Recruitment agencies are now facing greater scrutiny (and potential liability) for the actions of their umbrella partners. This article explains the risks and how you can protect your agency and your reputation.

Meades Umbrella is now SafeRec Certified, confirming our commitment to transparent, ethical, and fully compliant contractor payroll. Learn what this means for you.

When your business is growing, you may need extra hands to keep up with demand. But should you hire an employee, bring in a contractor, or work with a freelancer?

If you have anything to do with the UK’s temporary workforce, and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will know that things will be changing in April 2026. For the better…..

Peoples’ circumstances are different so how can a contract, presented by an umbrella company as non-negotiable, be right for everyone?

It’s National Payroll Week this week so we thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about the interesting world of umbrella payslips.

Over 82% of recruitment firms reported recruitment problems in Q2 this year, up from 67% in the previous quarter – mostly as a result of increased demand and the skills gap reducing the number of suitable candidates.

The easy answer to whether an umbrella can force you to use a particular umbrella (or choose from a small list) is…….yes they can.

Over the years I’ve benchmarked many umbrellas where I’ve been warned they’re not playing by the rules. I’ve mystery shopped them and heard the sales pitch. And there’s one thing that jumps out from the transcripts of those calls.