Expenses – Buyer Beware

There has been quite a bit of noise and “information” flying around on various Contractor forums recently. Mostly this has related to the age-old subject of “dispensations” and how “new” providers are incorrectly using these. For the record, a dispensation is simply a facility for the employer (Umbrella) to reduce administration of expense claims from the employee (Contractor). It does not provide a mechanism for a Contractor to over claim expenses (set limits within the dispensation document) that are not actually being incurred. Perhaps we should consider some of the reasons why an Umbrella might do this…

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Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

Imagine my disappointment when it turned out that Capcom had not based the storyline for this version of the popular game on Parasol. I had high hopes of Contractors being able to shoot up zombie versions of Parasol staff! It turns out that the mythical “Umbrella Corporation” have a “Red Queen Supercomputer” – I have put a call in to help us with busy Friday month ends. Seems Nintendo could do with some of that power too, more Wii’s are needed before the nation’s children (cough… men) become disappointed this Christmas. Great marketing and innovation success, for Nintendo to outsell Microsoft and Sony as they have a great David v Goliath story. There again, I still have a Dreamcast so what do I know!

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The Golden Rules (of Engagement)

My name is Rob Crossland and I’m the MD of Parasol, prior to that I worked as a Contractor in the IT and Finance sectors. I hope you might enjoy and contribute to my musings on contracting, employment, sport and tax!

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