by Robert Sharp
I have been involved in the Umbrella and Payroll Industry for nearly 20 years. Whilst I have seen the industry change profoundly, one thing that remains is that it’s still unregulated. With monies circulating the industry that rival the Premier League, these no holds barred Orca Pods we will be swimming in shark infested waters, discussing the topics no one wants to speak about, the hidden and shadowy practices and what is being done to change the industries perception and its very survival.
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Publishing Since
6/4/2024
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January 12, 2026
If you run a recruitment business, work with umbrella companies, or sit anywhere in the supply chain, the next 12 to 18 months will force decisions you can no longer avoid. I’m joined by Joe Taffurelli, an umbrella industry veteran with deep government and policy insight, to talk honestly about what the recent Budget, Joint and Several Liability, and the Employment Rights Bill really mean for umbrellas, agencies and end clients. We don’t hold back and cut through political optics and get into the commercial reality facing businesses right now. We discuss why JSL is not just about compliance but about tax collection, risk transfer and financial stability, why credit terms and margins are becoming existential issues, and why the umbrella market is heading for consolidation. We also explore why the industry lacks an authoritative voice and how that is damaging trust across the supply chain. If you think you can wait until next year to act, or that software or insurance alone will solve this, this conversation should make you think again. “A well run umbrella protects the entire supply chain, that’s the point.” – Joe Taffurelli You'll Hear About: Reaction to the UK Budget Why business feels targeted again The real purpose of JSL Tax before worker protection Credit risk and balance sheets Why margins must rise Consolidation in the umbrella market Industry narratives damaging trust Employment Rights Bill cost pressures Why action cannot wait About Joe Taffurelli: Joe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetaffurelli/ Ovio Solutions - https://ovio-solutions.co.uk/ My resources: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sharp-a9530142/ Orca Pay Group - https://orcapaygroup.co.uk/ Orca Pay Group on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/orcapaygroup/?hl=en
September 7, 2025
The Employment Rights Bill has been delayed, so what does that mean for businesses? The Employment Rights Bill didn't get Royal Assent before summer recess as expected, but that might actually be good news for businesses. I'm back with employment law expert Paul Chamberlain to break down the government's newly published roadmap and what it means for the recruitment sector. We dive deep into why the House of Lords amendments matter, particularly around unfair dismissal rights from day one, and explore the staggered implementation timeline that now stretches to 2027. Paul explains the complexities around zero hours contracts, guaranteed hours provisions, and how these changes could fundamentally alter recruitment business models. The discussion covers upcoming consultations, the new Fair Work agency launching in 2026, statutory sick pay changes, and the potential unintended consequences of forcing guaranteed hours contracts. We also touch on fire and rehire provisions, sexual harassment law changes, and the significant trade union measures tucked into this bill. Can Labour deliver on their manifesto promises while keeping businesses viable? The roadmap suggests they're finally listening to industry concerns, but the devil remains in the detail. “You can't deal with this unless clients are educated” – Paul Chamberlain You'll Hear About: Employment Rights Bill stalled in House of Lords Government roadmap extends implementation to 2027 Day one unfair dismissal rights consultation coming Zero hours contracts and guaranteed hours provisions Economic pressures forcing government policy changes Fair Work agency launching April 2026 Statutory sick pay changes from day one Fire and rehire provisions being refined Sexual harassment law strengthening requirements Trade union measures and balloting changes Umbrella company regulation delayed until 2027 Client conversations essential for agency preparation About Paul Chamberlain: JMW Solicitors - https://www.jmw.co.uk/ Paul on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chamberlainpaul/ JMW on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmw_solicitors/ JMW on X - https://www.twitter.com/jmwsolicitors JMW on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jmwsolicitors/ JMW on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmwsolicitors/?originalSubdomain=uk My resources: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sharp-a9530142/ Orca Pay Group - https://orcapaygroup.co.uk/ Orca Pay Group on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/orcapaygroup/?hl=en
September 3, 2025
This episode tackles the most significant change to hit the umbrella company sector in decades - the introduction of joint and several liability (JSL). I'm joined by an incredible panel of industry experts who break down what this radical shift means for recruitment agencies, end clients, and umbrella companies. My guests include Simon Bliss, Chairman at Team Recruitment Network supporting 500+ recruitment businesses; Sebastian Sauca, CEO of SafeRec who's revolutionising umbrella compliance through technology; Rhys Thomas, Managing Director at WTT Group providing legal and tax services; and Thomas Wallace, Director of Tax Investigations at WTT, who's spent seven years dealing with disguised remuneration fallout. We explore why HMRC is introducing these changes, how the new liability chain works, and what businesses need to do right now to prepare for April 2026. The conversation reveals surprising business opportunities hidden within these compliance requirements, from M&A valuations to competitive advantages. Don't miss this essential discussion that could determine whether your business thrives or merely survives the coming changes. "We have a problem, but we're solving it together." - Rob Sharp You'll Hear About: What joint and several liability actually means Why HMRC chose this enforcement approach now How JSL creates self-policing in supply chains Reaction from recruitment agencies to the announcement Why due diligence alone won't protect you The role of technology in compliance auditing Business opportunities hidden within JSL requirements Impact on M&A valuations and business sales Worker education and protection from tax avoidance Practical steps agencies should take immediately Criminal finance implications of non-compliance Future enforcement expectations and timeline About The Guests: Simon Bliss - Chairman at TEAM LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonblissteam/ The TEAM Network - https://www.theteamnetwork.co.uk/ Sebastian Sauca - CEO & Co-Founder at SafeRec LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-sauca/ SafeRec - https://saferec.co.uk/ Rhys Thomas – MD at WTT LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdtfinance/ WTT Group - https://wttgroup.co.uk/ Thomas Wallace – Director at WTT LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-wallace-tax/ WTT Group - https://wttgroup.co.uk/ My resources: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sharp-a9530142/ Orca Pay Group - https://orcapaygroup.co.uk/ Orca Pay Group on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/orcapaygroup/?hl=en
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I have been involved in the Umbrella and Payroll Industry for nearly 20 years. Whilst I have seen the industry change profoundly, one thing that remains is that it’s still unregulated.
With monies circulating the industry that rival the Premier League, these no holds barred Orca Pods we will be swimming in shark infested waters, discussing the topics no one wants to speak about, the hidden and shadowy practices and what is being done to change the industries perception and its very survival.
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