Hays

A lady called LOUISE is very rude, not helpful at all.

I agree with negative feedback of others. I'm also being hammered on tax and they have changed names three times in 18mth that I know of. HMRC really need to take a closer look at this organisation. I've also had completely random employments appear on my tax record that I have to log on the tax gateway as not firmer employers and that's never happened before I used them. I strongly recommend contractors login to government.gateway and check their records. All efforts to sort out with orange genie have failed. They claim there's no issue. HMRC told me to ask them to ring them as there was something not right. They haven't. I'm also struggling to sort with HMRC but will keep trying. Just hoping it resolves at financial year end. Its really impacted my income and I will never use them again.

The best umbrella in my experience having worked with another previously. Quick and efficient, thanks!

I have been working with Amaze Umbrella for over 5 years now and the relationship I have built with the customer service team there is second to none. I have from time to time experienced the odd issue to which Amaze Umbrella have really gone above and beyond to get the issue amended and even agreed to advance me funds in lieu of receiving the funds from my agency. Great Umbrella and pretty much accepted by all agencies as FCSA Accredited.

I think the service has been great. This was a first for me and I received all the support and guidance I needed. Even webchat was excellent, always prompt, helpful and efficient. Really great experience.

I have been using giant for over 2 years now. I have never had an issue that couldn't be resolved. There is an element of human when you call, and the odd problem I have experienced has never been too much for the team to resolve. Jennifer has always gone out of her way to ensure that she monitors my payments and has helped me out when needed (unlike Lloyds who you are just a number after 18 years). Her caring nature is a credit to the company and other payroll companies should take note.

Terrible were once ok , now they changed the system. Cant see payslips, pension and have no idea when I will get paid. Dont answer the phone , live chat is useless, no reply to emails. Avoid , I will move soon as I get my money back

Data breach recently caused weeks of delayed pay. Always need to chase payment as they never pay on time. Always someone else’s fault. Staff are pleasant but must be so fed up and embarrassed at representing and trying to defend such an awful company with horrendous infrastructure and systems.

The worst payroll company ever

Individually and fairly assessed as outside IR35 by the client and by QDOS who are partnering with Hays.

Even though the law has changed this year, they still have not provided an IR35 Assessment

Unbelievable U-turn today!! Despite significant work done by Admiral to ensure outside IR35 contracts AND a CEST assessment in March also confirming outside, Admiral have now advised that ALL contractors are inside! Appallingly handled. After the event too.

After undertaking an assessment through Hayes / Qdos, February 2021, - which was Outside IR35 - Skanska have now decided to ban PSC's altogether. I'm very disappointed with Skanska. I've worked with them for a 24 months and they've generally been a good place to work and have walked the walk and talked the talk. The options are: PAYE, Umbrella, or contract termination. What with COVID19, Brexit, off-payrole being imposed on the private sector - I'm beginning to think U.K. isn't the best place to work anymore. I mean - there are plenty of prettier places I can live and be poor.

Received email today with outcome of Admiral’s assessment (using CEST) showing as Outside IR35. It was accompanied by a request for me to check through their answers and confirm I agreed with the output. No issues, no drama! Well done Admiral and Hays!

Fairly assessed by QDOS. Well done AstraZeneca, great place to work as well.

Blanket ban on PSCs - a real lack of understanding of IR35, especially at the recruitment partner, Hays. Unlawfully deducting NI from the contractor yet claiming no-ones rate is being reduced.

New assignment, Short term contract offered, used the CEST tool myself and deemed outside. When discussed with the agency I provided the cest results but I was told umbrella only. When disputed the agency called the hiring manager advising telling me I had to work via Umbrella or not at all. I was then given a choice of 5 umbrella companies I had to work with. Role taken due to the current covid climate

PSC allowed if outside ir35. Fair assessments.

Outside IR35 determination received. Assume lessons have been learned from the process last year. QDOS used. Well done AstraZeneca!

Vodafone taking a “cost neutral” stance - for them. So employers NIC will be removed from the previous rate. Can’t see many staying. This will leave huge gaps in the workforce.

