Rullion

I was coerced into using this company by the agency. Error after error leading to irregularities in pay and deductions. This company has no competency or integrity and take over 60% of your assignment rate. Errors with tax codes, pension deductions, and refuses to reimburse expenses, in part because they refuse to update their records with correct data. They accept zero responsibility for their errors and blame the agency, the contractor even the client. These people are utter barracudas! Your eventual take home will be a third of your assignment fee. Avoid like the plague and save yourself the stress and aggravation of dealing with these sharks

Using PayStream from umbrella. Has paid on time and easy to speak to someone on the phone. I'm happy.

Paid for a QDos Assessment. Most answers were overridden by MS without a chance to counter. Nothing formal received form QDos yet. Forced down PAYE/Umbrella with no rate uplift. PAYE option sees 1/4 of my rate disappear to Rullion and then Tax and NI on the remainder. This contractor has left. Unsure about others.

Sellafield Ltd. live up to their bullying and harassing reputation publicised in the national press last week www. bbc. co. uk/news/uk-56011909, by forcing unfair blanket determinations on contractors. Whole business units determined in scope of IR35, reasonable care clearly not taken, utter disregard of the law and contempt for workers. Contractors leaving safety critical jobs by the day. Fed up of being abused and harassed by Sellafield, morale at site at all time low. Shameful.

Fair assessments done on an individual basis. SDS shared and communicated with plenty of notice.

Appeal upheld and now deemed to be outside. Glad that they’ve come to their senses. Chiiiiii....ching

Joint effort between Co-Op and Brookson. Each contractor being given an SDS in advance of legislation. Had my outside determination two weeks ago. Good communication and well thought out approach.

Assessment carried out was deemed inside, appealed was still deemed inside despite having the same arguments as others who have successfully had their appeal upheld as outside. This company is a shambles and one person in particular who carried out the assessments is completely disillusioned with contractors who apparently ‘have gotten away too long with out paying their taxes - and it wasn’t going to continue on his watch’. Huge project impact on major digital transformation programme - but frankly they only have themselves (or one man rather) to blame. Bye bye E.On

Site Owner is of the opinion that all Agency Supplied Workers on site are inside IR-35 and is driving that message down to the main contractors. QDos assessment available (at PSC cost) but been informed that Morgan Sindalls HR/Labour Desk will review that assessment and the answers with a view to ensuring the outcome is Inside IR35. I think it's going to be a whitewash, no matter on the validity of the QDos assessment. Another potential avenue was closed down as I get the impression the end Client and Morgan Sindall are so scared of HMRC that they default to 'Everyone is Inside' rather than conduct proper individual assessments and stand by those results. MS also refuse to consider any uplift in rates due to the transfer between inside /outside. I wonder how HMRC are going to view all those prior outside IR35 contracts, that are now suddenly inside. Doesn't make good reading for either side.

Due to Covid lockdown, most of us, Staff and Contractors, reverted to working from home but in the construction industry there's only so much one can do from home. Due to site works being ceased, the maximum hours payable for each week dropped from the standard 45 to 37. On Works re-starting and getting back to site the hours for all was increased to 40 per week. Recently the staff hours are back up to their contracted 45 hours per week, whilst contractors need to seek permission to work more than 40, including for weekend cover where and when required. When lock-down finally finishes, it's expected that most contractors will be able to regularly charge up to 45 hours per week. Current responsibilities are split across teams with 1/2 the team working from home (if possible) and the other working from site or alternative location. This is due to the end client wishing/needing to keep site attendance to a minimum.

Same stance as 12 months ago, but the PSC can pay for a QDos Assessment and subsequent 6 monthly QDos reviews (Even if nothing in the contract changes). No changes or up-lift in rates. No deemed employee benefits (very much like Uber). No individual assessments, not even CEST. Contractors are seeking alternative contracts. Lots of discussions about leaving,

As with last year the assessments are being carried out in an unfair way and the IR35 have eluded to the fact that no managers or workers were consulted as part of the assessment process due to time constraints. Appeal futile and the team carrying out the assessment appear to be acting as they see fit... which is incorrectly! It’s a shame, had enjoyed being here, but a major programme sourced mostly of contractors being put at risk as a result. Bye bye E.on

Used CEST. No manager consultation as part of determination is a bit disappointing. Going to be some big programmes of work affected. Have opted not to stay, as is the same for swathes of other contractors

Neither us workers or managers were consulted before assessments were carried out, there was simply a determination made that wasn’t following guidelines. They used HMRC CEST tool - which is already known as flawed and unfairly biased. Atmosphere is mixed as a number of people don’t fully understand the implications but of those that do most have already declared an intention not to move under an umbrella company arrangement which is about to throw a major digital transformation programme into chaos. For those that are prepared to stay their existing contracts must be changed before 1st March and notice was given mid January. It an utter shambles! Shame on E.on

Just had results of determination back - it’s been done using CEST, but without any manager involvement. Time stamps on the assessments of others seen back up the blanket approach.... all have been advised we will now be moved to an umbrella agreement rather than ltd company. It is understood this will happen before end of contracts in March - i think this breaches the pre existing contract terms. As a transformation project i would think this will have an impact on its delivery as a number of contractors are not prepared to work in this way.

