If you’re a healthcare worker or contractor getting paid through an umbrella company, there are some important legislative changes that could affect how you’re paid. We want to make sure you’re fully informed before they come into effect.
From 6th April 2026, new rules will come into force across the recruitment sector, placing greater responsibility on agencies like Athona to ensure that any umbrella companies in our supply chain are fully compliant with UK tax law. These changes are designed to protect workers.
Why is this changing?
HMRC has been shining a spotlight on umbrella company arrangements for some time now. Across the wider sector, there have been cases of non-compliant pay models, disguised remuneration schemes, and incorrect application of PAYE and National Insurance – all of which can leave workers unknowingly exposed to tax risk.
The April 2026 legislation is designed to close these loopholes and bring greater accountability to the way workers are engaged and paid through agencies.
What does this mean for you?
Under the new rules, agencies will be required to take greater responsibility for ensuring their umbrella partners comply with UK tax legislation. This means closer scrutiny on:
- How PAYE and National Insurance are calculated and applied
- Full transparency of payslips and deductions
- Prevention of tax avoidance or disguised remuneration
- Clear audit trails across the supply chain
How Athona is responding
At Athona, your protection comes first. In response to these changes, we’re moving to an Approved Supplier List of 10 umbrella companies, all of which are either SafeRec Approved or in the process of gaining accreditation – and every one of them has been through an independent compliance audit.
By working exclusively with these providers, we can ensure that:
- You’re paid correctly and fully compliantly
- Your payslips and deductions are completely transparent
- You’re protected from any future HMRC risk or investigation
- Your role and income remain secure under the new rules
Below is our Approved Supplier List of umbrella companies
| Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|
| AJ Rayson Limited | 0161 513 3432 | info@ajrayson.com |
| EpayMe Limited | 01252 863 700 | admin@epayme.co.uk |
| Generate FS Limited | 0207 231 0349 | sales@generate-fs.co.uk |
| Mainpay Limited | 0207 808 6401 | info@mainpay.co.uk |
| Numbermill Limited | 0333 121 2001 | enquiries@numbermill.co.uk |
| Phillips Payroll Limited | 01224 074 070 | hello@phillipspayroll.com |
| Umbrella-Company Limited | 01625 546 610 | team@umbrella.co.uk |
| Workwell Solutions Limited | 01923 257 257 | agencysupport@workwellcontractorsolutions.com |
What do you need to do?
Already using one of our approved providers? You’re all set – no action needed.
Using a different umbrella company? Don’t worry – a member of our team will be in touch to help you transition to an approved provider ahead of April, with as little disruption as possible.
We’re here to help
We know umbrella arrangements can sometimes feel a little complicated, and we want to make this as straightforward as possible for you. Our team is here to answer any questions and guide you every step of the way.
If you’d like to talk things through before we’re in touch, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re always happy to help.
