We recently highlighted the range of career options open to former and retired officers who are considering contracting, temporary and self-employment after 'the job'.

For many, the attraction of flexibility, increased control of their lifestyle, the wealth of job opportunities available and the opportunity to utilise their police skill set makes this a highly attractive option.

Looking for smooth career change into contracting?

An increasing number of former police officers are also taking advantage of the help available from an umbrella payroll service provider. This service makes the transition into self-employment a lot simpler, removes a great deal of the admin around taking a salary and can help you maximise your tax efficiency.

The leading company supplying payroll services to former and retired police officers is Eden – with seven years' experience in this field. In that time, they've helped over 3,400 former and retired officers enjoy tax-efficient pay services while working as a contractor. Eden's track record means you'll be dealing with a business that understands your particular issues and requirements and will ensure you're completely compliant with Inland Revenue rules and guidelines.

Eden prides itself on providing a hassle-free, fully compliant and flexible alternative for contractors not wishing to run their own company. They aim to provide you with the best possible individual service and advice so that you can concentrate on your current assignment or plan your next.

Whether you're already contracting or you're at the early stages of considering this career option, a member of our customer care team is available on 0844 686 8350 to answer any questions or provide further assistance. As a starting point, the following information is designed to help you understand more about Eden and whether a PAYE Umbrella company is right for you.

What is a PAYE Umbrella Company?

PAYE Umbrella companies provide a way for contractors to offset genuine expenses incurred during their assignment against their tax. This is a fully compliant way, within Inland Revenue guidelines for contractors to maximise their net pay. In fact, umbrella companies provide a service to contractors that is a tax-effective, compliant and safe way for you to receive up to 85% net income from your assignments.

Who is suitable to use an Umbrella Company?

• If you fit into any of the following categories, then the services that an umbrella company can provide could be invaluable for you:
• Contractors starting up who expect to work through an agency for the foreseeable future.
• Contractors who are ‘caught’ by IR35.
• Contractors who do not want the additional administration and financial worry involved with running their own limited company.
• Contractors wishing to maximise their net pay by offsetting their expenses against their tax.
• New contractors who think they may struggle with the responsibilities of running their own company.
• Short-term contractors who want to avoid the costly process of forming a company and then arranging for it to be dissolved.

What are the benefits of using Eden?

• Apart from being the market leader with an unrivalled track record and being attuned to the needs of former and retired officers, Eden offers the following advantages:
• We will arrange your contract with the agency you choose to work with.
• There is no cost to join or leave the service. You can use our service for all your assignments.
• You can remain registered with us at no cost when you are not working, so your employment status will remain intact.
• Whether you have one or many assignments in a year, we will make sure that you receive all the income, net of the appropriate Tax and National Insurance and our fee. We will issue you with a P45 at the end of your assignment if appropriate and a P60 at the end of the tax year.
• You have the option of retaining a percentage of your income to be taken as holiday pay when you need it.
• Get the flexibility to use our online portal or fax, post or e-mail your time sheets (if applicable) and expenses each week or month, and we will do the rest.
• Rest assured that you're covered by Employers Liability Insurance of £10m, Public Liability Insurance of £5m and Professional Indemnity of £1m.

Find out more about Eden or simply call the customer care team on 0844 686 8350.