The technology department want people for 4-6 months but will only offer Umbrella / PAYE - no assessments made or offered. They effectively want to have the benefit of the flexibility of a contractor but have them taxed like perms. When you raise it to them they don’t care. This all filters down the the CIO as it was her decision to do this. Other areas of Direct Line Group are doing things properly and fairy and offering Outside IR35 roles where assessed and outcomes support accordingly. The technology department will suffer significantly once covid is over and/or other companies start assessing properly because they will see contractors leave in their droves! Only when it’s too late will they maybe release that they should have treated their contractors more fairly!

Blanket PSC ban from April 2021 - all contractors to go PAYE.

Most contractors have been told inside IR35- blanket decision. No individual assessment.

Effective blanket ban by new guidance provided by HMRC around how to answer CEST questions. Not listening to genuine reasons that point to Outside. Adding SDC terms to contract specifically to push them Inside. I walked away. Was 90% Outside now 20% Outside at best....low moral.

Allowed PSCs when delay in off payroll was announced.

Gov has postponed IR35 its now legislation however org only allowing contractor a 3 mth extension as PSC till end June. Why June? Why not Dec? If the Gov is helping why the org bending the rules what the benefit them? Why can't we just continue as is ie PSC until 6th April 2021? They will lose a lot of key individuals. Company used CEST tool and blanketed everyone as inside IR35 we weren't given a chance to discuss we were told and not asked. I was provided with an SDS the rate was dropped without a discussion. Projects will be impacted as lots of contractors will leave as lots of new roles are being advertised as Limited/Off Payroll. What was a great atmosphere is now demotivated and we're all in the same boat re COVID-19. I am annoyed with the organisations decision as they never provided justification re PSC till end June & umbrella after that. Totally unfair

IBM are steaming ahead with their current plan on a Ban of PSC's. This is for a new contract that I have been offered for a project in the public sector. I am not an existing contractor with an existing outside ir35 contract. There have been some delays with my start date due to the ongoing global COVID-19 crisis and some onboarding logistical issues with my agency, but why delay because you were "considering their options in light of the govt deferral of IR35 changes"? Just come out and admit you're just going to ban PSCs. Either way, I upped my rate and IBM have incurred more costs to their bottom line. Special thanks to HMRC and UK GOV.

Just got confirmation that their will be no reversal even after the delay of one year. What can you do, all the banks have you exactly where they want to as their is no scope to go anywhere else.

Current guidance is should be BAU - carry on as we were. Will see what Hays try to do as I've a renewal on its way but expect a fight on my hands with them. Hays have not kept me informed and I'm continuously chasing for information. The Hays headline of using QDos to review each role is a fantasy and I'd love to know who stated it as I've got it in writing from Hays that QDos have never reviewed these contracts/roles.

Anyone that was found inside can now continue using their PSC. "All UK contractors can choose to continue to proivide their services through their limited companies. Your previously shared Status Determination Statement is now withdrawn and therefore noy valid from the 6th of April and will be reviewed in line with the legislation in 2021. To confirm, this Status Determination Statement has not be shared with HMRC.

No SDS. No tool used to make a decision. Contractors taking perm options or leaving. Blanket email sent 20/2 stating that BOFA will continue with PSC to PAYE transition as planned, despite the govt delay. Very disappointing.

U-turn/deferral for those not choosing to continue via PAYE or converting to perm. The ones who chose to convert to PAYE or perm have no option to go back to their LTD companies.

Contract is via Hays. Completed IR35 assessment via QDOS and assessed outside. All contractors seem to have SOWs.

Fair and individual assessments performed in conjunction with Hays & QDOS. Transparent process with a helpful client and agency. Still waiting for determination result and SDS but process has been excellent so far.

So far TfL has been fair with individual IR35 assessment via Hays Review.

Fairly assessed by Qdos and result was outside. Couldn't believe how lucky I am! UBS is probably the only big company in finance that has done this fairly.

