They tried to recruit perms and fixed term but failed miserably. Have returned to filling the ranks with brolly contracts at an inflated rate so take home pay matches outside IR35 take home.

Very flawed with it's approach and blanket ban on PSCs.

Outside IR35. Individually assessed through Qdos. SDS provided. Full working practices discussed and confirmed as would be expected for an outside determination. Feeling confident with Next. They seem to be doing things properly.

Unreal determinations, all contractors inside IR35 irrespective of actual status, appeals universally dismissed for same reasons - looks ccp. Some outcomes for individual assessments have exact same time stamps. In my opinion it appears that they are assessing all their contractors as inside, come what may, then offering outrageous zero hours or specific FCSA - only umbrellas. Many contractors leaving. I am very very angry, as I am a legitimate outside IR35 ltd co that has provided services which helped keep several franchises afloat during the last year.

Less than 3 weeks before my contract end date I was asked about staying on for a short period. Upon my request, a CEST assessment done by HR dept and sent to me. Had all the hallmarks of being done by somebody not familiar with the actual working practices or knowledge of the contract. I responded the same day with supporting information and examples from my contract that contradicted their assessment. I have not heard anything since and therefore I assume that I will be walking in 6 days time. I believe my project will be affected but WBA maybe do not? I feel pretty unprofessionally treated with regard to the lack of communication though I accept that I am not alone in this as others are in the same boat. It is sad that a good business relationship that was working for all parties is being impacted by this poorly thought out E2E process.

I'm not aware whether a tool was used but I do have an SDS determining my role as outside IR35 with the reason being: i am able to work for multiple clients: no mutual obligation: ability to provide a substitute. There was talk of contract length being linked to project stage gates but that hasn't happened yet, I have been offered a 6 month extension which would end 6-8 weeks before forecast project shut down. I'm not aware of any contractors leaving. Personally I'm relieved the assessment is Outside IR35 and will most likely sign the extension offered as the project is a great opportunity to develop by experience.

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

Working remotely. Rates are pretty low but it was always this way at Next. Pretty heavy in terms of critical projects, so haven't stopped recruitment or reduced permanent staff numbers.

QDOS helped with individual assessments. Got my SDS and SOW as part of my contract docs. So, all good.

Individual assessment with the client hiring manager. Copy of SDS provided by Client.

Awaiting ir35 policy

Nothing more or less than I expected having read the other comments on here. Two months out from renewal I was sent my Status Determination Statement (CEST), by the agency Sanderson, which classified me as Inside and at the same time offering a renewal at the same rate. No advice whatsoever received from Sanderson other than to confirm I could dispute the determination. My main beef was over control and specifically the following: • Does your client have the right to move you from the task you originally agreed to do? • Does your client have the right to decide how the work is done? According to the response to my formal dispute, the answer to both was yes and as a result was still considered Inside. Thankfully, by the time this had played out the market had picked up and I have now got a new role elsewhere starting in two weeks time. Note: Kingfisher do not have a “blanket” approach, as every contractor received an SDS, it is just a consistently blinkered one.

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.

Feeling positive after concluding the evaluation process. It was a collaborative approach between all parties leading to an "Outside IR35" status being reached. IR35shield used for SDS.

Ridiculous approach, can confirm that a blanket approach has been taken, Worse, the new IR35 contract lacks clarity as the email with the contract has one rate whilst the contract has another, Kingfisher have however accepted the use of my PSC. Shameful how the only communication is via email with so far no calls or discussions on an individual basis.

CEST used, but blanket "inside" assessment made. Contractors being let go and work being moved to a company offshore in Portugal, Mindera. Portugal beats UK. 1-0.

Contractors to be asked to go perm

With a year to put things right...not a thing has changed. A blanket decision to put everyone 'in scope'. The appeal process is a sham with no one successfully being able to appeal despite the CEST determining roles 'outside'. Horrible atmosphere for contractors. I will be walking.

Blanket IR35 decision. Agency forcing contractors through their preferred umbrella companies who happen to have a terrible reputation, walking

As others have noted, Sanderson did use the CEST tool for an individual assessment but didn't engage in conversation with me (or any other contractors). They did this last year when they initially threatened IR35 but pulled out at the last minute. And as others have pointed out, some questions were answered YES which contradicted what my original contract stated. I had my original PSC-based contract checked for being outside IR35 and it was validated as such by QDOS so they're clearly taking the safe and secure route at the expense of their contractors. They've not even offered an uplift to our daily rate to cover the pension contributions/holidays/apprenticeship levy which is ironic and pretty unethical i.e. "we now deem you as an extended/disguised employee but we won't pay you for any of the benefits of employment, oh and we still reserve the right to drop you at short term notice too". The people here are decent but given this kind of shafting by Sanderson/Kingfisher HR I doubt I'll be here for the long haul.

Rubbish approach

Experience was bizarre from beginning to end. I was told prior to contract start that there would be individual assessments. However, with a month of starting there was a blanket assessment to inside IR35 despite contract having very clear clauses to the contrary. Informed that I had 4 days to appeal but no information provided. Terrible communication from Kingfisher and Sanderson. Decided to terminate contract 4 months early and find work with an organisation that valued its contractors and staff.

Kingfisher did used the CEST tool for an individual assessment but did not engage in a discussion with me as the contractor. Some questions were answered YES which contradicted what the contract stated. The final approach seems to be umbrella or nothing.

Blanket PSC ban, Contractors requested to use an array of Umbrella companies. Mass exodus expected.

“Tesco have confirmed they have not changed their IR35 approach and as a result of this we believe it is likely they will not engage with PSC’s after 31st March 2021”