From 6 April 2026, the rules governing how recruitment agencies interact with umbrella companies change fundamentally. Under new umbrella company joint and several liability provisions,
We’re pleased to welcome Thrivr to the FCSA Business Partner community. Built specifically for the contingent and contractor workforce, Thrivr gives umbrella companies and payroll
The government’s consultation on modernising the agency work regulatory framework, published by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 February 2026 under the Make
The FCSA Levy Network connects large employers with unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds to accredited SMEs in the contractor sector. Learn how it works.
The Employment Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in December, introduces significant reforms to Statutory Sick Pay from 6th April 2026. These represent the
The government’s new Abusive Phoenixism Taskforce isn’t just about catching tax dodgers. For recruitment agencies and their supply chains, it signals a fundamental shift in
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Chronos Consulting Services Ltd has successfully achieved accredited membership for their CIS/Self-Employed Contractor
The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that AGPayroll has been awarded accredited membership for its Umbrella (Contract of Employment) and
The government is currently consulting on a proposal to extend the Right to Work (RtW) Scheme so that it applies not only to traditional employees,
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Source Pay has achieved FCSA accreditation and membership, marking an important milestone in
We’re delighted to share that FCSA has been awarded Best Supplier to the Contracting Industry at The Contracting Awards 2025. To receive this recognition from
Our IT and Cyber Security team has identified that bad actors have attempted to replicate the FCSA website and use it for phishing purposes. These
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Atom has been officially accredited as a member. FCSA accreditation is recognised across the
Team FCSA is pleased to announce the publication of our full report on the draft Finance Bill 2025, produced in collaboration with Brabners LLP, BDO
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is delighted to announce that Andy Chamberlain has joined the FCSA team in the role of Head of Strategic
The Global Recruiter recently ran an article, “No Audit Trail, No Protection,” which argues for recruitment agencies to take responsibility for remitting PAYE liabilities to
The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with RPost, a global leader in secure and compliant email, eSignature,
From 18 November 2025, Companies House will begin a 12-month phased rollout of mandatory identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs). This
FCSA are aware that a member appears to be in financial difficulties, and that a limited number of affected workers may not have received holiday
FCSA is currently investigating allegations of action being taken by HMRC against one of our members. In line with our governance procedures and commitment to
This year’s FCSA Forum was more than just our biggest gathering yet, it was a clear signal of a sector coming together with renewed purpose.
The Chancellor’s 2025 Spending Review sends a clear signal: enforcement, regulation, and economic efficiency will be central pillars of the government’s agenda going forward. With
Today FCSA met with HMRC and HMT to discuss the proposed Umbrella Regulation. The policy team’s proposal, which we must stress is still subject to
The Government has today [29 May 2025] named 518 employers that failed to pay their workers the legal minimum wage, collectively leaving nearly 60,000 people
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to welcome The Recruitment Network as the latest addition to its growing Business Partner community.
Tax avoidance remains a key focus for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and one of their most public tools in tackling it is the list
In a market where compliance failures can quickly damage reputations, recruiters need more than good intentions—they need confidence in every link of their supply chain.
FCSA is currently investigating allegations of action being taken by HMRC against one of our members. In line with our governance procedures and commitment to
Recent reports have highlighted the alarming involvement of several UK recruitment firms in tax avoidance schemes, putting workers at significant financial risk. These deceptive practices,
Payroll pirates have a new bounty on their horizon. With Employer National Insurance Contributions (ErNICs) increasing in April, some businesses are looking for ways to
With the Spring Statement 2025 fast approaching, businesses, recruiters, and contractors are keeping a close eye on what the Chancellor might announce. While the government
FCSA is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Innovation Award at the prestigious Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards, recognising our groundbreaking work
FCSA is delighted to welcome Westlakes Fusion as its newest accredited member, demonstrating the company’s dedication to compliance, ethical employment practices, and contractor care. This
FCSA is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Jolly as the newly appointed Chair of the Board, succeeding James Burrows. With over 30 years
At FCSA, we’ve always been committed to driving up standards in the contractor sector, ensuring compliance, and protecting workers from bad actors. With the payroll
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is delighted to announce that PamGro has joined our membership, further strengthening their commitment to compliance, ethics, and
The FCSA Forum 2025 is shaping up to be our most impactful event yet, and we are thrilled to announce that Colin MacLachlan will be
In an open letter to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, FCSA has laid out its recommendations for addressing systemic issues in the UK’s labour supply chain. Co-signed by FCSA Chief Executive Chris Bryce and employment status expert Rebecca Seeley Harris, the letter calls for thoughtful implementation of proposed reforms, emphasising the need for balanced regulation and robust worker protections.