Skanska, as a business, decided they would handle IR35 fairly. For the most part - they have. Unfortunately, an element of the management team on the HS2 On Network Works at Euston station, Ryedale house, are attempting to pressure other managers to blanket ban as many contractors on the project as possible. They are doing this by feeding specific answers to some 50% of the questions in the contractors individual assessments. Why they are doing this is a mystery. If Skanska head office does not intervene - the project will lose these contractors and the project will inevitably face delays and unnecessary complication. The way Skanska head office intends for it to work is: The contractor undertakes an assessment, the contractors immediate line manager then verifies the statements in the assessment and this is all sent off to QDOS for determination.

Communication was poor at the start but improved recently. I felt I was assessed fairly and professionally, with due account taken of the questionnaire responses that I gave.

Believe CEST used but waiting for SDS which will come via Hays. Hays have been appalling - pushing me to sign a contract automatically putting me inside before even doing CEST. Blanket PSC ban. Still trying to decide if I walk away. Project will not be impacted because I'll make sure it's not. Reputation is everything after all.

Was told individuals showed as outside, but as significant expenses cannot be shown then everybody is in with only 3 weeks to go

Undertook the QDOS assessment & this was approved by my manager. Now have the SDS with an 'Outside IR35' result. Very relieved to be working for a client that got this right! Well done Skanska

It's pot luck if you're assessed outside IR35. If your line manager is usually UK based, understands IR35, wants to keep you motivated then they are likely to mark you outside IR35. I was marked as inside on my SDS. I spoke to another contractor with the same set up as me, and he was assessed as being outside IR35!

Everyone is being ruled Inside IR35. You can then appeal with a QDOS assessment that you have to pay £79 for. Amey management then judge if you've answered the assessment correctly and ultimately rule you in or out of IR35

Never worked in a more unethical business, though Capita was a shambles until I walked into BT, the internal Tax team of stellar brains at BT have challenged the EY decision. Takes a lot of brain power to work in Tax at BT.. recruiters if you see Tax experience gained at BT walk a mile before you hire these incompetent donkeys. Sad day for a great programme that will ultimately fail as so many contractors showed up the overcharging deloitte by a country mile.

Saying we are all inside, some being told they are surplus even before April. I've challenged the decision but expect they will stick with original decision so looking elsewhere

Third party review which AstraZeneca have agreed with. Found to be outside of IR35. Will remain in assignment here.

It has been decided that it will be a blanket ban even though they are clearly hiring 'consultants' to help achieve a defined output and an end goal which should be outside of IR35.

Not much information was disclosed as to how the decision was reached. Apparently, all hiring managers had a joint meeting and came to the conclusion that contractors would be inside IR35 based on the CEST tool. There are some contractors who are leaving, but many have decided to transition from PSCs to PAYE under an umbrella

Initially Skanska came out saying they were to undertake fair assessments - through QDOS. QDOS supplied 42 questions to each contractor. Skanska ran into problems where their managers did not agree with the contractors responses. Skanska have now decided that they will only accept a specific response to some 50% of the questions. These questions are in key areas - that ultimately will see the contractor end up 'inside' IR35. This is really disappointing - particularly as the contractor had to pay for the assessment up front - only to discover that it would become a flawed assessement.

Inside decision, Rate drop, role based assessment.

Very knowledgeable around IR35.

All contracts individually assessed through QDOS.

Whilst some think they have had fair assessments, others do not. They have used CEST, and the answers have been driven by the wishes of the programme/project. When disputing the SDS and the CEST answers, an email explanation clearly contradicts 2 of the CEST answers, but they refuse to budge on the CEST assessment as the steer from the top won't let them

Those deemed outside (there are a fair few) must also complete a self questionnaire on working practices to be reviewed by Qdos for a small fee to confirm outside status. Those inside are intending to quit

Outside IR35 assessment finalised for a 12 month project.

Sham assessment made by line manager with little understanding of what they are answering yes or no too. No discussion with contractors and no consistency of results between contractors doing very similar jobs across the firm. Have seen UBS give determinations on contracts that expire before 6th April! zero communication with contractors adds to the stress

Blanket ban of PSCs. No assessments. Even reviewing consultancies in there supply chain and stopping use of any who use PSCs

Previous assessed as outside IR35 just before Christmas using QDOS/Hays assessment tool, then blanket decision from NHSD CEO that all contractors must be inside and contract terminated. Offered role inside and via Umbrella but I don't contract just to be employed by someone else, so left. Pity, it was a really good contract.

