Contracting in the UK is an intricate process that can become easily complicated. Luckily for you, we’ve supported thousands of contractors since we opened and can support you in finding and negotiating the best contract for you
Your contracting journey with Real Staffing
Finding a contract that interests you, or pushes your skills isn’t always easy. It can be an equally convoluted journey if you switch to contracting from a permanent role. That’s why our contracting resources are tailored to each approach you can take when finding a new assignment.
Contracting process
Finding the right fit
Method of engagement
The placement process
Finding the right fit
From start to finish, we guide you every step of the way. Our recruitment consultants speak to you to understand your requirements for your next, or first, role and will combine those requirements with your skills and experience to find a suitable opportunity. They will then ensure you have a smooth transition into your new assignment.
Method of engagement
When you work as a contractor through us, you have the choice of either:
- Entering into an agreement with one of our approved umbrella companies.
- Setting yourself up as a UK limited company, ensuring you are listed as the director and are in sole financial control of the company.
Whatever you choose, our approved umbrella and accountancy partners can support you.
The placement process
When you accept a contract through us, our placement support team will check in with you during the contract term to ensure everything runs smoothly. The team will provide access to our online time management system and take you through the onboarding process, and are on hand to answer any questions you have about the process.
Contractor resources and information
Accountancy services partners
If you want to set up a UK limited company, chat to one of our suppliers listed below. They'll discuss your requirements and help you get set up.
Each supplier is thoroughly reviewed every two years.
Umbrella company partners
Joining an Umbrella company is perfect for contractors who work on short-term projects or a series of short assignments and incur business expenses during work. If you're working on an assignment with us and need to use an umbrella company in the UK, you can select one from our list of approved umbrella companies.
These partners go through an in-depth compliance and customer service review process to make up our approved supplier list. We will not trade with anyone outside this list.
Alternatively, you can contract or freelance via your own UK Limited Company, which offers greater flexibility and additional tax benefits but means you take greater responsibility for your accounts. If you are trading as a UK Limited Company, invoices raised against an approved timesheet are paid to 28-day payment terms.
Key information documentation
Key information documents exist to improve the transparency of information for contract workers, particularly around pay. These documents refer to the specific vendor set-up you have chosen and outline all the deductions to be taken from your pay, and the gross amount that will be given to you.
Contractor insurance
Working through a limited company, you have specific obligations that include having adequate insurance in place. It’s important to ensure you have sufficient protection. We’ve partnered with Kingsbridge who provide comprehensive business insurance packages.
Frequently asked questions by contractors (FAQs)
What is IR35? Why do I have to use one of your Umbrella partners? How do I start contracting? Find out the answers to commonly asked questions about contracting here.
Need further information?
Get in touch, and one of our team can support with your queries