Experis

I recently left PayStream having used them over the past 2 years working through their umbrella company. Paid on time, could always get through to someone on the phone. Would recommend and return in future.

Night and day to their approach last year with the blanket ban on PSC’s. This time a QDOS assessment, which I was happy to pay for in order for things to be done right. Questionnaire easy to complete, assessment given next day, Outside IR35. Sorted.

There are supposedly some contractors coming on in a SOW through an agency . Shambles BT let so many good contractors go yet keep the under delivering / over charging Deloitte and some contractors doing not much on fat day rates bluffing the Transformation Director

Policy in place until end of 2020.

Had a few agencies recently this week contact me in regards to going back to work for GE aviation at Cheltenham various Electronic Engineer roles working for Experis as a work package ? rates where only up to £40 per hour and not surprisingly as all contracts at GE are now all where inside IR35 .Told them no thanks as last time I worked there 3 years ago I was on £50 per hour and that was outside IR35 and even then left after 6 months as got fed up with the poor moronic management , boring unrewarding work and the petty prejudice towards me because I wasn't a permie and was a scummy money grabbing contractor LOL . Lot of contractors have recently left because of IR35 reasons and the poor way they have been treated in general . Probably best give this place a miss as not worth the bother any more for what they now pay , better contracts and clients out there for sure now , be interesting to see how long the site would last without the cost effective and flexibility of contracted resource .Online forums already talk of more redundancies and sell offs looming with the GE corporation being in such dire straits only time will tell what the future holds for GE and the Cheltenham site in particular.

Blanket IR35 despite my role/working practices being clearly Outside; doesn't matter - waste of time appealing. Place seems to be ditching contractors as much as possible anyway

Below is a timeline of events: • All determinations carried out using CEST by line manager. • Assessment based on role and how BT want contractors to work (like employees) not actually on previous and existing working practices. • Inside SDS supplied not including any individual practices or information • Strong evidence supplied to official dispute process • HR team feedback... same party line, inside SDS upheld • New contract offered via umbrella, contractor has to pay 13.8% employers NI from existing day rate. (Elephant in the room) • Contractor decides to leave • Projects delayed, Product Owner frustrated and annoyed.

It’s a blanket ban and they want to reduce rates by 13% too.

Asked me to pick up more reduced my rate with a blanket assessment...I’m working crazy hours and for what ....I’m out in two weeks the company treat contractors worse than crap. I’m sick of picking up and cleaning up unnecessarily due to the incompetence of lifers who have no clue and limited skill. (God forbid you call out them out) Too many egos and micromanaging. I’m a contractor let me do what I’ve been hired to do. Treat me with the same respect I give you. There’s a layer of middle management that’s unnecessary and stifle everything as they literally have nothing else to do. It’s a comedy sketch.

Predetermined assessments that contractors were charged for....Let’s face it it’s illegal but it will be too late in the day before they are held to account and contractors will face hardship unnecessarily. It’s really weird there is a lot of permanent chip on the shoulder staff who don’t understand how contractors work and have pushed through reduced rates during this. It’s unbelievable given they are not the most well paying as it is...it’s an abuse of power, 25% reduction is affecting families they choose to forgot contractors are human...during a pandemic zero rights employment. It’s a scandal. Especially as this is blanket assessed. You would think they would treat people better it’s shameful. We are all looking to leave on our program ASAP. Those that can afford to walk before finding somewhere else have already handed in their notice

Despite using QDOS, the assessment was fixed to provide inside IR35 determinations as answers on financial risk, substitution, control etc were completed by Phoenix and didn’t represent actual working practices. Only 48 hours to accept the determination or raise a dispute. Not heard of any disputes upheld. I’m walking at the end of March and hope others do to.

Flawed determination of inside ir35 using CEST, did not accept evidence from known and trusted ir35 experts QDOS which determined contract as Outside ir35. Was told this is essentially a blanket determination being made for all contractors.

Role based assessments carried out with no review of actual working practices. Lower rate on offer "to offset the additional tax and national insurance costs incurred by Sky". No discussion and no flexibility. Several key contractors now leaving team. This will have a major impact to project deliverables.

I must contest the previous posters position. I have been happily working here as a contractor for more than a decade and never had any issues with Eon's approach. They have always treated me fairly.

Flawed determination using CEST. IR35 is complex and as such having experts involved in SDS is pivotal to have any confidence in the results. Cap used CEST and answers supplied by the PMO and geared to an inside status. A simple cut/paste response for each ‘role’ with and no individual assessment. It’s disappointing and the pressure to go permie will start. In the next month or two Looking elsewhere.........

EY helped with assessments and they were flawed. No proper SDS were provided it was a blanket ban which is now deemed illegal by HRMC.

Interpretation of the cest questions biased towards an inside determination. Not taking into account my arguments which put me outside ir35 before the delay which they were happy to accept previously. Taken a permit role with a different company closer to home as financial unviable to continue inside ir35 due to travel/accommodation cost. Paying less tax to HMRC now. No net gain to any party.