Unfair assessments using CEST as the basis using wrong job titles and responsibilities were entered into the CEST tool. No discussions with contractors took place and the Central HR teams performed assessments for the entire organisation. A complete lack of communication or dialog, it’s a blanket decision ‘in disguise’ as all decisions were either “insideIR35” or “could not determine outcome” There will be more than 150 contractors walking out in March

Unfair role based IR35 assessments Blanket PSC bans Reduction in rate!

Blanket determination of whether in-scope or not. Not individually assessed but rather done with manager

Told we had to go via a preferred list of Umbrellas or go PAYE with them. No assessment, no other options. It's a take it or leave it situation.

Individually assessed by line manager (who understands the contract market). Fair determination based on contract and working practiecs

PSC allowed until april 6th. new terms (with rate cut) imposed thereafter. unfair and generic assessments upheld in appeal.

No assessment, blanket approach, it’s either umbrella or PAYE for those through Hays. Outside IR35 one week and if you renew contract then it’s inside the next week. Won’t be renewing contract as not worth all the hassle and cut in pay, for the same role. Shame as otherwise they are nice company to work for.

- Company used = QDOS; - Yes, individual assessment given, initially every quarter, later half-yearly. This lasted for the many years I was contracting. I was deemed outside IR35 but some other contractors were deemed inside. I still have all my reports. Very good example of how this blanket ban by companies can be prevented. It works, so I'm continuing to use QDOS, so that I can have my reports ready. - Projects NOT impacted; - Contractors not leaving but some projects are being wound up due to cost-cutting; - Atmosphere is still uncertain because contractors feel they may still be unfairly targeted; - Due to the unfair manner I'm being denied outside IR35 roles in the UK, I've decided to consider taking roles in Europe until the government comes to its senses and reverses this terrible debacle.

Working across multiple business divisions it is clear that the internal communication has been at best mixed and at worst a complete failure. No blanket decision has been made but it is clear that in some areas that there is a push to move all contracts inside IR35, even where independent QDOS assessments determinations have assessed the role as outside.

Blanket ban on all PSC's, have to go PAYE

Forced to go blanket approach. Paye or umbrella

Funny part is Hays have said all contractors should use their approved umbrella company, I guess Hays trying to make something out on this too. Bloody shame on Hays. Someone needs to speak to Hays about it.

AZ have said that they are “making determinations based on the job role” and “working practices” in their communicated IR35 FAQs. Following this the contractor can appeal if they want to.

Initial determination is out of scope but still needs to be validated using QDOS so determination may change. Initial outlook ok but nervous due to hearing how initial determinations have been done. May find myself in scope and worried about risk of investigation from HMRC.

Not sharing SDS but offering appeal process. Legitimacy of an appeal is unclear without client reasons. Unfair process with lack of engagement and transparency. Those in scope likely to leave.

Can’t even choose umbrella as agency will only use those that are preferred suppliers. Only choice umbrella or employed by agency. All contractors affected and no individual assessments undertaken. Contractors may leave and will impact projects mid flight. Feel as though I’m being backed into a corner with no choices and that there will be no opportunities in the sector for outside IR35 and if they are elsewhere the competition will be huge.

Call from Hays (on a Saturday morning) to be told that my role can only continue via Umbrella or PAYE through them, no individual consultation or assessment done.

Hays or Umbrella only + pay cut. Poor communication from Hays and tax arrangements completely unclear. Avoid.

I've been advised that the initial determination has been run using HMRC's CEST platform and counter-checked by HR to produce an initial determination. Then these results are being counter-checked externally by QDOS to render a final determination. There is a review/appeals process following the initial determination if you are deemed in-scope, so it seems as fair a process as you could expect at this stage.

Not a blanket ban. Initial determinations made by AstraZeneca, followed by final determinations with Qdos. In scope initial determinations able to appeal also.

PSC blanket ban communicated today. "As a result of the impending legislative change...we will not engage the services of contingent workers via PSCs beyond 5 April 2020."

Contractors are leaving this month and existing perm staff are expected to absorb the extra workload from current projects.

