Alexander Mann Solutions

Everyone I speak with is helpful and friendly. I can get through to someone all the time and even if there is an issue they get it resolved quickly. I was previously with another company that you couldn’t get through to on the phone - and when it’s about your pay you want to speak with someone quickly - Giant tick that box and do it well.

I've used Parasol and Giant on and off for the past few years when needed. My last contract started in January and i believe this was when Parasol's cyber attack started. There was an initial frustrating lack of contactability but within a week i could speak to them and within two i was paid. They've been quick enough to respond and Megan in their support team has been unbelievably apologetic and helpful.

I chose Contractor Umbrella as they offered transparency, lower fees that other umbrellas, salary sacrifice, non accrued holiday pay as standard. Have found them to be responsive and available, and reactive to my needs. So I am happy to recommend them. This appears to be the only review so far not moaning about furlough, and as that's no longer relevant I hope others find this helpful.

Just been advised they are sticking to an inaccurate assessment and the engagement is inside IR35 and only accepting engagement via umbrella only but that means being on an entirely different contract to the one they’ve assessed as inside IR35 using CEST despite asking for evidence of their assessment they’ve not shared it and I have assessed using IR35 Shield Assessment as borderline outside IR35.

I feel really down. Santander never engaged with us, they just decided it’s Umbrella, PAYE or you are out. Even after the government had advised that only payment from April should be inside IR35, they decided to include March’s payment.

Initially assessed under CEST tool. Determined outside IR35. 3rd party company drafted in to perform an additional assessment where a number of questions were asked. Determined outside IR35. I believe all contractors in the past month were assessed fairly through the 3rd party company as it was forced from HR to do so.