Avoid if you can
Division: Software Engineer
I was contracting with a client, a large engineering consultancy. Initially, I was invoicing them directly. All was well. They then brought in AMS as an agency - despite introducing more admin, this was largely fine. I had two different IR35 assessments (one from QDOS and one from EY) that both declared me outside IR35.
Later, in anticipation of the changes to IR35 regulations, the client engaged AMS to carry out IR35 assessments for all off-payroll workers. The assessment was suspect from the start, and AMS declared me (and everyone else, as far as I know) inside IR35. They then tried to push me towards their contractor umbrella partner, Giant.
So, AMS, the company responsible for deciding whether or not I need the services of an umbrella company, also have a financial interest in referring me to a particular umbrella company. That smells strongly like a conflict of interest.
Eventually, rather than walk away from the project, I grudgingly found a decent umbrella company (Contractor Umbrella) and signed up. My contract is about to expire, and the client has offered me an extension, but AMS now say I can only accept the extension if I move from CU to Giant or one of their other approved umbrella companies, many of which look very bad and unprofessional, some of which have even experienced recent security breaches.
Conflict of interest, strong-arm tactics - most of my interactions with AMS have been dire.