Still expected to use own equipment don’t qualify for the £30 stationary supplement or £40 electricity supplement....avoid as a contractor you are treated horrendously and paid horrendously too

Fake determinations using QDOS. Charging contractors for assessments already pre determined if you don’t do it and pay the £89 plus VAT your told to change to an umbrella or hand in your notice. Zero rights employment here we come plenty of money for the big useless consultancy firms tho who consistently underperform and yet remain highly well paid... feel let down and lied too also official blanket refusal to review day rates affected by the 40% decrease due to IR35

Same story different year. Blanket bans across the board and all contractors being told to go via a determined short list of Umbrella companies. No discussion or compromise. Same arrogant attitude as last year - plenty of time to put a proper fair solution in place but have totally ignored. Good riddance - have found an outside IR35 position on a higher rate. Adios!

BT is verbally providing (v late) confirmation that roles have been assessed and it looks like all contractors on this programme are being found inside. Experis had asked all clients to provide an SDS to their contractors by 15 Jan to allow 45 days for appeals, however most contractors have contracts that end on 28 Feb and are only just having their discussions now. No SDS have yet been provided or information about how to appeal - unclear currently who did the assessment or what it was based upon. I believe it to be flawed, based on the verbal commentary given to me - commentary was role based. It was also stated that BT cannot afford for contractors to be working outside IR35, in case they have to pay the tax later - which sounds like a blanket decision. At least one contractor has been also told they're liable for back tax and will be lucky to find other roles (client v far off script here - absolutely none of their business). Various programme go-lives will be impacted, although the client currently seems unconcerned (apparently they're just the messenger on the ground). Many contractors terminated last week - atmosphere is pretty down.

Well once again, it is coming to this. No SDS and no listening to individual cases. All contractors being made to go through umbrella company before April, so that determinations do not have to be done. This is causing a toxic atmosphere, where those being forced to work inside are looking for fair and outside IR35 contracts, willing to leave immediately, if they get a better offer. So long and thanks for all the fish !!!!!

Not surprisingly blanket decision on IR35 made again with redundancies on the horizon for permies expect to be matched off site soon at the request of the union before the redundancies happen ,seen it all before with this place regret coming back now should have gone to UTC Aerospace or BAE instead .Cheltenham site gone from bad too worse bet they will get rid of the valuable Engineers instead of the always working from home don't work Fridays bloated management . Good luck to all those that don't deserve to lose their jobs perhaps you could become a contractor at a better company ??

Inside IR35. Probably going to convert to umbrella as Sky is a great company.

The emails arrived today. Obviously a blanket assessment from EY stating that the role is Inside IR35 due to "control, substitution, mutuality of obligation" despite the current contract specifically allowing all 3 above terms and being assessed as outside IR35 by QDos -They used EY - Project will not be impacted much as they have hired other contractors through umbrella already - I will be leaving - I expected this but was hoping that 1 year later they would understand what is going on.

The emails are arriving. Blanket status determined as inside IR35. "We’ve worked with external advisors, EY, to review all contractor roles with Sky.?? ? This evaluation was based on the working practices of?your specific role and all relevant case law, legislation, guidance published by the UK tax authorities and current practice.?? ? The attached Status Determination Statement confirms whether your role is inside or outside IR35 and why we’ve made this decision.??"

Same assessments as last year. Appeals to be heard by 29th but same outcome expected. All contractors I’ve spoken too will be leaving

Brookson Legal used, but whilst SDS were sent to individuals at different times, they have come out practically identical. All adjudged inside and all without any consultation with contractors. Work practices are biggest sticking point with no option to work together to change them and fall outside. Option now given to leave, accept or accept with a rate increase (assume will be determined on a case by case basis). Expect every contractor to ask for rate increase!

So this week's interesting event, after the blanket issue of inside determinations for everyone apart from developers and architects (they use 'powerful' laptops you know!) was the issue of a contract amendment, for the substitution clause in our standard contracts. It was issued without warning, and with the threat of extensions not being issued if it wasn't signed and sent back. Unfortunately for Experis, they managed to attribute the amendment to a clause number that doesn't exist - which just about sums up their whole approach to IR35.

Announced that no blanket approach being taken. They will individually assess, and these assessments will be undertaken by Qdos. Time will tell as to how this pans out, but a much improved stance from same time last year.

CEST used (their client is HMRC); individual assessments issued, en masse, - all in similar roles have identical SDS’s, so we assume this was a blanket approach. A more formal appeals process included in the SDS comms this time around. New contract extensions being withheld until people state whether they accept or reject the SDS. I’m feeling rather unsurprised by it all.