Blanket Assessments inside IR35 - HAYS are reducing rates without justification PAYE or Umberlla only.

Determination made with no input or understanding of working arrangement via CEST. Open to appeal which has started, and involves QDOS working arrangement questionnaire, so not final but equally not hopeful of a fair assessment given current climate. If appeal is denied then will be banned from using PSC, and offered role via Umbrella or agency PAYE only. Feels like a totally careless and blanket based decision.

My contract is 100% project and target based. Not covering a vacant position or headcount. Been told my contract is in IR35 even though it has not been over the last 2 Years. Blanket Approach yet again. These companies will really suffer as talent will move on!

I discussed IR35 up front before accepting the offer and was told that I would not be in scope. I had the contract assessed by QDOS and it came back agreeing with the earlier statement. Reviews were carried out and the result have been issued and I have been confirmed as Outside IR35. Looking around this feels like the exception rather than the rule which could massively impact future work.

Individually assesed and psc available. Final decision using third party review.

Everyone received an email stating inside ir35. Managers do not comment or explain decisions.

Not sure what department the inside IR35 comments are coming from, but in digital individual assessments have been carried out via QDOS. Communication with DLG and HAYS wasn't great, all we really got was an email to say here's a form, fill it out. But, apparently these were all reviewed with HR and the determination was that I (as well as others) am outside IR35.

Rates were slightly higher than my last contract but not enough to offset admin and tax increases. Speaking to recruiters the market just seems in disarray because of changes.

Roles individually assessed and initial determination made for existing roles. Final determination by Qdos

The client is finally starting to share some updates. It appears all PSCs are to be banned with the exception of a couple of roles somewhere within DLG but no idea where these roles are or what they’re doing. All contractors must go FTC, umbrella or leave by 23rd March. Hays have been totally useless and not engaged contractors at all other than a very, very rare generic email saying DLG will speak to contractors.

No communication. No discussion. Blanket approach. Poor communication from Hays.

Offered contract but as assessed as inside IR35. Declined contract

Working practices being assessed by QDOS

Individual assessments have started to be sent. Some inside, some outside. Assessments are detailed. Next steps not communicated (who pays employer ni/rate cut). Option to appeal available.

As I am contracted via an Umbrella agency I don’t think that this should apply as I am PAYE. A blanket approach to all contractors is being applied. Individual assessments were planned but never materialised.

Been told go perm or leave. Currently trying to hire enough perm employees but projects already grinding to a halt.

Been told go perm or leave. Currently trying to hire enough perm employees but projects already grinding to a halt.

Kept in the dark till last minute, told we could use PSC via agency, then that got pulled. Furious.

Contract offer advised outside IR35 until April, then moved to PAYE after April. And that PAYE was the blanket approach for all contracts, no alternatives or negotiations entertained regarding IR35 status. Shame.

IR35 assessment by Qdos

A formal comms from DLG has not yet been issued. However, multiple contractors have been (unofficially) informed that they can either go perm (if a role exists), umbrella or leave. Having Qdos involved in the assessments appears to have been pointless.

"As part of this preparation work the line managers of contractors in London are being asked to complete a questionnaire, the responses to which will provide the working group with a clearer understanding of the way in which services are currently being received."

Have been for the last 2years not taking any contractors on and has been poorly communicate within they own community as roles are still being advertised but all disappear into a black hole.

Individual assessments done through QDOS, then reviewed by manager and HR. Most contractors being assessed as outside IR35. Contract being renewed as per normal after a Feb.

UCB assessed via CEST tool and put everyone inside.

Advised that individual assessments will be undertaken - through QDOS Contractor.

BT has thousands of contract resources. No blanket decision seen yet. Expecting assessments. More info expected Feb. Seems like BT HR are leaving things quite late.

Depressed, victimised, exploited

Outside IR35 contract extensions provided with the proviso that come March end, the engagement model is likely to change owing to the rollout of the IR35 regulations in the Pvt sector.

They say they will assess on project basis but the general feeling and rumors is everyone will be inside ir35.

We're still waiting for the client to decide what they are doing. I feel as though they have decided already and are not letting people know.

Process has been communicated well and based on Qdos IR35 questionnaire to assess in/out