FAQs — Umbrella contracting with TrustPay
Getting started
What is an umbrella company?
An umbrella company is your employer while you contract. We receive assignment funds from your agency/end client, run PAYE (tax and National Insurance) and pay your net salary, issuing a payslip and remittance.
Who employs me— Universal Workforce or the agency/client?
You are employed by UWF. You work on assignments for agencies/clients; we handle payroll and compliance.
How fast can I start?
Usually same day once we’ve received your details and right-to-work checks. We’ll confirm timelines when you sign up.
What do I need to register?
Photo ID/right-to-work, NI number (if you have it), address and bank details, agency/client info, and your start date/rate.
Pay & payslips
How is my pay calculated?
We show a clear breakdown: assignment funds received → employer costs (e.g., employer’s NI, apprenticeship levy, workplace pension if applicable) → our margin → your taxable pay → deductions (tax/NI, student loan, etc.) → your net pay.
What’s the difference between the agency “assignment rate” and my gross pay?
The assignment rate is what the agency/client pays the umbrella to employ you and run payroll. From that, employer costs and our margin are deducted. The balance becomes your taxable pay processed via PAYE.
When will I be paid?
We process same day once funds clear (subject to published cut-off times). Weekly or monthly frequency depends on your assignment.
What if my agency hasn’t sent funds yet?
We can only pay once funds are received and cleared. We’ll update you (and your agency) if anything is delayed.
Will I get a payslip and remittance?
Yes—every payment includes a payslip (PAYE) and a remittance showing the full allocation of assignment funds.
Holiday pay, pension & statutory rights
How do you handle holiday pay?
We manage holiday pay transparently and show it on your documents. We’ll confirm the method used (accrued or included) before you start and explain how to view it or draw it down.
Do you auto-enrol me into a pension?
We auto-enrol eligible employees and will invite you when you meet the criteria. You can opt in or out according to the scheme rules.
Do I get statutory entitlements (SSP, SMP/SPP, etc.)?
Yes, where eligibility is met. As your employer, we process statutory payments in line with current rules.
Expenses & IR35
Can I claim expenses through the umbrella?
Only in limited cases and subject to HMRC rules (for example, not under Supervision, Direction or Control, and only for qualifying travel). Assume no unless we confirm eligibility.
How does IR35 affect me?
IR35 status is determined for the assignment by the client/agency. Umbrella is typically used for inside IR35 roles. We’ll align with the assignment’s status and handle PAYE accordingly.
Costs & terms
What is your margin and are there hidden fees?
We charge a flat margin (weekly or per payment). No tie-ins or exit fees. We’ll confirm the exact amount and what’s included before you start.
Can I leave any time?
Yes. Just let us know—there are no exit fees. We’ll issue final paperwork (payslips/remittance/P45) and close your account.
Working across agencies & assignments
Can I use [Your Company] with multiple agencies/clients?
Yes. You keep one employer and one portal across assignments, which helps with continuous employment.
Can I switch umbrella mid-assignment?
Yes. We coordinate with your agency to route funds to us from an agreed date, so you don’t miss a pay cycle.
Practicalities & support
What happens if my details change (bank, address, tax code)?
Update them in your portal or contact support. We’ll confirm what’s needed and when changes take effect.
Do you deduct student loans or court orders?
Yes, where applicable—these are processed via PAYE and appear on your payslip.
What support can I expect?
Real people by phone/email/chat during business hours [insert hours & timezone]. We aim to resolve queries quickly and keep you updated.
Compliance, insurance & data
Are you fully PAYE and compliant?
Yes. We operate standard PAYE with RTI submissions—no loan-based arrangements or disguised remuneration.
What insurance do you carry?
We maintain Employer’s Liability, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity at appropriate levels. We’ll share current certificates in our due-diligence pack on request.
How do you handle my data?
Securely and in line with our Privacy Policy and GDPR obligations. We only use your data to run payroll, meet legal requirements and support your employment.
Documents you’ll receive
Employment contract and welcome pack
Portal access (payslips, remittances, key documents)
Payslip + remittance with each payment
P45 when you leave (and P60 after the tax year if employed with us at year-end)
Still got questions?
We’re happy to help in plain English—no pressure, no jargon.