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Contractors who are new to the flexible-working sector may be confused about their rights when it comes to choosing an umbrella company, as some recruitment agencies might want you to use a specific supplier.

Why would a recruitment agency want you to use their chosen umbrella company?

A recruitment agency can refuse to use your chosen umbrella company for a number of reasons.

Understandably, the agency might want to ensure the contractor is using an umbrella that can be trusted and shares the same ethos as them. It helps them to manage their risk and guarantee that all umbrella partners conform to a set benchmark of compliance.

Of course, the reason could be coming from a commercial point of view whereby the agency will benefit financially due to recommending a particular umbrella to the contractor.

Should you use your recruitment agency’s chosen umbrella company?

Some agencies might only work with one umbrella, (which obviously doesn’t give you much choice), however, many will use PSLs (Preferred Supplier Agreement) allowing you to choose from a selection of approved suppliers.

Most agencies now only use FCSA accredited umbrellas, so it’s worth ensuring that this is the case with yours.

Other signs of a good umbrella company include:

  • Good reviews</br/>Look at reviews to get an idea of what people really think of the umbrella company you’re thinking of working through.
  • Providing a personal service
    Having a go-to person who deals with all of your work is so important for a hassle-free umbrella experience.
  • Been in business for a long time
    Experience is key with any business, giving you peace of mind that they know what they’re doing.
  • Awards
    Recognition for the work they do is always a comforting factor when it comes to choosing the best umbrella company – make sure that their awards are fairly recent too.

Read our Best Umbrella Company page for more advice on this.

We hope that you have found this page helpful and it has answered some of your questions. If you’d like to sign up or need any further information, please call one our friendly experts on 01206 591 000.

Why Choose Contractor Umbrella?

Contractor Umbrella is the hassle-free, straight talking umbrella company that provides umbrella employment for UK based contractors and freelancers. Independently voted as the best umbrella company by the readers of Contractor UK.

As one of the most trusted umbrella companies in the UK, we guarantee our employees peace of mind, absolute compliance and complete security. We are one of the longest standing and most respected umbrella companies in the UK.

If you’d like to find out more, call us on 01206 591 000 or request a call back by completing our online form.

Benefits of working through Contractor Umbrella;

  • Fast and easy registration –  be ready to work in 24 hours, simply register online and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Calculate your take home pay – use our online calculator to find out how much you could be taking home through Contractor Umbrella.
  • Same day payments – We offer same day payments as standard providing funds are received into our account by 9am, for no additional fee.
  • Our Service Guarantee – is our guarantee that you will be looked after at every step of the way.
  • Flexible Limited Company accountancy – when you sign up to our sister company Dolan Accountancy, you can transfer to Contractor Umbrella when umbrella employment better suits or your assignment sits inside IR35.
  • Employee Benefits at Contractor Umbrella there are many benefits available to you as our employee including Childcare Vouchers, our Employee Rewards Scheme, Group Pension Scheme, Foreign Currency Exchange, Contractor Accommodation, Contractor Mortgages and much more.
  • Expert Contractor Support Team – Every employee of Contractor Umbrella has access to our expert Contractor Support Team who are available to deal with any queries that you may have. You can get in touch with the Contractor Support Team, through the online chat, by email or by telephone.
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