As the health emergency surrounding Coronavirus deepens, so too does the economic anxiety experienced by many workers around the country. Not least, umbrella company employees.
With thousands of umbrella contractors in the Danbro Family, this is an issue we’re particularly concerned with.
So this weekend, Helen Broughton MBE DL, the Danbro Group’s Managing Director, is calling for immediate action to prevent the potential for ‘financial ruin’ faced by many within the industry.
“Please don’t hang umbrella workers out to dry,” she said. “These people pay employment taxes on all they earn and deserve more than just 80% of the National Minimum Wage.”
“Employment umbrella companies stand ready to pay their employees but face financial ruin without clear guidance on what they can pay.”
“The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has said that workers should get out what they put in. Umbrella workers’ pay tax and National Insurance on all they earn, so why aren’t they being helped?”
Of course, health and wellbeing is, quite rightly, top of everyone’s agenda. But the financial fallout from Coronavirus is something we’re all beginning to feel, particularly for those who are yet to receive concrete support from those in charge, such as umbrella companies and their employees. Whilst the government have commendably stepped in to help where they can, their silence surrounding workers in this industry is unnerving to say the least.
So Helen, no doubt speaking for many others, is today making a simple plea direct to the government.
“COVID-19 has stopped or stalled the contracts for thousands of hardworking, tax-paying, umbrella workers. I don’t think for one moment it’s the government’s intention not to help umbrella employees; so tell them you will reimburse 80% of their earnings, just like you have with every other employed worker in the UK.”
Though our central telephone lines are closed until further notice, payroll teams are all available via email, responding to enquiries as soon as they can.
And, as you may have seen, we’ve been sending out weekly updates to keep you up-to-speed. We want you to know that we share your concerns and, as is our responsibility as your employer, we’re here for you and your families during this period of unfamiliarity. 
With thousands of umbrella contractors in the Danbro Family, this is an issue we’re particularly concerned with.
So this weekend, Helen Broughton MBE DL, the Danbro Group’s Managing Director, is calling for immediate action to prevent the potential for ‘financial ruin’ faced by many within the industry.
“Please don’t hang umbrella workers out to dry,” she said. “These people pay employment taxes on all they earn and deserve more than just 80% of the National Minimum Wage.”
“Employment umbrella companies stand ready to pay their employees but face financial ruin without clear guidance on what they can pay.”
“The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has said that workers should get out what they put in. Umbrella workers’ pay tax and National Insurance on all they earn, so why aren’t they being helped?”
Concerns grow
While UK businesses, and those they employ, received an unprecedented package of support from the government almost two weeks ago – with measures for the self-employed following shortly after – concern is growing amongst umbrella companies that their workers are being left behind.Of course, health and wellbeing is, quite rightly, top of everyone’s agenda. But the financial fallout from Coronavirus is something we’re all beginning to feel, particularly for those who are yet to receive concrete support from those in charge, such as umbrella companies and their employees. Whilst the government have commendably stepped in to help where they can, their silence surrounding workers in this industry is unnerving to say the least.
So Helen, no doubt speaking for many others, is today making a simple plea direct to the government.
“COVID-19 has stopped or stalled the contracts for thousands of hardworking, tax-paying, umbrella workers. I don’t think for one moment it’s the government’s intention not to help umbrella employees; so tell them you will reimburse 80% of their earnings, just like you have with every other employed worker in the UK.”
We’re Here For You
Danbro are working closely with the FCSA, and other industry colleagues, to get details of any developments to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, as our offices at Jubilee House are temporarily closed, our team are continuing to work from and paying as usual.Though our central telephone lines are closed until further notice, payroll teams are all available via email, responding to enquiries as soon as they can.
And, as you may have seen, we’ve been sending out weekly updates to keep you up-to-speed. We want you to know that we share your concerns and, as is our responsibility as your employer, we’re here for you and your families during this period of unfamiliarity.
Blog written by
Sam Wright
Sam Wright is Danbro’s Marketing Manager. He produces regular content and feature articles on our digital and non-digital channels – and social platforms – for the Danbro Group and its subsidiaries, as well as having responsibility for the Company’s internal and external communications.
His background is in Journalism and Creative Writing, having previously contributed to publications such as The Daily Post, The Lancashire Evening Post, and The Blackpool Gazette.
He is a keen swimmer and avid Manchester United fan (but don’t hold that against him), and he lives in Lancashire with his wife, Sarah.
