Minimum umbrella rates from April 2026 – Everything you need to know
April 2026 is a reset point for umbrella minimum rates April is already a key month for recruitment, payroll and workforce planning and April 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly important one. Two things are happening in parallel: National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage uprating From 1 April 2026, the National Living […]
QPS successfully passes latest FCSA audit
QPS is pleased to confirm it has successfully passed its latest annual audit with the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA), reinforcing our commitment to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and best practice across the recruitment supply chain. What does FCSA accreditation mean? FCSA accreditation is widely recognised as the gold standard within the […]
Understanding the Finance Bill 2025: a compliance guide for recruitment agencies
Introduction: Why is change happening now? In recent years, HMRC and government policymakers have been increasingly focused on tightening compliance within the temporary labour market. This is not without cause. The proliferation of non‑compliant umbrella companies, disguised remuneration schemes, tax avoidance structures, and hybrid employment models has undermined both worker protections and the integrity of […]
HMRC wind-up petitions, deliberate tax defaulters, and the Employment Rights Bill – What every recruitment agency should know
It’s clear that HMRC has found renewed energy in its pursuit of non-compliance, and it’s now taking visible, public action to recover funds and hold offenders accountable. Over the past two years, HMRC has actively named and shamed non-compliant umbrella providers who fail to meet legislative requirements. While this transparency is welcome, and some ‘infamous’ […]
The 2025 Spending Review: An accountant’s perspective on IR35, contractor engagement, and sector readiness
The June 2025 Spending Review has generated significant discussion across the staffing sector. For recruiters and workforce providers, it promises public investment and potential growth. But from the viewpoint of an accountant working closely with contractors and recruitment agencies, the story runs deeper. This review outlines a critical moment in how contingent workers are engaged, […]
The 2025 Spending Review: Impact on the staffing sector and contingent workforce
The June 2025 Spending Review (SR25) sets a clear direction for public investment while simultaneously enforcing aggressive cost-saving measures. These opposing forces will reshape the staffing and recruitment landscape across healthcare, the public sector, education, and infrastructure. For recruitment agencies, umbrella providers, and contingent workforce platforms, the message is mixed: there are huge opportunities in […]
Joint and several liability in umbrella tax reform: Industry update
Industry update: HMRC signals move toward joint and several liability in umbrella tax reform On Thursday 12th June, HMRC and HM Treasury met with key stakeholders in the umbrella sector, including the FCSA, REC, and SafeRec, to provide early insight into the government’s direction of travel on reforms to umbrella company tax compliance. QPS has […]
We’ve partnered with Interactive Investor to boost contractor investment options
We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Interactive Investor (ii), one of the UK’s leading investment platforms, aimed at helping contractors and temporary workers take greater control of their pensions and investments. As a trusted partner to recruitment agencies and contractors across the UK, QPS is proud to bring this exclusive opportunity to our […]
Winding-up petitions from HMRC: Understanding the risks for recruitment agencies
When an umbrella company receives a winding-up petition from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), it signals severe financial distress, typically due to substantial unpaid tax bills, such as VAT, PAYE, or National Insurance contributions. For recruitment business owners, this situation is particularly concerning. Your umbrella providers manage payroll and employment services for your outsourced workforce. […]
Umbrella payment terms: The hidden financial risk threatening recruitment agencies
In a year where 413 UK recruitment agencies became insolvent, up 14% from the previous year, hidden financial dangers are coming into sharper focus. Among them, umbrella payment terms pose one of the most underestimated risks to agency stability and liquidity. What are umbrella payment terms and why do agencies use them? Recruitment agencies often […]