Add to the misery they also passed on employer costs thus creating an immediate massive rate cut, not worth staying and post Covid-19 I suspect they will lose a lot of contractors, they'll definitely be losing me

I can only echo the fair assessment and reviews that QinetiQ undertook. As a group we were provided the opportunity to meet an IR35 response team from QinetiQ to understand and discuss how QQ were dealing with IR35. This was massively beneficial to us as a group of contractors to discuss our concerns and have them dealt with. They explained and have since shown that there is no blanket decision and roles are available both inside and outside of IR35. and but praise from this QinetiQ contractor for the difficult process enforced on them by the HMRC. I'd had it pretty good for a long time. Happy to be continuing working on a PAYE basis for a great company who treat their permanent and contract staff really we

All PSCs were moved to PAYE via Experis Jan / Feb this year. Rates remained the same, cost of ENI ignored and deducted by the "umbrella" from the headline rate.

Previous review was deemed Null and avoid following what appeared to be blanket inside rulings. Difficulty now is to work with client and agency to ensure working practices and future contracts are worked towards a future outside judgement. Client have made no contact, and had to chase agency.

So the government has delayed the implementation of Off_Payroll at this time of national emergency, with may big corporates deciding to not to implement it following government guidelines..........BUT IBM are still going ahead with it forcing people into unregulated umbrella companies. Considering the number of Government accounts IBM have, you would have thought they would have been like the rest of industry and protected those in the flexable workforce that they have built their business on, bringing in contractors as they are cheaper that IBM employees. I think with this short sightedness that IBM will have a severe resourcing issue in the very near future and going on if this is the way that are willing to treat those people who have kept them profitable in previous years. SHAME on you IBM

"The IBM policy remains largely unchanged given that the legislation is only delayed." No going back to PSCs, just PAYE/Umbrella only

Was due to start on the 6th April was phoned yesterday that GE is no on boarding any new staff. Due to the virus. Conflicted as it’s completely understandable. But does been that I’m out of contract now. Experis were great and indicated that GE was going to review things in 3 months time.

I can confirm the U-turn. Contract extensions are now going out to those using PSCs, and several contractors who have recently left are being contacted to come back under the same terms as they were on.

We have considered our position in response to this and can confirm that any limited company contractor (PSC) who wishes to continue working with us under their current limited company arrangement can do so for the time being.

Ban on PSC lifted, option to continue as we were through PSC or take PAYE/Umbrella contract that was on the table. Easy answer there.

Official emails just went out to contractors from Experis that it's back to BAU. Up until those emails they were all forced to go inside IR35.

Assessment ditched. Limited company extension.

Determinations no longer valid. PSC model to be reinstated. Existing contracts will continue for those still in contract. All those with contracts due to end before April 6th, awaiting further comms from agencies.

SDS withdrawn, appeals process scrapped, continue working through PSC.

Very unfair decision to deem all contractors inside IR35

Blanket inside, but didn't even bother to give me an assessment. Saw someone else's assessment, it contained glaring innacuracies. Dropping day rates to pay for employers ni. Local MGMT tried hard to fight or work around corporate decision but couldn't get them to move. Leaving before start of April.

Blanket bans on PSCs. I wasn't even assessed. Was offered perm role but have declined as i have taken an outside contract elsewhere. Will be leaving and projects are going to be affected. Most contractors leaving, some have opted for the perm roles

No SDS given Told that my determination (CEST and IR35 Shield) is incorrect by employees with only a 2 day training course on IR35. No official determination as these employees believe that stronger cases than mine will not get an outside determination. Many contractors leaving, which is having a huge impact on the projects they are working on. Most contractors are unhappy with the way this has been implemented and the previous lets get it done attitude had gone to it can wait. Shambles and looking elsewhere

Announcement today that the UK legal team are going to do a u-turn on selected developer roles due to them needing to provide their own ‘high end kit’, and they will be deemed outside IR35. This is despite the fact that CEST specifically disallows the provision of a laptop as a reason for significant expenditure prior to taking on a contract, and that most other contractors also provide their own kit. We can only assume two reasons why this may have happened. One is that these engineers work on the HMRC infrastructure platform, and will be incredibly difficult to replace, or possibly because there’s a risk Equal Experts or Mercator are threatening to swallow up those vacancies due to them already putting all their contractors outside IR35. Capgemini rely too much on this account to risk losing a share to other consultancies. They claim they are still processing appeals for other roles, which we assume is to buy themselves time to bring in staff from some of their smaller R&D divisions to fill the non-technical digital roles.

Blanket ban on contractors from Experis. No individual assessments were given. High profile projects will be impacted. Contractors are likely to leave in April.

Brookson Legal carried out assessment. Received SDS but all other contractors I know received the same thing. Many architects have left or are leaving. Engineers considering it. Looks like their new offer has them recovering costs for Employers NI and Apprenticeship Levy. Feeling Angry.

Complete shambles, numerous inputs to CEST are incorrect proving lack of knowledge or just blatant arrogance.

After two months of complete silence, a blanket decision was given today: Everyone's inside IR35. The assessments they sent to contractors are completely in conflict with the actual contract terms, making it clear whoever did the assessment didn't even read the contracts. The whole "individual assessment" was an utter distraction to keep contractors hanging for two months. Shame.