Appears to be a blanket determination and an imminent required to switch from PSC to umbrella or take the fire exit! Not an unexpected outcome but at least expected to be able to run out existing contract rather than being given a weeks notice to switch....

Recent brief highlighted the fact that MS intend to carry out their 2020 intentions of having a PSC ban. All single person Ltd companies will be forced to go through PAYE or an Umbrella. No suggestion of even offering individual assessments, or even the opportunity to pay for an individual QDos (or similar) assessment. No briefing to the managers that should be making the assessments with the PSC. Looks like I, and many others, will be looking for alternative roles elsewhere. The search begins today.

No assessment. All have to come in through Umbrella

No individual SDS received prior to IR35 deferral, post-deferral PSCs continue to be engaged on existing contractual basis.

U-Turn.... Following the IR35 legislation delay announcement United Utilities have confirmed when the new IR35 legislation does come into effect on the 6th April 2021 their position to engaging PSC’s has not changed and they will not engage PSC’s beyond this date. Until such time, United Utilities will continue to engage with contractors through their PSC’s, subject to written assurance being given by each PSC that they will continue to comply with their existing obligations under the IR35 legislation.

Looks like another company is doing a U-turn on their Blanket Ban. Here's a copy of the e-mail we've just received. The cynic in me wonders if it's a result of the potential loss of expertise or if it;s a way of MS shedding their responsibility. I started the QDos Assessment process and intend to see it through. Dear Colleague, You will have noted that HM Government have announced the deferment of the commencement of the IR35 legislation until April 2021. This means that any liability for unpaid tax or penalties remain with the Limited company contractor (PSC) and it remains for them to determine their status in accordance with current legislation. Morgan Sindall in response and to support the spirit of the deferment will not require PSCs if not already done so to submit an assessment via QDOS to determine their status with regards the legislation and will continue to honour the terms and conditions of the existing agreements as currently agreed. There are a number of PSCs who QDOS have assessed and they will be in a position shortly to deliver their professional opinion on the PSC’s IR35 status. These can be used as evidence in the event of a HMRC investigation. These individuals will be contacted by the Morgan Sindall IR35 team and advised later today. For those who have submitted their IR35 assessment and are not at this stage -there is the option to continue and get QDOS’ professional opinion or to receive a refund of the fees from QDOS. Again these individuals will be contacted later on today by the Morgan Sindall IR35 Team. All PSCs will no doubt be aware of their responsibility for deciding on their own IR35 status and their own liability for any penalties and unpaid tax in the event of a HMRC investigation. Morgan Sindall are committed to being fully compliant in readiness for April 2021 and any engagements going forwards will be made only via the Morgan Sindall Labour Desk utilising the Engage platform via 2 tiers of approved agencies.

Blanket determinations based on role. CEST tool, working practices and current contracts ignored. Appeal process completed within 7 days, but no consideration taken, with not one question answered.

No 1-2-1’s, no SDS just told your inside with no means to discuss or appeal and given notice, others in the same role but on higher profile projects deemed outside and having new contracts written to protect the projects. No idea if the did use a tool as no one was walked through the process. Yodel is losing millions and is up for sale, IR35 seems to be a vehicle to reduce headcount and spent. Also, zero contact from Rullion throughout the whole process.

Blanket assessment on role not individual, no involvement. No rate rise, encouraged to go umbrella and pay employer NIC

Total blanket assessment on all consultants. No individual assessments made.

Role based determinations. No consultation. Not allowed to speak to anyone at Siemens. Must go through recruiter only. If inside can switch to umbrella or pay £106+ vat for appeal. If outside still must pay £106+ vat via qdos for verification - status to be reviewed and must pay again after 6 months

determination is a list of questions but no answers so you don’t know what is wrongto challenge. Not an individual assessment and want to take employers in and apprentice levy

They were using the Client CEST tool, dont know of anyone on the site that has been determined as outside, despite a role created for the specific time bound job of around 10 months and a role that will not exist once the job has finished.

