Frequently asked questions

No. Our comparison service is completely free for contractors. We're paid by our umbrella company partners, so you never pay us a penny.

Most of our partners pay weekly or monthly once your timesheet is approved, and several offer same-day payment after funds are received from your agency.

Holiday pay is accrued at 12.07% of your pay and paid to you during time off. Our partners typically only charge their margin while you are actively working.

No. Every provider we recommend operates with no setup fees, no exit fees and no minimum-term commitments.

We can compare your current provider's fees and take-home pay against our partners. Switching is straightforward and usually happens within the same week, with no gap in pay.

That's fine. You can switch umbrella companies mid-contract — your recruitment agency simply redirects payments to your new provider.

No. You remain an employee paid through compliant PAYE payroll. Your IR35 status is determined by your end client, not by your umbrella company.

Be very cautious. Once employer National Insurance at 15% is accounted for, 90% retention is not achievable legally. Providers making such claims are usually non-compliant.

Your details are used only to produce your quotes and are never sold. We are fully GDPR compliant — see our privacy policy for details.

It employs you for the duration of your contracts, invoices your agency, runs payroll, deducts tax and NI, and pays you — while handling HMRC filings, insurance and holiday pay. All you do is submit a timesheet.

Yes. Auto-enrolment applies to umbrella employees — you'll be enrolled into a workplace pension scheme and can opt out if you prefer.

Typically a flat margin of £15–£30 per week. Employer National Insurance (15%) and the apprenticeship levy are also funded from your assignment value — see our costs guide for the full breakdown.