FCSA has submitted its response to the Labour Market Enforcement (LME) Strategy consultation 2025-26, emphasising the importance of smarter enforcement, collaborative regulation, and clear legislative
The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has released its consultation response to the Business and Trade Committee’s “Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill” inquiry.
FCSA has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on strengthening Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). While FCSA supports the intent to provide better financial security for
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA), the UK’s leading membership body dedicated to raising standards and promoting compliance in the temporary labour market, has released
FCSA, the UK’s leading membership body for the temporary labour market, has submitted its official response to the government’s consultation on proposed changes to collective
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA), the leading body for professional employment services, has submitted its detailed response to the government’s consultation on applying zero-hours
The UK government’s recent decision to introduce new umbrella regulations marks a transformative step toward creating a fairer, more transparent temporary labour market. FCSA fully
In an ever-evolving world of payroll compliance, Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has introduced Diligence Hub — a secure, cloud-based platform designed to streamline
Portsmouth-based firm Liquid Friday, a leading provider of payroll and workforce management solutions, is proud to announce that it has joined Business South as a
In a significant move to bolster tax compliance and close the tax gap, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced plans to recruit over 5,000
As a PAYE umbrella employee, you are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme, ensuring regular contributions towards your retirement savings. However, there is another
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Jarvis, a provider specialising in personalised workplace pensions. This collaboration aims
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is delighted to announce IMS Decimal as our latest business partner. With a reputation for delivering top-tier accounting and
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is delighted to announce that In- Sync Digital has successfully attained FCSA accreditation for their CIS services. This recognition
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is delighted to announce the accreditation of Big Fish Group in the Umbrella and CIS categories as its newest
Yesterday’s general election brought the Labour Party into power in a “loveless landslide”, a significant shift after years of Conservative rule. With their comprehensive agenda
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce the addition of Spry Pay Limited alongside group companies DNS Accountants Ltd and Limelight Accountancy
Written by Marsh Commercial Introduction for newsletter Whether we’re for or against Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s here to stay. No sector is immune to
So you think buying cyber insurance means your business will avoid a major nightmare? You’ve bought a cyber insurance policy to help protect your company
We are proud to announce the launch of Diligence Hub, a ground-breaking platform designed to revolutionise the due diligence process for Recruiters and Umbrella Companies
We’re delighted to have attained certification of Cyber Essentials Plus,a robust cybersecurity certification scheme, endorsed by the UK Government, designed to fortify organisations against prevalent
Planning for your future Saving isn’t easy for everyone, and for those who may be on irregular earning patterns – such as freelance contractors –
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP What happened in this case? In this case, the Claimant was engaged as an agency worker, to work as
The FCSA Apprenticeship Levy Network is a shining example of how collaboration between businesses can lead to positive change within our communities. The initiative was
The concept of over-employment, where individuals juggle multiple full-time jobs simultaneously, (without informing their end-hirers), is steadily gaining traction within the contractor community. This approach
In reflection on National Apprenticeship Week, it served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of apprenticeships in shaping our workforce and driving economic
In the fast-paced world of recruitment, standing out and ensuring compliance are paramount. For recruitment agencies aiming to distinguish themselves and reinforce compliance, becoming an
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) stands tall as a dedicated guardian of industry standards in the realm of freelancer and contractor services. Let’s unveil
Written by Brabners LLP The recent decision in Ryanair DAC and Storm Global Ltd v Lutz [2023] is the latest case to examine self-employed
Contractors often face a pivotal decision: should they opt for payment via an umbrella company or through agency PAYE? Each avenue has its merits and
When it comes to filing your company’s accounts, there are two main options: audited accounts and small company accounts. The difference between the two is
Umbrella companies have become a staple in the modern gig economy, offering a convenient employment solution for contractors and freelancers. However, the origin of umbrella
If you’re an employer in England, you’re no stranger to the Apprenticeship Levy. It’s a well-intentioned scheme aimed at bridging the skills gap, allowing employees
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is pleased to announce that Cool Company Freelance UK has been accredited as a new member and has passed
In 2021, the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) made a significant decision to remove the joint employment model from its Accreditation Codes. This move
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and demands a ransom payment to decrypt it. Ransomware attacks can be devastating for businesses,
In a remarkable display of industry support and dedication to the future of apprenticeships and compliance, the FCSA Levy Network has achieved an incredible milestone.
