An All Party Parliamentary Group of MPs has again written to FCSA seeking assurances regarding the recent cyber-attacks that have hit some FCSA members. The Loan Charge & Taxpayer Fairness APPG tweeted to explain their letter:
“We are concerned about the implications for contractors & freelance workers in the light of cyber-attacks on #umbrellacompanies & also wish to understand the implications of Smith v Pimlico Plumbers regarding #holidaypay, so we’ve written to FCSA”
The MPs had previously raised the issue of cyber-attacks with FCSA in January 2022, so presumably any response did not allay their concerns. This time round they are asking if FCSA member firms’ cybersecurity provisions were adequate, action undertaken to resolve data breaches, action undertaken to prevent further attacks and what guidance has FCSA issued to their members.
Holiday pay case
In addition, the MPs have raised concerns in relation to the recent Smith vs Pimlico Plumbers holiday pay case, in which Gary Smith won the right to have holiday pay backdated. The letter states:
“It has been suggested in the media that some umbrella companies may be reliant on not paying holiday pay, as part of their business model. We hope this is not and has never been the case with any FCSA accredited firm…”
Specifically, the MPs ask FCSA to confirm if any of their members have previously withheld holiday pay from workers, and if under the terms of the latest ruling any workers engaged by FCSA members would be entitled to backdated holiday pay.
You can read the full letter here.
Clearly these issues of critical importance to contractors and umbrella workers, so we will keep you updated once we hear of any response.
