-
Am I self-employed as a Locum?
No, the umbrella company is the employer as they process payroll. The employer doesn't benefit from the work of the employee as the employee is working for a different organisation (the client).
-
Do you need UK work experience?
No, you do not need specific UK experience. Some relevant UK training and education may be required depending on the role.
However, we do not recruit or provide sponsorships for candidates outside of the UK.
-
What is Umbrella payment?
Some clients/trusts will ask that you are paid via an umbrella company solution. The umbrella company effectively acts as your employer, handling your tax and providing you with some benefits such as insurance cover and discounted memberships to things such as gyms.
-
What's the difference between PAYE and Umbrella payment?
Very little. The end amount you earn will be very similar if not identical. Umbrella may offer some benefits of employment that direct engagement may not but you will be employed the same by each.
-
What is compliance?
When working within health services, it's very important to ensure that all safety measures have been put in place, not just to protect the patients but also to protect you. The end client will determine what compliance checks are required for the role. These will be things like a DBS (police) check, references and relevant training amongst other things.
-
Why do contractors have to pay Employer's National Insurance?
The answer here is that you don't.
Employer’s NI is paid by the contractor’s employer (either the umbrella company or the end client in case of direct engagement e.g the NHS Trust). The employer covers the costs of employment, including the Employer’s NI, from the income they receive for their employee’s work (this is from the quoted umbrella rate).
Confusion arises if the contractor is given the umbrella rate as the amount they will take home before tax. When this happens, it looks to the contractor like they are paying the employer's costs. When quoting your umbrella rate, we make it very clear that this is subject to the above-explained deductions.
You will also receive a Key Information Document (KID) within our Handbook outlining how your pay is calculated.