Our top tips for first time contract workers

Tips to help you navigate the world of contract work.

By Jessica Leary

If you’re new to contracting, there’s lots to consider to ensure you’re getting the most out of this flexible way of working.

At Westlakes Fusion, our team are here to offer any extra support needed as you start your contracting career journey.

We’ve put together some of our top tips for first time contract workers, to help you navigate the world of contract work:

Make sure to only consider compliant umbrella companies

Compliant umbrella companies will abide by best practices to ensure they deliver accurate and on time payroll. At Westlakes Fusion, we hold a Professional Passport accreditation, so our clients from all over the UK can work with freedom and economic certainty.

Do your research

It’s good to familiarise yourself with umbrella companies, so you know exactly what to expect. Umbrella payslips can be confusing if you haven’t received one before, so it’s always useful to know exactly how they work.

Make use of the benefits

As an employee of an umbrella company, you’ll have access to all the benefits of permanent employment. This includes staff benefits, sick pay, paternity pay and maternity pay.

Consider salary sacrifice  

A salary sacrifice scheme means that your employer’s contribution to your pension will increase, as your salary has been reduced. This will boost your pension, and it will also create savings on NI and tax contributions. We set up every scheme with salary sacrifice capability so that it can either be used now or not, along with the flexibility to switch to salary sacrifice at a later date when it may be more economically worthwhile.

If you’d like any further advice or support, please get in touch with our friendly team on 01900 829703.

To find out more about working through an umbrella company, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-through-an-umbrella-company