- Nick Elvin
The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) has launched a research programme to establish the size and value of the professional umbrella employment sector, and the number of flexible workers employed through it.
FCSA chief executive Julia Kermode said: “We know from our various lobbying activities that government and policymakers do not fully appreciate the economic value of our sector.
“Credible data is needed to demonstrate this. Nothing suitable currently exists, so we decided to commission independent research. We will use the results to directly influence decision-makers.”
Umbrella companies act as an employer to agency contractors who work on fixed-term contract assignments.
All umbrella companies are invited to participate in the study, which is being conducted on behalf of the FCSA by employment research consultancy, Worklab. Data will be analysed independently and participants will receive consolidated insights from the research.
Kermode added: “We believe that, broadly speaking, the interests of the majority of organisations operating in the service provider community are aligned. For this reason, a key aim of this research programme is to provide a united voice for the sector.”
Matthew Brown, managing director of umbrella employer Giant Group, said: “This is an important initiative, and I would encourage all umbrella firms to participate.
“In return, FCSA will share the analysis with contributors, and more importantly will lobby to ensure that future legislative changes are not detrimental to our sector.”