Resources

Guides

Whether you’re new to contracting, or you have bags of experience, we know you’ll want to make the most of your career. And who can blame you? To help, we’ve put together these handy guides to help you with everything you need to know.

Starting out

When it comes to choosing an umbrella company, there are some points to consider. We've highlighted these consideration points in our guide. Read on...

There are four main contractor employment options: umbrella, limited, agency and sole trader. Our guide compares these four options. Read on...

What is agency PAYE, and how does it compare to working through an umbrella company? We explore the differences between both options. Read on...

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Starter Checklist (p46) is, why it matters to you, and how you should fill it in. We get you ready. Read on...

Discover the key factors to consider when searching for the best umbrella company as a contractor or freelancer. Unbiased views provided. Read on...

Confused about umbrella companies? Discover everything you need to know about how an umbrella company works. Get expert advice and support. Read on...

The Taylor Review announced changes that may affect the contracting industry. Learn more about these changes and their possible impact on you. Read on...

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is the way your income is taxed, and it's important to know how it works. We've put together this guide to help you understand PAYE. Read on...

What is contracting? What does a contractor/freelancer do? We answer these questions and more in our comprehensive guide to contracting and freelancing. Read on...

As a contractor, you're expected to work out your own National Insurance contributions. That is unless you join an umbrella such as Parasol. Read on...

Being able to find work as a contractor determines whether you’re able to make a living as an independent professional or not. We give you the inside scoop. Read on...

Are you wondering whether to choose permanent or contracting? We've outlined a few factors that could persuade you to become your own boss. Read on...

Many contractors choose to operate through an umbrella company or a limited company. We've outlined the key differences in our guide. Read on...

Are you wondering what the differences are between PAYE and a limited company? In this guide, we take a closer look at these ways of working. Read on...

Parasol provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand the cost of using an umbrella company for contractors. Read on...

We explain the deductions you can expect to see on an umbrella company payslip, including what they are for and how they affect your income. Read on...

Find out how umbrella payroll works and understand how to calculate your take-home pay with Parasol. Read on...

In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about payroll for contractors. Read on...

Find out how umbrella payroll works and understand how to calculate your take-home pay with Parasol. Read on...

Timesheets are used by temporary workers and contractors alike. But, what is a timesheet? In this handy guide, we answer just that. Read on...

In this guide, we explain the basics of the National Minimum Wage and what it means for contractors and umbrella workers. Read on...

It's no secret that contractors can benefit from a higher rate of pay. But how much do contractors earn? In our guide, we take a closer look. Read on...
If you're ready to become your own boss, there are plenty of benefits involved. In this guide, we take a look at the benefits of contracting. Read on...
As a contractor, you may be wondering what benefits you receive if you decide to set up a limited company. We discuss these in our guide. Read on...
Thinking of starting a career working as a contractor? Read our guide to setting up as a contractor in the UK. Read on...
Need more convincing about the benefits of joining an umbrella? Parasol, the UK’s leading contractor support company, are here to provide it. Read on...

Compliance and legislation

The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses 2003 (“Conduct Regulations”) are regulations that govern the recruitment industry in the UK. Read on...

AWR came in to force in October 2011. Our Agency Workers Regulations guide will help to clarify how this legislation affects contractors. Read on...

Got a question about SDC? Are you unsure how it applies to you? Read our guide to learn more about Supervision, Direction and Control. Read on...

The rules surrounding sick pay can be complicated. Our guide explains the sick pay rules for umbrella workers, sole traders, and contractors. Read on...

What is tax avoidance, and what are the differences between this and tax evasion? In this easy-to-understand guide, we compare the two. Read on...

Take a look at our summary of the Income Tax and National Insurance rates, thresholds and allowances for the current tax year. Read on...

A P45 shows how much your salary, tax deductions made by your employer and your tax code. In this guide, we explain what exactly is a P45. Read on...

From why you need a P60 to how you get one and what it means for you as an umbrella worker, we explain it all. Read on...

Expecting a baby? Not sure if you’re entitled to maternity or paternity leave as an umbrella worker? Find out more in our helpful guide. Read on...

FCSA accreditation includes passing strict entry requirements. We discuss the importance of choosing an FCSA-accredited umbrella company. Read on...

What exactly is the apprenticeship levy? Take a look at our guide and learn all about the apprenticeship levy and what it means for you. Read on...

What is the limit to how much you can work in the UK? Officially it's 48 hours but - as this guide explains - in reality, it's very different. Read on...

IR35

What is IR35, and how could it affect you as an employee of an umbrella company? Learn more about IR35 in our guide. Read on...

What is 'control' when it comes to IR35? We explain what it means and how it can help define the IR35 status of a contract. Read on...

What does substitution mean, when it comes to the IR35 status of a contract? We explain the right of substitution in our guide. Learn more. Read on...

Operating through an intermediary while working in the way an employee would is classified as disguised employment. Read on...

In this guide, we explain what the implications of falling inside IR35 are and what this could mean to both recruiters and contractors. Read on...

What does IR35 mean for contractors in the public sector? This guide explores the reform and what it means for public sector contractors. Read on...

The Statement of Work is different to a contract for service, in terms of who the responsibility lies with. Read on...

Mutuality of Obligation (MoO) is the obligation of the end hirer to provide work, and the worker to accept it. Read on...

There are several factors which contribute towards your IR35 status. We've outlined the key factors in this essential guide. Discover more. Read on...

Financial planning

Parasol has created a guide to help Umbrella employees understand student loans and how to manage them. Get informed with Parasol's Student Loans Guide. Read on...

Are umbrella company pensions a thing? And if so, how do umbrella company pension schemes work? We answer your questions in our guide. Read on...

Expecting a baby? Not sure if you’re entitled to maternity or paternity leave as an umbrella worker? Find out more in our helpful guide. Read on...

If you work through an umbrella company, you’ll receive holiday pay. Learn everything you need to know about umbrella company holiday pay. Read on...

A pensions auto-enrolment guide in the contractor recruitment sector from Parasol, the market-leading support provider for UK contractors. Read on...

In this handy guide, we answer the key questions that umbrella company employees often have about remortgaging. Read on...

Making sure you have the right contractor insurance is key. Our guide discusses the types of insurance provided by an umbrella company. Read on...

We've summarised the key points from the government's latest Budget announcement. Read on...

Got a question about travel and subsistence? In our guide, we explain whether you are entitled to tax relief and how you can claim. Read on...