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Updated on 6 October 2025

New umbrella company rules from April 2026 – do you have questions?

News

In the run up to April 2026, HMRC have issued guidance and webinars on what will be significant changes for everyone in umbrella company supply chains, including workers. 

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shutterstock/toni.m

Following consultations and policy papers on tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market, big changes are coming for umbrella company supply chains.

From 6 April 2026, recruitment agencies (or, in their absence, end clients) will be jointly and severally liable for amounts that should have been accounted for under PAYE, on payments to workers supplied through umbrella companies.

We have recently written an article for ContractorUK looking at some of the main implications for workers. If you’re looking for further information, these new resources from HMRC may help:

GOV.UK guidance: PAYE rules for labour supply chains that include umbrella companies from 6 April 2026  - written for a non-technical audience.

HMRC technical guidance: Updates to the Employment Status Manual from ESM2400.

HMRC webinars: Free to attend, covering:

  • When the new rules apply
  • Who the rules apply to
  • How the rules affect agencies, end clients, umbrella companies, and workers

As well as listening to their presentation, you’ll also be able to ask HMRC policy leads questions directly via an online chat box.

Upcoming webinar dates:

  • 7 October, 9:45–10:45
  • 21 October, 11:45–12:45
  • 17 November, 13:45–14:45

We understand that more dates and times may be added if demand is high.

Meredith McCammond

Technical officer

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