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is excited to unveil a game-changing initiative that’s set to make a significant impact on access to apprenticeships in
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is excited to announce a new partnership with iSIPP, a leading self-invested personal pension (SIPP) provider with over
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP Background: The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill previously proposed new obligations on employers to prevent sexual
If you’re a contractor, you may wonder if an umbrella company suits you. Umbrella companies can offer several benefits, including: Compliance: By working with an
Guest Blog by Contractor Umbrella What happens if my umbrella company goes bust? – a scenario no one wants to have to think about, but
National Payroll Week is a week-long celebration of the important work that payroll professionals do. This year, National Payroll Week took place from September 4-8,
The duty to make reasonable adjustments is aimed at levelling the playing field by ensuring that disabled persons are not placed at a substantial disadvantage
The House of Commons released a research briefing on 11 August 2023 on Artificial Intelligence and Employment Law, which delved into the benefits and issues
As an agency, you know that your contractors are the lifeblood of your business. They are the ones who deliver the work, and their satisfaction
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is dedicated to elevating standards and ensuring compliance within the professional employment services industry. Collaborating with other organisations enables
Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to setting and raising standards for the temporary workforce. FCSA’s non-profit status
The Agency Worker Regulations 2010 (AWR) are designed to protect the rights of agency workers. They ensure that agency workers are entitled to the same
Continuity of employment is a term used to describe the length of time a person has been employed by the same employer. Its importance is
We are pleased to announce that Your Sprightly, a top provider of Umbrella services for contractors and freelancers, has achieved FCSA Accreditation. This accreditation is
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill has officially received Royal Assent and will now be officially enshrined in the statute books. This is a big
Written by Brabners LLP The issue of “dual” or “joint” employment under UK law is problematic. Although joint employment is a recognised concept in
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP On Thursday 13 July 2023, the High Court quashed regulations which allowed for workers on strike to be replaced by
Freelancer and Contractor Services Association has re-committed to its partnership with ASPCo UK (The Association of Professional Staffing Companies). “We are pleased to announce that
Part two of our series on Agency Work Regulations (AWR); an essential piece of legislation directly affecting the umbrella supply chain. As an agency, it
The Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) were introduced in the UK in 2010 with the aim of tackling discrimination against agency workers. These regulations also affect
Written by Brabners LLP Background On 10 May 2023, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published a policy paper, ‘Smarter regulation to grow the
Written by JMW Solicitors LLP On 6th June 2023 the Government announced its intention to publish a consultation on policy options aimed at regulating umbrella
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) today announced that it has welcomed Freelancer Financials as a Business Partner.
Employment Update: The Government’s Proposals… On 10 May 2023 the UK Government (‘Government’) announced its intention, namely through its policy paper “Smarter regulation to
Written by Dan Stowers, Partner and Head of Business Crime and Compliance, Brabners LLP On 11 April 2023 a new offence of ‘failing to
