Legislative Update: Recruitment agencies are now liable for unpaid umbrella company taxes
New UK rules make recruitment agencies jointly liable for unpaid umbrella company taxes. Here is what you need to know before April 2026.
Spring Statement 2026
Tax, compliance and workforce changes affecting contractors, recruiters and end hirers The Chancellor delivered the Spring Statement 2026 on 3rd March 2026, framing it as an official update on the state of the economy rather than a major fiscal reset. The government has committed to reserving significant tax and spending changes for the Autumn Budget, with the […]
Autumn Statement 2025: A High-Level Overview
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a heavily anticipated Autumn Statement today, framed around “fair and necessary choices” to stabilise the UK’s finances. Rather than opting for headline tax rises, the government’s strategy centred on freezes, delayed increases, and structural changes that will gradually widen the tax net. A Budget of Stealth Measures The Chancellor abandoned plans for a major income […]
IR35 Investigations: Why You Haven’t Seen Many – But They Are Happening
When the off-payroll (IR35) rules were extended to the public sector in 2017 and later to the private sector in 2021, businesses braced themselves for HMRC investigations. For many, the lack of immediate headlines about fines may have felt like nothing was happening. The truth? IR35 investigations take years to build — but when they […]
HMRC Confirms April 2026 Umbrella Company Reform
HMRC has confirmed its intention to introduce new rules governing umbrella company engagements from April 2026, with draft legislation expected in July 2025. The proposed changes will bring joint and several liability for unpaid tax within labour supply chains where umbrella companies are involved. This means that end clients, agencies, and umbrella companies could all […]
Small Company Thresholds and IR35: What the 2025 Changes Mean for You
IR35 and the off-payroll working rules continue to evolve, and a key update is coming into play from 6th April 2025 – one that could affect thousands of businesses and the contractors they engage. HMRC has confirmed that changes to the Companies (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2024 will increase two of […]
Spring Statement – 2025
The Chancellor today presented her first Spring Statement, together with a report by the Office of Budget Responsibilities. As noted previously, the Chancellor confirmed that there will be only one fiscal event in the year, and as such, there were no further income tax and National Insurance increases today beyond those already announced in the […]
Reflecting on 2024: Key Changes in Employment Legislation and Preparing for 2025
Businesses have had to navigate significant updates in employment law and tax regulations. From the critical Off-Payroll Off-Set changes to the broader implications of the Employment Rights Bill and shifts in compliance expectations, this year marked a turning point. As we move into 2025, companies must adapt and prepare for the evolving regulatory landscape. Off-Payroll: […]
Autumn Budget 2024
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced her much anticipated Budget which contained £40 billion of tax rises. These tax rises will be used to fill an apparent “£22 billion black hole” in the country’s finances and drive growth in the UK economy. Looking at the positives, we expect to see significant Government investment in building […]
HMRC’s Hiring Surge: 5,000 New IR35 Investigators
In line with the government’s commitment to crack down on tax evasion and ensure compliance with UK tax laws, HMRC is set to hire 5,000 new investigators throughout the current government term. This significant recruitment drive, aimed at strengthening the HMRC’s investigative arm, will play a key role in identifying, investigating, and penalising tax fraud […]