Which option is best for your circumstances?

Which option is the best for your payroll – Churchill Knight Umbrella or using an agency’s PAYE service?

Contractors and freelancers in the UK who source temporary assignments through a recruitment agency are often given two options for their payroll – using the agency’s in-house PAYE payroll or registering with an umbrella company. This can often cause confusion because it’s not always clear which option is most suitable. In the table below, we have compared Churchill Knight Umbrella’s service with agency PAYE*.

To find out more about Churchill Knight Umbrella’s FCSA accredited and SafeRec Certified umbrella service and to request a free, tailored take-home pay calculation, please click here, or call our friendly team on 01707 871622.

Churchill Knight Umbrella

Agency PAYE
The option to claim expenses (travel and subsistence) if you are not subjected to Supervision, Direction or Control (contact us for more information).
Continuity of employment – making it easier for contractors and freelancers to gain external finance, such as a bank loan or mortgage.
Ongoing support from a dedicated Umbrella Company Payroll Team, who can help answer ongoing questions and provide advice – as and when requested. Support will depend on agency’s processes
A higher, “uplifted” assignment rate to factor in the employment costs (Employee’s National Insurance Contributions and the Apprenticeship Levy).
Free insurance cover, including £10 million Employers Liability Insurance, £10 million Public Liability Insurance and £5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance.
The option to work on multiple assignments at the same time.
Become an employee who has signed and returned a Contract of Employment. Depends on the agency’s processes
Access to Statutory Benefits, including Sick Pay and Maternity/Paternity Pay – just like an employee in a permanent role.
Easy registration and support from a dedicated Onboarding Department. Depends on the agency’s processes
No hidden fees.
Transparency from the beginning throughout your time using the payment method. Depends on the agency’s processes
Referral rewards when you refer a friend or colleague to the payroll service. Depends on the agency’s processes, but unlikely
Minimal ongoing administration and support as and when you need it. Depends on the agency’s processes
Option to take advantage of tax-efficient pension contributions with Salary Sacrifice.
Compliant tax and National Insurance deductions – to ensure you follow the correct rules and regulations set out by HMRC.
HR advice for any workplace grievances or disputes. Depends on the agency’s processes
Free, impartial consultation to discuss working through a personal service company (PSC) on assignments outside IR35 – if you want one (and easy transition between PAYE and limited).
Assistance with self-assessment completion and submission – if you need it. Free review to discuss your self-assessment and to determine whether you need to complete one.
Advanced payments are vailable if there are issues with timesheet approval etc. – ensuring there is no delay in payments to workers.^
Churchill Knight Rewards – For only £5 extra per week, you can access hundreds of special offers and discounts, a 24/7 GP helpline and consultation service, savings of up to 20p per litre with a BP fuel card and exclusive gym membership discounts. Depends on the agency’s processes

*The table on this page is for illustration purposes only. Agency PAYE will vary between recruitment agencies, and for a better understanding, please contact your agency and ask for a breakdown of their PAYE service. To learn more about Churchill Knight Umbrella’s service, please call 01707 871622. If you are a recruitment professional and interested in adding Churchill Knight Umbrella to your agency’s Preferred Supplier List, please call our dedicated Agency Support Department on 0808 2525533. Churchill Knight Umbrella is proudly accredited by the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA).

^Depending on the agreement in place between Churchill Knight Umbrella and the recruitment agency.

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Why use Churchill Knight Umbrella?

Setting the standards

We're one of the most recognised umbrellas in the UK.

Excellent processes

We've streamlined the sign up process. Support is always available.

Accurate pay calculations

Our calculations are based entirely on your circumstances.

A big network

We have excellent relationships with the biggest agencies.

Brilliant reviews

We have great reviews on both Google and Trustpilot.

Accredited by the FCSA

Churchill Knight Umbrella is a member of the FCSA.

Accredited by SafeRec

We are one of the first SafeRec certified umbrellas.

No hidden costs

You can use our service with complete peace of mind.

Employee benefits

Including Sick Pay and Maternity/Paternity Pay.

Continuity of employment

This makes it easier for you to get external finance.

Insurance

£25 million insurance cover is include in our service.

Same Day Faster Payments

You will receive your funds the same day we pay you.

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Upgrade your service to include Churchill Knight Rewards

Get instant access to amazing benefits and discounts!

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GP hotline

24/7 access to GP hotline.

Competitions

Free entry to competitions with great prizes.

Discounts

Special discounts at your favourite shops.

Cheap holidays

Exclusive savings on holidays (travel and hotels).

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