EY supposedly carry out assessments, SDS received today. Total lack of communication, options provided to continue to work is laughable. Contractor team is extremely unhappy.

Probably one of the worst way to deal with whole IR35. Messed the contractors around for 2 months for determination, and the statements received incorrectly puts us all inside. Despite the contracts CLEARLY says completely the opposite. Sounds like EY did not even read the contracts or did not even care. Appalling communications between Refinitiv, Experis, HR and contractors. Couldn't have been handled any worse.

Wrong answers put into the CEST tool to produce a blanket inside IR35 result. No input from individual contractors was allowed. The only people left in the business with any experience are contractors, so the impact on projects will be huge.

GE Aviation Cheltenham site always been clicky with contractors , Some Permies and on-site Union reps always looking for another reason to march contractors off site yet again , IR35 changes just another excuse . What with the only 2 contracts allowed and max 18 month per contract rule (if your lucky) its just become such a contractor unfriendly place these days your better off working else where, plus summer last year the GE corporation was rumoured to be going bust all Permies had email from CEO trying to assure them not the case but only time will tell . Shame really as Cheltenham was a nice place to work spoiled by prejudice and jealousy of only a few of the overall employees of the business. Good luck to all those contractors standing up for themselves hopefully get too work with you with a much better client too :-)

No contact during assessment despite repeated attempts to discuss. Assessment carried out by EY behind closed doors. Standard letters sent to all with "deemed inside" judgement. No reference to CEST or case law. Project already impacted by toxic environment of zero contact. Most contractors adversely impacted by the uncertainty and zero communication for past 6 weeks. All contractors leaving.

very poor attitude towards contractors, blanket assessment to pretend they are doing the right thing

Experis are the MSP - all PSCs must operate via them "Individual" CEST assessments, unfortunately using generic answers over the key areas. Completely ignored MOO, but have paid it lipservice by acknowledging CEST ignores this area so are siding with CEST. They have stated that in practice they would not accept substitutes, contradictory to contract wording. They have used generic answers regarding Control, stating they control how the work is done, what the working hours are, and the locations where the work is done. These 3 statements are simply not true. Very disappointed there have been no individual communications throughout the process. It would appear the risk averse approach has been taken. Individually assessed "enough" as to avoid criticism of blanket assessing, but by no means assessing each individuals exact working practices. I would expect many contractors to be terminating contracts over this

Forcing 3 shocking umbrellas and Employers NI and Apprentice Levy, ignored HMRC tool output, big profit margins already on contractors

Appears to be blanket inside IR35 assessments. Original CEST applied blindly. Few going via 3 GE approved umbrellas plus few taking perm roles until situation becomes clear. Most contractors now left or leaving pre April 6th. GE starting to have staffing problems already.

Assessments conducted incorrectly and without reasonable care

Blanket IR35 Decision for everyone. Some were offered Permie Roles, all New contracts within IR35(Blanket) I am looking to leave Sky end of March.

They used 50 'representative' roles, made determinations and asked managers for exceptions to those judgements. I was declared inside via a blanket email every contractor got a copy of, slightly staggered to appear like a person was involved. I have disputed and heard nothing, and now they're reissuing contracts with updated terms. Seems like the end of the road, which is a shame as their attempts to de-risk will mean government projects cost us all more money. There is no conflict when Capgemini make more from the mess they're making, right?

See comments for Sky.com which detail Experis' handling of Contractors on behalf of Sky, hearing similar at Sky Bet https://offpayroll.org.uk/company/sky.com

What started off as looking like a fair/proper process and assessment has turned into a blanket Inside IR35 (based on the other contractors I know who are working here). My Capgemini manager is at least showing some concern about my situation (and the impact it will have on the Capgemini client). Experis on the other hand seem to be utterly clueless, and are showing little concern/care to the people who earn them their fees. Six weeks today is end of Tax Year so looks like time to say goodbye to Capgemini.

Blanket disguises and lies. A politically based decision with now appetite to support contractors or value them or their work.

M&S has been developing its approach to IR35 and policy and have been completing assessments for all temporary colleagues with contracts expiring after 28 March 2020. The assessments have been completed using role based assessments - when job content and working practices are the same, or individual assessments when these conditions differ. We have used the HMRC Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool for all assessments, as the HMRC have confirmed that they will stand by the result if it reflects the actual working practices. The CEST tool provides a status determination report, which we have attached to this email for you to refer too. We can confirm that your Status Determination has been confirmed as ‘Off payroll working rules (IR35) apply’ based on the answers that we have submitted. What happens now? We will share this status determination with Manpower or your intermediary supplier so that they can make the arrangements to make the required deductions for tax and national insurance contributions from 6 April 2020. How will these deductions be calculated? Initially, your gross day rate will be subject to employer tax contributions (Employer National Insurance Contributions and Apprenticeship Levy) being deducted to create an “Assignment Rate”. The Assignment Rate will then be subject to employee deductions, including tax and national insurance contributions, being applied at source before net payment is received.

