again.html

I recommend that anyone looking for an umbrella should choose one that participated in the CJRS furlough scheme. Not only will it give you a good indication of how they treat their contractors, but choosing one who participated will give you some confidence you'll be furloughed should there ever be a need to reintroduce the scheme.

Look at this site which has reviews relating specifically to the CJRS (but bear in mind that one can't be certain how genuine all of the reviews are):
Find fairer IR35 & CV19 clients, agents & brollys. OffPayroll.org.uk

It seems that Giant did participate, whereas I can categorically confirm that Contractor Umbrella refused 100% to furlough any of their contractors.

[eek]

Contractor Umbrella is definitely a company to avoid, and you may find that most positive reviews relate back to their previous management (Lucy). See these two threads for a starter:
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...xperience.html
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...use-again.html
I recommend that anyone looking for an umbrella should choose one that participated in the CJRS furlough scheme. Not only will it give you a good indication of how they treat their contractors, but choosing one who participated will give you some confidence you'll be furloughed should there ever be a need to reintroduce the scheme.

Look at this site which has reviews relating specifically to the CJRS (but bear in mind that one can't be certain how genuine all of the reviews are):
Find fairer IR35 & CV19 clients, agents & brollys. OffPayroll.org.uk

It seems that Giant did participate, whereas I can categorically confirm that Contractor Umbrella refused 100% to furlough any of their contractors.

Clarity is an umbrella Lucy went off and created.

Elsewhere I'm hearing good things about Orca Pay Group

[lucyclarityumbrella]

Clarity is an umbrella Lucy went off and created.

Elsewhere I'm hearing good things about Orca Pay Group

Problem is if there is a requirement for the FCSA, unfortunately at present that excludes both Clarity and Orca. hopefully that will change soon!

[Hollyhock]

Problem is if there is a requirement for the FCSA, unfortunately at present that excludes both Clarity and Orca. hopefully that will change soon!

Yes, it's public sector and has that requirement attached.

[Whorty]

OK, so having decided to go down the umbrella route for a contract I have narrowed it down to these two options. I'm seeing more positive reviews for CU, but is that still the consensus here too?

Many thanks.

Only worked via an umbrella once and it was CU - absolutely no issues. My account manager was always available. I'd happily work via them again.

[codedbypaul]

OK, so having decided to go down the umbrella route for a contract I have narrowed it down to these two options. I'm seeing more positive reviews for CU, but is that still the consensus here too?

Many thanks.

CU have lost their sheen since Lucy left and i’ve had multiple issues with late payments. I’d probably go with Giant now just to use the cycle to work scheme.

[MrButton]

I’ve been with CU for the last few months and have been fine. Payments on time.

[Wary]

Late payments was a persistent issue for me during my time with CU.