Keep calm and carry on…again 

For businesses connected to the UK’s flexible labour market, change isn’t occasional disruption, it’s a constant companion. From shifting legislation to the swinging priorities of various governments, ours is an industry where the goal posts are always moving.

As the government lays the groundwork for the next big intervention – umbrella company regulation – it’s worth pausing to reflect. Because for the majority of businesses who place, pay and support the UK’s contingent workforce, we’re old hands at rolling with change. 

Just take a look at the last 20 years – our industry has been shaped by wave after wave of legislative and regulatory reform. In 2007, the MSC (Managed Service Company) legislation changed the way contractor businesses operated, almost overnight. The first half of the 2010s brought Onshore Intermediaries legislation, AWR and T&S reforms. And nobody mention IR35!

Each time, predications of industry crisis and collapse came and went. And each time, the industry adapted and evolved with compliant solutions that drove the market forward. 

The draft legislation on the PAYE tax aspect of umbrella company regulation brings much-needed clarity to everyone connected with our industry. There is no place for complacency, but equally there is no place for panic.

With an estimated 24,000 recruiters operating in the temporary market and around 600 established payroll intermediaries, this is an industry built on agility and capacity to absorb change.

The lesson? Change happens. And when it does, the strength of your supply chain partners matters more than ever.

The general consensus in the industry is that government have actually listened and not made a bad job of this legislation and there is confidence that it will do what it is intended to do.

What matters now is unimpeachable Due Diligence, transparency and full visibility over your supply chain. At times like this, working with experienced, trusted partners is your best defence against disruption.

At Liquid Friday, we’ve seen it all before…and we’re ready for what’s next.. So keep calm and carry on…again. Because if there’s one thing this industry knows how to do, it’s rise to the challenge.