Complete lack of engagement with management and the agency. IBM is only offering an inside IR35/umbrella way forward with a blanket view on not wishing to use PSCs. No feedback on CEST determination. I will end up leaving on current progress.

I am working alongside a great number of other contractors with HMRC. Capgemini are acting as the intermediary, though Capgemini have NO say or involvement in the work being done. Nevertheless, as such we are being viewed as contractors working for a private company and Capgemini have issued blanket Inside IR35 declarations to all their contractors here.

Blanket decisions. No consultation regarding SDS. A sham.

As expected got an inside determination even though we can demonstrate lack of SDC, financial risk and MOO. CEST confirms outside. Will not be continuing work with them post March. No rate increase from them. Better to take a inside role with substantial rate increase and no travel expense . Just hope umbrella wont take more than their fare share. Feel very sad that UK Govs war on contracting continues despite the other issues facing the country.

The company used the CEST V1 tool in October 2019 and privately decided then to blanket all PSC contractors within IR35. Contractors were informed of this decision in January. Appeals failed, no evidence of the use of CEST V2 was produced and communication on the matter was stopped by GE. Shockingly depressing time for contractors here, the company has also now restricted contractor access around site without even an explanation by email. I like many others have only a few weeks to go now, not being treated like this again!

Capgemini UK have circa 1,000 contractors (based on information available on their intranet dated November 2019 - of which 500 work at HMRC) which is circa 10% of UK workforce. I have been told EY are engaged to undertake the assessments (we were not informed what tool they are using) and to expect the results by 31-Jan, which has subsequently been revised to "during February" (recent posts on here suggest some people have now received their notifications). Drop in briefing sessions were held in the first week of February when I was told very little other than "you will get your SDS soon". On the project I am working on the Capgemini delivery lead is genuinely concerned about the impact this will have on the project but they realise they have close to zero ability to influence what I am told is now a UK Country Board decision.

Email received from Experis giving options post April 6 All result in inside IR35 or permanent Experis recommending Umbrella companies If you remain working through own company (option) Experis pay all tax and you need to try and claim back through own accountant

Assessment tool: CEST Got personal CEST result as an attachment to an email. Projects will be impacted as there is a shortage of resources available. Contractors are still undecided but will make their call soon. On a positive note Mitchell's & Butlers have offered to pay Employer NIC & Apprentice Levy. But still negotiating on rate increase plus new contract with different role. Atmosphere is OK. Contractors talk what to do and seek help under each other. Not brilliant though. I am feeling OK but I am undecided what to do as I don't want to be at risk even though it is a bit mitigated by new role. I am not sure yet.

Blanket assessment and ban on contractors - that will help the turnaround after they have spent 4 years stripping the organisation of all the experience and capability. Time for a new challenge.

No communication from Experis. ASI making blanket decisions based on role types. Any appeals are not properly assessed.

Blanket inside IR35 across site for all contractors. Communication very poor and moral extremely low for this large group of experienced and flexible engineering service providers. Many contractors planning on leaving prior to April 5th.

Experis do not understand IR35, or the contracts. Capgemini say the contract doesn't matter when it points to 'outside' but obviously another bit of paper that points 'inside' is 'proof'. They have made blanket decisions at a role level at best, purely for their own self interests. Pretty black.and white breach of contract. No effort whatsoever simply to engage contractors on the basis they want to work anyway. CEST says role is outside QDOS review says role is outside My working practices say role is outside I can demonstrate a lack of mutuality I can demonstrate a lack of any SDC They say I cannot substitute, but it is in my contract and I plan to for fun. And theyve paid a 'head of ir35 programme' to clap excitedly and bark 'inside',. Once. At everybody. Simultaneously. Disappointed, but not surprised. I do not know anyone who has been found 'outside', and nor do I know anyone who will still be there on the 6th April.

Blanket inside determination on all new contracts, deduction of employers NI and AL from contractor by Experis. Contractors leaving.

Blanket determination, although they will dispute that. A friend of mine who is actually a permie employee (holiday pay, sick pick etc..) for the agency also received an email stating he was in.. say no more, blanket decision/email. They also state, that the decision is based on the current contract- which contradicts what we were informed by the agency some time ago - they said (and I have email evidence) that the role/contract was outside IR35. I'm not sure where this leaves us now...So confusing

Contractors individually assessed, led by EY. Outside ruling given on this occasion. Further contract extensions or changes will be individually re-assessed. Not all contractors will be outside. But assessments completed fairly.

