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PCG launches Quality Umbrella for contractors

The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), the trade association for freelance consultants and contractors, has chosen Parasol Limited to deliver a wholly compliant Quality Umbrella payment solution for its members.

The new scheme, called PCG (QU), has been expressly designed to offer all the advantages of Parasol�s highly acclaimed NetPay Xtra product, plus a range of exclusive benefits, including PCG membership, payment by CHAPS, and a Personal Legal Expenses insurance policy including jury expenses cover.

Joining a list of other quality-assured products and services available to members, the PCG (QU) solution offers contractors the advantages of automated web-based processing of timesheets and invoices, priority processing of payment and expenses, and bundled professional indemnity, public and employers� liability insurance for peace of mind.

PCG chief executive John Thomas said, "Until now, we have largely focused on services for those contractors and freelancers who operate through a limited company, even though our lobbying has always been aligned to representing the widest freelance community. The last few years have seen a significant growth in the number and scope of umbrella company activities, with many current and potential members asking PCG for advice on how to select an umbrella company that complies with HMRC�s requirements. It was a natural development that we should introduce a �quality� umbrella scheme. We are delighted to be working with Parasol to offer a comprehensive, cost-effective and compliant solution."

Rob Crossland, managing director of Parasol, said, "The very nature of modern day working is encouraging more and more individuals towards self-employed or contractor status. Having established ourselves as the contractor�s champion by providing a totally safe and reliable web-based trading option � one that ensures contractors are paid on time and are legally compliant � we are delighted to be working with PCG to deliver its official quality umbrella product."
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