Back in July 2017, Matthew Taylor published his “Good Work” Review of Modern Working Practices. The review was driven by a core principle: that all work in the UK should be fair, decent, and provide real opportunities for growth and fulfilment.
Earlier, in 2015, the Government began examining pay transparency for agency workers. This was prompted by tax rule changes which brought many individuals—particularly in construction—into PAYE for the first time. While many saw themselves as self-employed, in practice they were taxed as employees, with full deductions applied. In many cases, umbrella companies were the ones responsible for managing PAYE.
The Review outlined seven steps towards fair and decent work, including a recommendation for clearer guidance on distinguishing genuine self-employment from worker status. This was designed to ensure fairness for those choosing flexible work and for businesses operating alongside them.
At Nuvia Outsourcing, we fully support these principles. Our payroll and compliance practices are built on transparency and adherence to legislation. We welcome the broader role of the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate in identifying non-compliant providers, ensuring that responsible umbrella and payroll companies—like us—can continue delivering reliable services to workers, recruitment agencies, and clients.