• Dom. Ene 25th, 2026

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Hays, Capita, Petrofac. These are some of the most well-known companies in the UK recruitment industry. However, a recent investigation by Sky News has uncovered their involvement in large-scale tax avoidance schemes that affected workers placed in various jobs, including government roles in Whitehall. Many of these workers, such as agency workers and contractors, were paid through third-party umbrella companies that operated tax avoidance schemes. These schemes involved paying workers loans instead of salaries to evade income tax. While recruiters often recommended these umbrella companies, there is no implication that they were aware of the tax avoidance schemes being used. Nonetheless, the repercussions of these schemes have been devastating for thousands of workers who now face significant tax demands from HMRC. The UK government is now taking steps to hold recruiters accountable for the tax collected by umbrella agencies on behalf of the workers they supply. This move comes after HMRC successfully challenged tax avoidance schemes in court, leading to workers being asked to pay the missing tax. The impact of these tax demands has been severe, with some individuals facing six-figure bills. This has pushed many to the brink of bankruptcy and has even been linked to tragic cases of suicide. One such case is that of Manuel Bernal, who unknowingly became involved in a tax avoidance scheme while working as a piping supervisor through Atlantic Resourcing, Petrofac’s recruitment arm. Despite assurances that everything was above board, he later found himself facing a hefty tax bill from HMRC. The use of umbrella companies and tax avoidance schemes became widespread in the early 2000s as workers sought to navigate changing regulations. While tax avoidance is technically legal, the exploitation of loopholes in this manner has had devastating consequences for many workers. Petrofac, one of the companies implicated in these schemes, has since ceased using umbrella agencies following an internal review. However, the fallout from these schemes continues to impact thousands of workers who now find themselves grappling with unexpected tax liabilities. Major UK recruitment agencies involved in tax avoidance schemes have come under fire after workers were hit with hefty demands from HMRC. Some agencies encouraged workers to declare themselves as self-employed, while still paying them through PAYE. However, tax avoidance companies emerged in the market, keeping deductions rather than passing them on to the tax authorities. This led to a significant loss in tax revenue, prompting HMRC to pursue individuals for repayment instead of the companies. The schemes were labeled disguised remuneration, and the loan charge was introduced by former Chancellor George Osborne in 2016 to calculate tax on up to 20 years of income as if earned in one financial year. This caused severe financial strain for many affected individuals. Despite the crackdown on such schemes, new tax avoidance promoters continue to enter the market, with estimates suggesting there could be dozens of non-compliant umbrella companies involved. The government is now aiming to hold recruitment companies accountable for PAYE, rather than umbrella companies, as part of efforts to clean up the industry. However, those already impacted by these schemes have received little relief. While the government has initiated an independent review into the loan charge, focusing on helping individuals settle, it has not addressed the historical role of promoters and recruitment agencies in the issue. This has left affected individuals feeling abandoned, especially those who were working for the government itself. Stories of individuals like Peter, who attempted suicide due to the overwhelming demands from HMRC, highlight the devastating impact of these tax avoidance schemes. Recruitment agencies like Capita, which recommended umbrella arrangements to workers, are also under scrutiny for their role in promoting such schemes. The government’s reforms and crackdown on tax avoidance are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the grievances of those affected by these schemes. UK recruiters implicated in tax avoidance schemes as workers face hefty HMRC demands

Hays, Capita, Petrofac. These are some of Britain’s best known companies and big players in the recruitment industry. Now, a Sky News investigation has revealed how, over the course of…

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