HMRC’s CIS340 Update: A Reminder to Assess Before You Engage
On 8th July 2026, HMRC updated its Construction Industry Scheme (CIS340) guidance, specifically Appendix A.3, which relates to contracts involving construction operations. Whilst this is not a legislative change, the revised guidance provides further clarification on HMRC’s interpretation of when the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies and reinforces the importance of reviewing existing contractor engagement processes. For recruitment […]
QPS passes independent Datum RPO compliance audit and joins their accredited umbrella PSL
QPS is pleased to confirm that it has successfully completed an independent compliance audit conducted by Datum RPO, and has been added to Datum’s preferred supplier list (PSL) as an accredited umbrella company. For recruitment agencies reviewing their supply chains, this gives a clear, independently verified answer to a question that matters more every year: […]
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: 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 […]
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 […]
Public sector funding and recruitment: How the new financial year unlocks fresh opportunities
As the new financial year begins, public sector organisations across the UK receive fresh funding allocations, creating new job vacancies and significant opportunities for recruitment agencies. For those working in public sector hiring, understanding how funding cycles impact recruitment can be the key to securing contracts, expanding talent pools, and strengthening client relationships. Why the […]
QPS achieves SafeRec Certification, reinforcing commitment to payroll compliance and transparency
QPS Group is proud to announce that it has achieved SafeRec certification, reinforcing its commitment to compliance, transparency, and ethical payroll processing for recruitment agencies and contractors. This accreditation places QPS at the forefront of the industry, ensuring real-time payroll auditing and full HMRC compliance. SafeRec certification is recognised as the highest standard in payroll […]
How the new small company definition and IR35 changes benefit hirers and contingent workers
The UK government’s recent update to the definition of a small company is a game changer for businesses and professionals alike. With thresholds increasing from April 2025—raising the turnover limit to £15 million and the balance sheet total to £7.5 million—more companies will now qualify as small. This means fewer reporting burdens and greater operational […]
