Umbrella companies: What is fact and what is fake news?

The coronavirus pandemic has put monumental stress on key workers in the UK, including NHS staff, carers and emergency workers. To show their appreciation, businesses have been offering key workers special discounts and offers. However, HMRC has been made aware of multiple tax avoidance schemes that have been targeting key workers (especially NHS) and trying to mislead them into avoiding their legal tax responsibilities.

An important warning for key workers: Watch out for unethical and misleading tax avoidance schemes

The coronavirus pandemic has put monumental stress on key workers in the UK, including NHS staff, carers and emergency workers. To show their appreciation, businesses have been offering key workers special discounts and offers. However, HMRC has been made aware of multiple tax avoidance schemes that have been targeting key workers (especially NHS) and trying to mislead them into avoiding their legal tax responsibilities.

Could you benefit from The Bounce Back Loan Scheme?

As part of their coronavirus support strategy, the government has introduced bounce-back loans for small and medium-sized businesses. Formally known as The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), our limited company clients could be able to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum amount available as part of the BBLS is £50,000. However, should you require more, additional government support may be available through other avenues.

There is inaccurate information being shared on Social Media about the furloughing of umbrella employees

Churchill Knight is aware that there is a lot of open discussions about umbrella companies and the furloughing of their clients on social media. We are pleased that that concerned parties are looking for answers on social media – as this is precisely what it is there for. However, we’re worried that several groups are claiming to have umbrella employees interests at heart, but are sharing incorrect and misleading information.

What financial support is available to small businesses and the self-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The government has created numerous support packages to help small businesses and contractors during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and a similar scheme designed exclusively for the self-employed. This blog will summarise what support is available to small business owners, contractors and freelancers.

Why Churchill Knight Umbrella is currently unable to offer furloughed leave

As things stand, Churchill Knight Umbrella is still unable to offer furloughed leave to our umbrella clients. At such an unprecedented time, we understand that our clients need financial support more than ever before. This is why we are urging the government to provide much-needed clarification on how umbrella companies process Holiday Pay and the Apprenticeship Levy.