UK Umbrella Services - Umbrella FAQ
Is there a set up fee or any additional fees?
Not at all. With the EAFS Umbrella Solution there are no initial set up fees. We will only charge our fee once we have processed your time-sheet and released your net payment.
How do I get paid and when do I get paid?
We run a payroll every single day so that you are paid as quickly as possible. There are two ways in which we can pay you:
BACS - Ensures you receive your funds two to three working days after we receive it. This is our standard method of payment
CHAPS - A one off, same-day payment option, however, you would incur a £22 bank charge
How can I check that I have been paid correctly?
Each time you are paid we will send you a payslip via post or email. This will detail your income, expenses and other deductions to reach your net salary.
What expenses can I claim?
You can only claim expenses that are wholly necessary and exclusively for the purpose of fulfilling your contract e.g. business travel. EAFS have a comprehensive expenses guide that has been fully approved by HMRC.
Do EAFS pay my expenses?
No, the total of the expenses you claim is deducted from your gross income and this reduces the taxable amount your salary is based upon. This means you benefit from a reduction in the amount of income tax and National Insurance that you pay. Your expenses are not paid in addition to your income.
How do I claim for holiday or sickness pay?
You wouldn't claim as EAFS do not withhold any of your money whilst you are working.
Do I need to arrange insurance cover for my contract?
No, Professional Indemnity and Public Liability cover provided by EAFS is included in your Umbrella Solution fee.
Are there any other benefits that EAFS provide their Umbrella employees?
Yes, as an employee of EAFS you are eligible to join our pension scheme and use our Childcare Voucher scheme.
Do you provide income confirmation to support credit/mortgage applications?
Absolutely. We are happy to provide any references on request at no extra charge to you.
Who do I send my time-sheets to?
We are happy to receive your time-sheets and expenses by fax, post or email whatever you prefer. Don't forget to send your original time-sheet to your agency!
When should I send EAFS my time-sheet?
The quicker the better! As soon as we receive your time-sheet we invoice your agency immediately so you can be paid quicker. Remember some agencies will have strict deadlines for payment cycles, you may want to speak to your agency about this or contact one of our account managers.
What do I do when my current contract ends?
Nothing! The EAFS Umbrella Solution has no termination fee, you only pay us when we process your time-sheet and expenses. When you are between contracts your Umbrella Solution will remain open free of charge while you secure your next contract.
What do I do if I have any questions after I have started my contract?
EAFS always provide excellent customer service. You will have a dedicated account manager who you can get in touch with at any time and who will be more than happy to help you. You can call or email us, whichever is best for you.
Can EAFS help me with my personal tax return?
Of course we can, EAFS are a firm of fully qualified accountants and we would be happy to help you, although for this service we would charge a small administration of fee of £80 (plus VAT) to cover our costs.
If my circumstances change would I be better contracting through a Limited Company?
EAFS are constantly reviewing client accounts to ensure they are receiving the best service available. If we feel you would benefit from contracting through a Limited Company we would contact and discuss this with you can make all the necessary arrangements to make this happen.
I would like to join EAFS Umbrella - what do I do next?
Just contact one of our account managers on 0131 220 2820 who will be more than happy to help you.