They claim to have done individual assessments, but have not discussed these with contractors, so can't possibly know the actual answers to some questions. They appear to have used only the CEST tool, nothing else. Most contractors are unhappy with the situation, and some are leaving,

Not sure if above comments are correct, contractors there for years - not able to dictate your own schedule and they would not accept a substitute

An email was sent out to all PSCs yesterday stating PAYE or Umbrella only, no PSCs to be engaged

Paystream was contracted to undertake role assessments with answers taken only from consultations with line managers rather consulting contracted staff. A placement review is available at a cost of £150 + VAT to the contractor. Contractors are considering their options and the atmosphere has dropped considerably. I am feeling frustrated that the assessment grouped roles together which has led to inaccurate assessments and the answers provided by the managers consulted do not accurately reflect the work practices. There seems to be a mixture of inside and outside decisions which from a cynical viewpoint could be construed as the contractors they consider necessary to deliver the project are deemed outside whereas others not as influential are inside.

Here is a quote copied from Rullion's e-mail regarding Morgan Sindall contractors punctuation edited to avoid being taken for a Bot. As you are aware, we have been liaising with Morgan Sindall and discussing how they will ensure that they are compliant with the coming IR35 reform. As such, we have now received instructions from them on how they will engage with contractors and temporary staff post 6th April 2020 The business will only employ temporary workers on a PAYE or Umbrella basis - inside-IR35. Any current contractor / temporary worker who is engaged via a PSC (personal service company) will be required to convert to a PAYE or Umbrella status. No individual assessment No knowledge of if any assessment tool has been used. Disappointed contractors. Unsure how many will decide to depart. Too early to tell. Feeling betrayed and steamrollered. My Ltd Company offers other services to other clients but Morgan Sindall don't know that because they've never asked.

Well done Co-op Group. All individuals fairly assessed based on Contract and Working Practices. SDS's being provided and a process to appeal has been established. Interesting to see the Project being lead by a Contract Project Manager, with support from Group HR and a 3rd party legal partner. It feels good to be part of an organisation where full consideration is being taken to the importance of a flexible workforce. Lots of good news stories coming out, keep up the good work Co-op Group, living up to their ethical standards.

No IR35 assessments to be undertaken. PSC's are not to be engaged from 6th April onwards. PAYE / Umbrella only.

Advised we would individually assessed yet everyone is inside - pointless & dishonest - these companies should have just said that was the intention last year.

No SDS assessments. PSCs banned from 5th April. PAYE or umbrella only. Contracts extended to include new date of HMRC guidance with final payment to be made 10th April. Agency already have list of potential extensions post 5th April with Individual circumstances and choices to be made in 1:1.

All supportability engineers assessed as inside due to ITAR regulations. No SDS. Contractors leaving. There is a definite down in the office. I myself am leaving to work for MOD. Still inside but a better rate.

No news is bad news here. Shame on Rullion for not telling their people and Unilever too. Saying nothing is worse than coming clean. The reality here is that the roles are all going to be inside. All change seats

CEST and expert Tax Advisors from PWC

Assessment done using CEST & individual assessment provided.

Just found out (last week Jan) that all contractors must be either PAYE or Umbrella. No CEST, no individual assessments. Rate negotiations about to proceed so no information as yet regarding mitigation.

Still nothing regarding decision and potential next steps. Most contacts expire 28th Feb. Contractors leaving due to what feels like no support from Agency. General feel is that decision already known but waiting until last minute to force quick decision to accept whatever terms being offered.

Blanket determination that all non-perm roles are now within scope. Promised appeal process but not currently forthcoming.

Currently Wilko and Rullion are working on Outside IR35 engagements, with Project Managers/Hiring Managers having to run through CEST with Wilko HR to validate desired IR35 status. Should be able to confirm with a contract in hand by April.

Farcical individual assessments using E&Y tool, with 99% being found inside IR35. Inaccurate assessments were carried out without consulting contractors on responses or details of contracts. Appeals/challenge process provided.

Thus far only 1 contractor outside of IR35. E&Y tool used to assess and they seem to have gone for a zero risk approach.

Everyone assessed using E&Y tool however everyone deemed to be inside IR35

Although earlier comments state there has been no communication from United Utilities, its well known in the agency about role determination for any new on boarding now. Roles are going Umbrella only from April and if anyone says otherwise its a lie, but the agency is happy to lie about this it seems. Quite shocking really

Blanket decision has forced out over half the contractors and is already slowing major, 'critical' projects. I do not blame the DWP for this but the Government who have had ample opportunity to do this right but failed, despite court case after court case. My 30 years as a contractor (Java dev) are over and my skills are retiring abroad. If I am to be treated like an employee I shall do that in the sun and work from home.

Following discussions with agency, it has been confirmed that no decisions have as of yet been formally made. United Utilities are indicating that they will look to assess on an individual basis but they currently exploring all avenues including use of the CEST tool or similar tools from other providers. They are also seeking external legal advice. Contractors are still being recruited on a variety of payment models but all contracts are currently due to expire end of Feb 2020 with no contracts currently being offered past this. Further update to follow once provided.

All gone very soon.

Update to provided once communicated.