Whether you're new to contracting or are looking to switch from another umbrella solution, you'll enjoy an unbeatable service provided by our team of contracting experts when you join Parasol. At Parasol, we understand that choosing the right contracting option is essential for your exciting new career.
That's why we'll give you the best advice, tailored to your unique circumstances. Just like our sister company, ClearSky Contractor Accounting, we'll be with you all the way whenever you need us. We'll look after all your Income Tax and National Insurance obligations, plus provide you with all the employment rights and benefits given to permanent workers.
That's why we'll give you the best advice, tailored to your unique circumstances. Just like our sister company, ClearSky Contractor Accounting, we'll be with you all the way whenever you need us. We'll look after all your Income Tax and National Insurance obligations, plus provide you with all the employment rights and benefits given to permanent workers.
Services
Parasol was set up by former contractor, Rob Crossland, who built the business around his in-depth understanding of the contracting lifestyle. In 2000, he set out with the goal of helping freelancers and contractors make the most of their money whilst minimising the hassle involved with self-employment.
Working through an umbrella company offers an ideal first step into contracting, without all the hassle and responsibility of paperwork. If you join us at Parasol, we'll be with you all the way, with employment support and benefits that are second to none. We'll handle your administration for you, calculating your tax and NI contributions and making payments to HMRC.
Our sister company, ClearSky Contractor Accounting provides specialist accounting support to contractors working through limited companies. Whatever your WorkStyle, whether it's 12-hour days or working alternate weekends, doing it through your own limited company offers great flexibility and benefits.
Parasol CIS is for self-employed construction workers that are registered under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). By joining Parasol CIS, we'll be with you all the way, with expert support. We'll get your money to you as fast and pain-free as possible. We do this by handling all the unnecessary admin, invoicing your agency/end client and paying your CIS tax deductions to HMRC.
Our model is simple: we built it in 2000, with the aim of giving contractors and freelancers complete freedom when it comes to their career. Whether you're just starting out on your own or you've got years of experience under your belt, we'll be on hand to offer expert support and guidance wherever you need it - if you're not 9 to 5, neither are we.
Reviews (9)
Mike Osborne
Nov 05, 2021
Report
Sathish Kumar Palanisamy
Oct 30, 2021
Report
I am struggling to find one good thing about this company. Very very poor quality of service.
Here are some of many atrocities I faced:
Their employee support chat and email is a joke.
Whenever you email the employee support they do not read what is already said and discussed on the same mail. I am not sure whether they can't see it in their system. So we have to give a summary of initial issue and all further conversations and it goes to different person each time. It also takes two days to get a reply so you can understand the pain of explaining everything every time and most probably their
Here are some of many atrocities I faced:
Their employee support chat and email is a joke.
Whenever you email the employee support they do not read what is already said and discussed on the same mail. I am not sure whether they can't see it in their system. So we have to give a summary of initial issue and all further conversations and it goes to different person each time. It also takes two days to get a reply so you can understand the pain of explaining everything every time and most probably their
Sam
Sep 16, 2021
Report
Parasol group shouldn't be given any star at all due to their poor customer service and contracts department. Without considering my ongoing visa application they have terminated my contract when I have received confirmation from UK Home office that my visa has been granted but have to wait 7 to 10 days for BRP to arrive. Also contracts department are the most useless team who cannot be contacted over the phone and reply late after 3-4 working days to the email sent.
At all cost avoid Parasol even if they lure you with competitive offers.
At all cost avoid Parasol even if they lure you with competitive offers.
J. James
Sep 16, 2021
Report
Please avoid at all costs if you are a freelancer! They still owe me a part of my wage which they messed up due placing me on a ridiculously high tax code (which was incorrect). They blamed HMRC for this but on investigation it was in fact Parasol. HMRC only knew about a portion of my wage. Apparently this was an anomaly but looking at the reviews, its rather common... please avoid for your own sanity! I wish I could give negative stars, but Google doesn't offer this yet!
Vikram Panesar
Jun 21, 2021
Report
Gavin Roger-Lund
Jun 17, 2021
Report
Parasol was very efficient at getting me set up as one of their contractors. I moved to them because they seemed to offer more flexibility around pension contributions.
Unfortunately, their service comes to a grinding halt after they have signed you on. Of the 12 timesheets I have submitted since joining them, 8 have been incorrectly processed (I have been short-changed on all of them). Despite numerous phone calls, emails, and letters sent to them, I have had no engagement in resolving the issues - not even a response. I am now resorting to the services of the Financial Ombudsman.
I would avoid
Unfortunately, their service comes to a grinding halt after they have signed you on. Of the 12 timesheets I have submitted since joining them, 8 have been incorrectly processed (I have been short-changed on all of them). Despite numerous phone calls, emails, and letters sent to them, I have had no engagement in resolving the issues - not even a response. I am now resorting to the services of the Financial Ombudsman.
I would avoid
Chiwah Liu Cwah Li
May 16, 2021
Report
Horrible experience!
I've started a contract on the beginning of April with them and wanted a SIPP and normal salary.
I have chosen them because the sales manager is very quick to answer. But how did I know that once I signed up they'd take weeks to give a vague answer.
Their pension department answer once every 1-2 weeks. I have to send multiple reminder for them to give some sort of useless answer.
All I asked for is a confirmation breakdown of the salary VS SIPP that will be paid. I have seen other review that they just allocate money randomly so without confirmation it's too risky to do
I've started a contract on the beginning of April with them and wanted a SIPP and normal salary.
I have chosen them because the sales manager is very quick to answer. But how did I know that once I signed up they'd take weeks to give a vague answer.
Their pension department answer once every 1-2 weeks. I have to send multiple reminder for them to give some sort of useless answer.
All I asked for is a confirmation breakdown of the salary VS SIPP that will be paid. I have seen other review that they just allocate money randomly so without confirmation it's too risky to do
Paul Bainborrow
Mar 14, 2021
Report
Parasol are probably the worst umbrella company out there. Like others on here I have had poor service from them throughout my 6 month assignment. I have had major issues with getting paid and it took them 6 months to sort out my SDC status. I have raised my complaints to the highest possible level but the response I got was that they think its acceptable to sit on their mistakes for over 4 months.
If you're looking for an umbrella company I would suggest looking elsewhere as you will be sorely disappointed with their incompetence and lack of professionalism.
If you're looking for an umbrella company I would suggest looking elsewhere as you will be sorely disappointed with their incompetence and lack of professionalism.
Bill Butcher
Jul 29, 2020
Report
Critical: Professionalism
Terrible company to work with. They screwed me out of lots of money over the years. As a contractor I've used them for both LTD Liability as well as Umbrella and I should have ditched them years ago. Please don't use them. There's much better and more ethical companies to trust with your contracts.
Terrible company to work with. They screwed me out of lots of money over the years. As a contractor I've used them for both LTD Liability as well as Umbrella and I should have ditched them years ago. Please don't use them. There's much better and more ethical companies to trust with your contracts.
