Contracting Matters

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…

Some of the ex Composite providers (MSC) that are now operating as a PAYE Umbrella are now facing diminished profitability and I suggest this may the over arching reason for taking some chances (with Contractors I might add!). The economies of scale and income streams they previously enjoyed have been drastically reduced following the MSC legislation. Profit from interest on corporation tax will have been hit along and new costs introduced from either changing into “accountants” or becoming an Umbrella company. Therefore they have to replace that profit with increased volumes and one way to do that is to appeal to the Contractors pocket.

Genuine business expenses are of course perfectly legitimate but the liability for claiming to set limits without receipts, and for expenses that were not incurred, is with the Contractor. Just make sure that when you receive a quote from an Umbrella it is not hiding expenses that you simply can’t claim for.

Companies promoting this type of stance do the industry and Contractors no favours. It simply suggests that legislation will be required and that will only harm Contractors and the genuine businesses that exist to help Contractors work effectively, safely and with no hassle.

Buyer Beware!