Unfair individual assessments done. CEST tool answers were changed without our consent, all contractors received email stating that they are inside IR35 from initial contract start date. This leaves the door open for historic investigation by HMRC. The atmosphere is very toxic as most contractors have said they are leaving. Management not happy with outcome as they rely heavily on contractors to deliver projects

Inside IR35. No engagement with contractors. Determination made on 31/01/20. Contractors received determination emails on 14/02/20 - waiting 2 weeks to be informed of the determination. Role based blanket decision under the guise of individual assessment. This assessment has been made considering both the contract individual holds and the day-to-day working practices with the consultancy. Key areas supporting this determination include: - Direction and control - Mutuality of obligation - Substitution Note: For substitution, the consultancy would in the course of day-to-day accept a substitute in your place to complete the work but the consultancy does not have the processes and procedures Thanks :-)

Blank determination Any appeal seems futile Left with no choice to appeal and walk

Individual SDS issued on 14th Feb, 2 weeks after the determination date in the email, but looks like a role-based blanket assessment. Main factors cited throughout are Direction and Control, MOO, and Substitution, though all are debatable. Assessment tool / company not disclosed. Many highly-skilled and experienced contractors are leaving, putting the next phase of the new Customs Declaration Service at risk.

EY doing individual assessments. No final communication yet.

All PSCs being given a lovely Valentine's gift in the form of a blanket inside IR35 assessment today - which we can 'disupte / query' (not framed as an appeal though)

No words, No communication things are in the air. Really surprised for organization like this.

IR35 at ASI Damage done regardless of HMRC delay. Taken from Aberdeen Standard Intranet today IR35 Update HMRC recent announcement HMRC recently announced that the new IR35 rules will only apply to services provided on or after 6 April 2020. Services provided before this date, even if paid for after, will not be caught by the new rules. This is a change from HMRCs previous position whereby they expected the new IR35 rules to apply to any payment made for services on/after 6 April 2020, regardless of when the services were performed. Please note that having considered this late change by HMRC, SLA will not be changing its project timelines. All dates and communications previously released are still those being worked towards. Reminder for IR35 Determination Responses The deadline for responding to the IR35 Status Determination Statement was yesterday. If you have not yet responded, you MUST respond by COB today Friday 31st January. If we do not hear from you we will consider that your Assignment will end on 28 February 2020. Please review the IR35 statement that was sent to you and respond by selecting one of the three options below: 1 Confirm your acceptance by replying ACCEPT in the email subject header. Then send your email to IR35 query support BLANKED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY by COB today. 2 Confirm your rejection by replying REJECT in the subject header. Then send your email to BLANKED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY by COB today. Please note that if you reject the finding of the Status Determination, your Assignment will terminate on 28 February 2020. 3 If you have any questions or wish to appeal the Status Determination finding, please email BLANKED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY setting out the grounds for your appeal by COP today, together with any relevant supporting information you wish to be considered in relation to your appeal. We will consider the grounds of your appeal and respond with a final outcome within 45 days of receipt of your appeal. If as at 28 February 2020 there is no agreed and accepted Status Determination your Assignment will terminate on 28 February 2020

Blanket ban on PSCs, no individual assessments, one rule for all that was conducted from an out of date CEST tool. Vast majority has appealed and got a poorly written standard reply from Experis which essentially states "tough, the decision is final". Interestingly at the same time contractors are now only allowed on site at core hours. It seems they want us to either leave or just live with IR35, no benefits and greatly reduced flexibility. Many have already resigned or are about to, personally I won't be working past March. Warning to all prospective freelancers should Experis come calling, I would not recommend engaging with this company in the future, we've not been given one say throughout the duration of this awfully managed process. I genuinely feel bad for the permanent staff that remain that will need to attempt tight project deadlines with hugely inflated workloads.

Flawed original CEST appealed with evidence from IR35 contract review experts stating outside IR35. Appeal points completely ignored and blanket response given stating inside IR35 and their decision is final. No rational or evidence of the assessment provided. Contractor door access also changed to stop us entering the building before 7am and after 5pm to force contractors to work standard working hours. Have notified them that I won’t be working the contact past the end of March as a result of their incorrect assessment and appalling IR35 assessment process. I have no idea how they’re going to deliver their major projects, but having been treated so badly I’m not sure I care now!

Email sent out to contractors, basic blanket decision without personal contact. Request for personal assessment not yet auctioned, Statements within email: ‘ If you do not agree that your work for QinetiQ is INSIDE IR35 under the off-payroll working rules, you must write to us to tell us why providing evidence where necessary. For the avoidance of doubt the results of a CEST determination made by you in isolation, will be deemed insufficient to reverse our decision’.

All contractors have been assessed individually, using the same tool used by the large consultancies and deemed inside IR35. Contractor roll off has been taking place for a few months with the preference to utilise perm resources and build internal capability. Contractors are leaving or taking perm options but consultation re. Options ongoing from Experis.

Bad feeling as we have not had assessments leaving both client projects and personal decision /planning difficult

Blanket INSIDE determination. PAYE/umbrella only from April

Blanket PSC INSIDE determination. PAYE/umbrella only from 1st April

Offer perm role, if you do not accept the perm role you may or may not be offered a contract. The view would be that you would be inside IR35 and taxed appropriately Experis.

