Despite what some companies will tell you, the fact is that all UK Umbrella Companies have to work within the guidelines published by the Inland Revenue. This means that your take home pay cannot be any higher through one umbrella company than with another. The only thing that should be different would be the fees that the Umbrella Company charges.
On average these are between £15 and £30 per week (tax deductible). What is important is how well your umbrella company works for you - Are they easy to get in touch with? Do they always pay on time? Are they sympathetic and helpful if there is a problem?
There is plenty of advice out there, probably too much. Be careful of companies claiming they have special dispensations with the Inland Revenue. Also be careful if your recruitment agency says you have to go through one or two companies of their choice. Sometimes an umbrella company will pay the agency a commission to introduce you.. At Mantor we pay you, the contractor, a bonus for introducing other contractors.
