If you’re looking for the best umbrella company in the UK, you’re in the right place. With over 500 umbrella companies operating in the UK, finding the right one can be challenging. On this page, you will find our curated list of top umbrella companies that have been audited for compliance and are accredited or certified by industry bodies such as the FCSA, Professional Passport, or SafeRec, ensuring the highest standards of compliance and service. Whether you’re a new or seasoned contractor, our guide will help you make an informed choice. You can also use our umbrella take-home pay calculator to get an estimate of your net pay.
Here's our list of the best umbrella companies in the UK, all of which hold FCSA accreditation, Professional Passport approval, or SafeRec certification. These highly trusted, award-winning, and recommended umbrella companies are among the top payroll service providers in the UK.
Legal Disclaimer: ITContractorsUK.com cannot be held liable for non-performance or any issues arising from the use of the umbrella companies listed on our site. We strongly recommend that you conduct thorough due diligence before hiring or appointing any of the umbrella companies mentioned above. If you notice any discrepancies in the listings or have any complaints, feedback, or suggestions, please contact us at [email protected].
Umbrella companies are intermediaries that employ contractors and freelancers working on temporary contracts, managing their payroll, taxes, and National Insurance Contributions (NICs), while deducting a fee (known as the umbrella company margin) for these services. An umbrella company, in simple terms, is a third-party intermediary that acts as a bridge between the contractor, the agency, and the end client.
It's essential to find an umbrella company that not only meets your payroll needs but also complies with HMRC and IR35 regulations. When selecting an umbrella company, prioritise compliance and services over fees or size, as cheaper options could result in tax risks or hidden charges. Choose a company with industry accreditation or certification and a proven history of working with contractors. Don’t forget to compare umbrella companies and carefully read reviews to ensure that you choose the right option for your needs.
Umbrella companies are quick to set up and simplify payroll processes, reducing the time spent on paperwork and admin tasks.
As an umbrella employee, you gain access to essential benefits such as statutory sick pay, holiday pay, and pension contributions, ensuring financial security.
Umbrella companies offer a single employment record, providing stability and continuity even when you work on multiple contracts.
They ensure compliance with UK tax laws, HMRC rules, and IR35 legislation, helping you avoid tax-related risks or penalties.
The umbrella company processes your PAYE tax and National Insurance contributions, ensuring deductions are accurate and hassle-free.
Comparing umbrella companies is essential before making a decision. Use our umbrella company comparison table below to compare the UK's top 10 umbrella companies and find the one that best meets your needs.
| Umbrella Company | Weekly Margin | FCSA Accreditation | Professional Passport | SafeRec Certified | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DASA Umbrella | £10 | Yes | Yes | No | 4.7 |
| Templeton Brook | £19 | No | Yes | No | 4.8 |
| Pay Guardians | £18 | No | No | Yes | 4.8 |
| Parasol | £29 | Yes | No | No | 4.8 |
| Giant Group | £22 | Yes | No | No | 4.8 |
| Contractor Umbrella | £15 | Yes | No | Yes | 4.3 |
| PayStream | £27 | Yes | No | No | 4.8 |
| Umbrella Company UK | £20 | Yes | No | Yes | 4.8 |
| Brookson One | £20 | Yes | No | No | 4.4 |
| Workwell | £22 | Yes | No | No | 4.7 |
You can verify umbrella company ratings on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and similar sites.
To find genuine umbrella company reviews that are 100% authentic, trustworthy, and reliable, you need to check out Reddit, LinkedIn, Trustpilot, Google Business Reviews, and forums like Mumsnet and UK Business Forums. These are the places where you will find unbiased reviews for umbrella companies. Everywhere else, you may just find advertisements, which are not always reliable.
Below is the list of FCSA approved umbrella companies. You can also visit FCSA's oficial website to find out more.
There are umbrella companies in the UK that follow HMRC guidelines and are compliant. However, there is no umbrella company in the UK that is pre-approved by the HMRC. Having said that, HMRC is actively investigating umbrella companies that are running tax avoidance schemes. To raise awareness and to protect the interests of temporary workers, HMRC has prepared a list of umbrella companies that they have found to be involved in running tax avoidance schemes.
Below is HMRC's list of umbrella companies involved in tax avoidance schemes. This list names the tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers, and suppliers. The most recent additions and updates to the list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers were published on 5 December 2024.
New additions are Acquda Solutions Limited and First Paye Consultants Limited. See the full list below.
Below is a list of SafeRec certified umbrella companies. You can verify this list on SafeRec's official website.
Below is a list of Professional Passport approved umbrella companies. You can verify this list on Professional Passport's official website.
Download the full list of well-known umbrella companies in the UK, including those accredited by FCSA, approved by Professional Passport, and certified by SafeRec. There are over 140 top-rated UK-based umbrella companies on the list. You can downlad the list for free.
Download the complete list in PDF format.
Download the complete list in Microsoft Excel format.
If you need any help with choosing the right Umbrella Company, simply email us at [email protected], and we will get in touch with you.
Interested in a FREE take-home pay calculation?