Radio silence. Some permie work was offered but with no details of the work involved or salary. We received a limp email towards the end of last year that Sky and Experis were trying to work something out, but there has been nothing since. Myself and other contractors even had to inform Experis that if we were to work in March and paid in April, we could be opening ourselves up for an investigation. In the meantime a couple of consultancy company employees have been brought in that are significantly less skilled but are likely to be costing the department the same. I don't know what's going to happen in March as there's just no work out there. It's likely I'll have to wind up the company over a couple of months and get a permie job, but companies have got wise to this and started lowering the salaries they're offering. It's miserable.

no psc beyond april, no assessment, umbrella only

No assessment tool used, offering Permanent roles with less salaries.

Drop in session fairly useless: Key points of note - we should expect determinations some time this month and we have 45 days to appeal, but no timescales on how long the appeal would then take. Invoices will be cleared early by 03/04, should the determination be inside. Insisting on certain umbrella companies, but ok to still deal with PSCs. All contracts are overruled by any managed service contracts between Capgemini and THEIR end client. Working with Ernst & Young and a number of managers to make the determinations.

Confirmed blanket decision, all contractors to be placed inside IR35 regardless of real status. Will be no uplift in rate to compensate.

Nothing has been communicated, anything heard is just from other contractors.

Management will be using CEST

Client is running assessment using CEST tool with individuals, however contractors are not able to challenge the decision and justification provided by client. Looks like they have decided to do blanket IN approach (advised by Deloitte) but running assessments meetings to look considerate.

Offered an outside IR35 role

The used a blanket ban rather than individual assessment.

Sadly they have decided to apply a blanket PAYE / Umbrella employment for all contractors as of 1st of March. I'm taking a few months out to decide my future. 30+ years of experience will be sitting at home.

To be implemented from April 2020

Client provided option to terminate contract by 28 Feb to avoid getting an IR35 determination

Individual CEST determinations were applied but with no reference to contracts and an institutional and incorrect approach to substitution - rejecting on clearance grounds, which HMRC admits does not count as a rejection. Contracts run until end of Feb, I will be looking for genuine project consultancy contracts post April.

Blanket 'assessment' issued mid-January declaring all inside IR35. Several of us ran our contract through the CEST tool which came back outside IR35. Sent a detailed rebuttal to agency citing contract clauses against answers we gave. Got one line email back saying they would reply within 48 hours. 6 days later - not a dickie bird.

All PSC contracts cancelled! New PAYE only contracts from 1st March

They seem very behind the curve. No recent information from agency or client.

Really poor, especially when everything shows us as Outside.

Conformation today PAYE only, so no umbrella or PSC

Initial SDS sent putting everyone inside and listed reasons for being so. Was able to appeal but standard email has been sent to contractors again putting them inside. Seems to be a blanket inside IR35 stance. In the email, appeal points were not addressed, and stated new contracts will be issued in April which include the following: - RWE will not accept substitutes - RWE and the worker will agree where and when the work is done - The worker will require permission to work for other similar organisations - Any outputs delivered will be the property of RWE Experis have followed up the SDS asking contractors what they want to do.

No decision yet but agentcy say they are expecting all roles in my area to be deemed inside. I have asked about permanent roles, otherwise I will be moving on after April.

Just been informed by a contractor that there will be a blanket IR35 cover.

Been told that contracts will be individually assessed. Will be notified of the result in early February.

Experis+Sky have used EY to blanket everyone inside, very unfair, I’ve not talked to anyone about my individual circumstances or working practices. Been told go Umbrella PAYE (aka all the tax and no benefits) or leave. Also Sky seem to be using this as a massive cost saving exercise. I’ll be leaving and taking a break for a bit until things settle down and companies treat us fairly.

All contractors had to fill out a questionnaire, EY leading on the assessments using CEST. Awaiting fate

Spoken with management, all 'appeals' are coming back that decision is final. Couple of the permi-tractors are considering going inside, but most real contractors are leaving as far as I can tell.

No determination has been made, although we have been advised that we will be told early Feb. The only information we have is from our agents..... As it stands we still have not been told by Capgemini what is happening, we are hearing that they are in discussions with “QDOS – A Contractor friendly organisation”, one assumes they are trying to assist and organise a strategy to prevent against loss of contractors

Still waiting final confirmation, due in first week of Feb but likely position being communicated is a blanket in scope with the contractor also requiring to pay the client's Employer's NI

Blanket statement, not longer using PSC and must go Umbrella. No assessment and no SDS conducted or issued.

Still nothing announced.

The contractor must pay the client's Employer's NI.

WARNING.... Quit end of Feb, or lose March cash (invoiced 4 week lieu)

Also wanted to impose a rate cut to cover their increased NI requirements and stay budget neutral

Invoice 4 week in arrears. So id work beyond February, future payme ts will be inside IR35 thus, according to Contractor Care Sheet, all payments back to beginningnof contrqct will be retrospectively back taxed .

Complete blanket ban on LTDs. PAYE or go home. Many choosing the latter.

Blanket information of being inside IR35, Offered Perm role but way below what the role entails. Still no comms for Experis as to the next steps, yet been told some contractors who are with smaller agencies will be outside, yet they do the same role.

