What is an Umbrella Company?

An umbrella company is a business often used by recruitment agencies to pay temporary workers.

In most cases, the umbrella company employs you and pays your wages through PAYE. It does not find temporary work for you, this is done by the recruitment agency (also known as an employment business).

Although the umbrella company is your employer and will pay you, the work you carry out will be for one of the recruitment agency’s clients. This work is often on a short-term basis.

Can I use MainPay if I work for multiple agencies?

Yes, you can. Using MainPay is particularly beneficial in this instance as you can keep a single tax code (with MainPay) and work at multiple end clients, through multiple agencies.

It will simplify your tax arrangements and reduce the chances of underpaying tax as you will only have a single employer.

How do I register with MainPay?

You can register online using our signup link here. Alternatively, you can call us on 0207 808 6401 to register over the phone.

Are there any hidden costs?

No, there are not. You will receive a full breakdown for every payment. Information and examples of our deductions are covered within our registration process.

We would suggest that you read through the Key Information document provided by your agency. See 'What is a Key Information Document' should you be unsure of what this is, or give us a call.

What is Employers National Insurance?

Employers National Insurance is an employment cost payable by every Employer in the UK, based on the gross taxable pay that it pays its employees.

The recruitment agency pays MainPay an assignment rate. From this assignment rate, MainPay makes several deductions to work out your gross taxable pay. Employers National Insurance is one of these deductions.

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The Apprentice Levy is an employment cost, much like Employers NI. This is deducted from the assignment rate paid to MainPay. The Apprenticeship Levy or AL as it is frequently referred to is 0.5% of the gross taxable pay.

Am I employed by MainPay or my agency?

MainPay will employ you for your assignment or any future assignments.

When will I be paid?

MainPay pays by faster pay and runs daily payroll's, with a 3pm cutoff. The pattern of pay is largely defined by your agency. Typically, you will be paid weekly in arrears and on a Friday.

For example and assuming that your timesheet has been approved, you will receive cleared funds into your account the Friday following the week worked.

Your agency should make you aware of their pay cycle, but please check should you be unsure.

How do I know when I have been paid?

Once payment has been released by MainPay, we will email you a payment breakdown. If you have received this document, it's likely that you have already been paid, with funds due to clear in your bank account up to 6 pm, the same day.

Where do I find my payslip?

All your payslips can be found in your online MainPay back office. Login details of which will be provided on registration. Please give us a call or email if you have any problems accessing your information.

Do I receive holiday pay?

Yes, holiday pay is included in your invoice or assignment rate of pay and detailed on your payment breakdown and payslip. As an employee you have the option to withhold your holiday pay to be taken at a later date. Please give us a call should you wish to have it withheld.

Am I insured by MainPay?

Yes, you will be covered by MainPay's Public Liability, Employers Liability and Professional Indemnity policies.

Does MainPay have any industry accreditations?

Yes, MainPay is accredited by Professional Passport. An industry leader in compliance.

Will I receive any benefits as an employee of MainPay?

You will have access to our employee benefit scheme, CPD courses and mental health support programme. See our benefits section on the homepage of our website.

Will I receive sick pay or other statutory rights?

Yes, you will be eligible for statutory sick pay, maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

Why does my pay sometimes fluctuate?

Your pay can fluctuate due to changing hours and rates. If you tend to work the same hours or days at the same rate, it could be that some of your timesheets overlap or your tax code has changed. Please get in touch for more clarification if you notice this happening.

Who do I call if my tax code changes?

MainPay receives notices from HMRC to make changes to employee tax codes, through our system, via updates. HMRC will change your tax code based on your employment history for that tax year and will monitor the level of tax that you pay.

HMRC will be able to advise on why a change was made and you can contact them on 0300 200 3300.

Can I still use MainPay if this is my second job?

Yes, you can. However, it may be necessary for MainPay to hold a BR or D0 tax code for you, if your main employer has your full tax code for the financial year. This is to ensure that you do not underpay tax.

What is the MainPay admin margin?

MainPay’s admin margin is based on a % of your invoice value, with a cap. It can range from £5 to £23.

What is a Key Information Document (KID)?

A KID should be the first document you receive from the recruitment agency looking for temporary work for you. This type of recruitment agency is known as an 'employment business'.

The KID should set out the key information about your relationship with the employment business and any third parties, including:

• who will pay you
• what you can expect to be paid and how often

What happens to my pension if I leave the company?

If your employment ends, pension contributions made by both you and MainPay will remain in your pension pot. The funds will continue to be managed by the pension provider and you will have the option to either leave your pension where it is, transfer it to a new employer’s pension scheme or move it into a personal pension plan. It's important to review your options to ensure your retirement savings continue to grow according to your goals.