A New Era of Enforcement: Introducing the Fair Work Agency (FWA)
The UK’s labour market enforcement landscape just underwent its most radical shake-up in a generation. Officially launched on 7 April 2026 under Part 5 of the Employment Rights Act 2025, the Fair Work Agency (FWA) is now live. Designed to streamline workers’ rights protection, this new superhero agency combines several previously separate government watchdogs into […]
What is Joint and Several Liability? An Essential Guide for the UK Recruitment Supply Chain
The landscape of the UK temporary labour market has undergone one of its most significant shake-ups in recent history. Effective from 6 April 2026, the UK Government introduced strict Joint and Several Liability (JSL) provisions targeting non-compliance within the umbrella company sector. At ADVANCE, we have digested the full scope of this legislation and analysed […]
Spring Statement 2026: Stability, Strategy, and Stepping into the New Tax Year
On 3 March 2026, Chancellor Rachel Reeves stood at the dispatch box to deliver a Spring Statement that was, by design, refreshingly uneventful. True to her commitment to keep major policy overhauls restricted to a single annual Autumn Budget, the Chancellor focused heavily on economic rescoping rather than pulling tax rabbits out of legislative hats. […]
Autumn Budget 2025: An Immediate Reaction for Contractors and Freelancers
The dust is still settling, but the picture for the independent workforce following yesterday’s Autumn Budget 2025 is now becoming clear. While we have avoided the most extreme rumoured “nightmare” scenarios, this was undeniably a significant tax-raising event. For contractors, freelancers, and small business owners, the Chancellor has delivered a budget defined by “stealth” fiscal […]
The Employment Rights Roadmap: Mapping Out the Shift in UK Workplace Law
The landscape of UK employment law is undergoing its most significant evolution in a generation. Following the passing of the Employment Rights Act 2025, the Government’s official implementation roadmap has laid out a phased, multi-year plan extending into 2027. Designed to provide clarity for businesses, agencies, and contractors, this timeline allows the market time to […]
HMRC Signals Move Towards Joint and Several Liability
For years, the temporary labour market has operated on a relatively straightforward formula: clients need talent, agencies source it, and umbrella companies handle the payroll. But as the contingent workforce has scaled, so has His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) determination to close the UK’s stubborn tax gap. In a decisive move to flush out […]
Autumn Budget 2024
On Thursday 31st the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP delivered the Labour government’s Budget emphasising measures to address financial deficits, drive growth and increase funding for public services. She confirmed that this Budget represents a tax raise of £40 billion. At ADVANCE we always look ahead and although The Budget always delivers measures without the full detail, […]
Government Introduces Employment Rights Bill – What It Means for You
Last Thursday, 10th October 2024, the Government introduced the Employment Rights Bill. Please click here to access the full document, which includes 28 key policies. Below is a high-level summary of what we believe are the most relevant updates for the recruitment sector. Firstly, it is important to note that this Bill presents no threat to the umbrella […]
Looking Ahead: Autumn Budget Predictions
The new Labour government has indicated that the upcoming Budget will involve significant tax changes, although major tax rates will remain unchanged. Instead, numerous other measures are expected to address a £22bn deficit. If you would like to discuss these points in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact our team on 01244 564 […]
Key Points Re: Autumn Budget, 22 November 2023
Yesterday’s Budget from the Chancellor revolved around making long-term decisions to promote growth, reduce debt, and support measures for the UK’s economic expansion. For a more detailed overview please click here for BDO’s analysis. There will also be an Autumn Finance Bill 2023, which will be released soon, to implement various announced measures. Economy & Growth Wages […]