Still haven’t made a decision yet but it is looking likely that they won’t allow PSCs

Decision has been made to individually assess all contractors using CEST tool

Sky are not only looking for permie only, but with a significant reduction in pay beyond what an umbrella arrangement with chunky commissions would take. This tax compliance seems to have been turned to a cost cutting exercise. Sky do not value contractors. Insulting. Oh and everyone I've spoken to so far has been told they are in.

Only umbrella without increase of rate. Contractors are on the way out.

I have been told all Experis contractors are Inside IR35. No umbrella or staying contract but inside only some people being offered full-time roles. Lots of secrecy and private conversations with contractors as I believe different permie deals are being offered.

Contract confirmed to be outside on review from accountant and also based on response from CEST. Experis is blanket assessing roles though it seems, told I need to dispute the inside ruling with some random email address but not to expect anything to come of it. They still don't seem to understand that the payment date is relevant for this either so not getting any good feedback on when contract ends. Complete disgrace, many delays and they've been taking on contractors claiming its outside IR35 up to this point now trying to make everyone go inside.

I have been offered a contract role but they're still skeptical to confirm the role is INSIDE or OUTSIDE? Says the Sky is still reviewing and not made any determination yet. I'm confused to take-up the role !! If someone know any insider information might help me? Thanks

Shame Sky couldn’t communicate wether it’s blanket or not openly to all contractors.

Blanket assessment. Contracting no longer viable.

I submitted an independent IR35 review of the Experis Contract. Experis' were insistent they were not willing to make any changes of any kind to the Contract terms. Issues raised in the review were common warning signs such as the ability to provide a substitute and of equal and short termination periods for example. SB&G also use Fruition so I would recommend going via them in place of Experis for this reason.

Told I was deemed to be inside IR35 despite my current working contract being definitely outside. I was given an address to write to to argue against this determination which I did with evidence but I have had no reply. Seems to be a blanket decision to avoid the hassle.

Sky hired Ernest and young to assess on individual basis but everyone has been told they are inside ir35. I disagreed and referred to my ir35 compliant contract and ways of working. I was told the contract wasn’t even looked at and my “line manager” was involved in the decision. Crazy blanket decision.

I was only given the choice take a Perm roll or leave

CEST tool being used, dedicated team setup to assess all roles (staff by contractors amusingly), however they are assessing at the generic role level (BA, PM, Tester etc) and is an effective blanket assessment as line managers have been advising since before xmas that the vast majority of roles will be inside (i.e. prior to any actual assessments). Any exceptions are for business critical individuals who threaten to leave, not based on contracts or working practices (i.e. no consultation with any contractors directly). No rate rises to cater for Employers NI, same gross amount will be paid to either Ltd (if agency allows, but suggestions are that they won't) or Umbrella (from list of agency approved umbrellas). ASI have said they are not interested, they will simply continue to pay the same gross day rate to the agency and its up to them and the contractor to sort it out.

Experis won’t give any details if your in or out. They said they are still determining status while Sky try to convert contractors to perm. That’s stupid of a lot of contractors due to backfilled tax if HRMC knocks on the door. There are also agencies saying they might be out at Sky. This is the same end client. It’s going to a war of the recruiters. Anyway time will tell. I will only work if determines out. Sky has a choice to make.

All contractors being replaced with FTE.

Have been independently assessed (QDOS) as OUTSIDE for multiple contracts in the past here at Sky however I have recently been informed of the blanket INSIDE determination. In the run up to this I have attempted to engage Experis/Sky multiple times and recieved only canned responses, weeks between replies or no response at all. Several contractors are being offered perm positions (pretty average package). Will likely move on to another contract where I am valued and engaged individually and can work through a statement of work (similar to in the Public sector). Disappointed how this process has turned out but did enjoy my time contracting at Sky.

Engaged early and advised this was coming and then it all went silent. Setup an internal website but there was next to no info on it. Agencies got in contact but they didn’t know much either. Lots of confusion and uncertainty. ASI didn’t extend lots of contracts Beyond 31/12:/19. Felt chaotic and like no one was in control or running this.

Blanket assessments made using CEST v1, without sight of the contract, without discussion with the contractors and without considering the full situation. Believes this is the safe approach.

The current guidance from experis is that they're going to make pretty much everyone inside IR35 and expect exceptions to be rare. Most contractors in technology still waiting for the final word on it all, as it was delayed from December until sometime in January.

All contractors blanket assessed inside Ir35. Selected permanent offers to key contractors. Agency to manage paye payroll.

Blanket inside IR35 assessments are done. First of all, the IR35 itself is insane. If the reason for changes from tax man is for equality in pay, why there is a difference in pay even in permanent roles who do the same job as others in the team. The salary of an individual will be decided based on the skills the individual has including the salary negotiating skills. If the reason for changes is to grab more money in the form of tax, then increase the salary of low paid individuals to that of the highly paid individuals, so that they can earn more and pay more tax.

Treated Fairly