Our FAQs section is designed to answer any questions that you may have relating to the various areas involved in subcontracting with Crest Plus. It has been developed using questions that have been raised by subcontractors/employees like you. We have broken it up into sections in order to make it easier to find what you are looking for; however, if you cannot find an answer to your question, please contact us or request a call back.
How do I register?
Is there a set up fee?
How much does it cost?
How long does it take to join?
What is the difference between CIS Plus and Freelance Plus?
Why do you need original ID?
Can I work abroad?
Can I work offshore?
Will you find me work?
How do I register?
Is there a set up fee?
No, there are no set up fees.
Once you begin subcontracting, Crest Plus will retain an income from the contract sum that we receive from the agency for the project / assignment that you have worked on and the services you provided. We will only do this while you are working.
How much does it cost?
Our retained income is negotiated on a contract-by-contact basis; you are able to obtain a basic illustration by using our Contracting Calculator. Alternatively, to acquire a personal illustration specific to your circumstances, please contact us or request a call back.
How long does it take to join?
If you register online during our working hours of 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, then you will be contacted that day. When registering outside of these working hours, you will be contacted on the next working day. During this conversation, we will ensure that you fully understand your chosen solution. When registering over the phone, your registration will be complete once you have signed and returned, in the pre-paid envelope provided, all the relevant documents that were sent to you in the welcome pack.
We will notify your agency once your registration is complete.
What is the difference between CIS Plus & Freelance Plus?
Both CIS Plus and Freelance Plus are designed for genuinely self-employed individuals.
CIS Plus is designed for those who are working in the construction industry who have registered, or are eligible to register, with the CIS Scheme (Construction Industry Scheme); while Freelance Plus is designed for those who are working in other market sectors or who fall outside the scope of CIS.
The deductions that we make differ; however, both solutions require that you make your own National Insurance contributions to HM Revenue & Customs.
When subcontracting through CIS Plus, we will make deductions for tax based on the verification completed with HM Revenue & Customs.
When subcontracting through Freelance Plus, you are responsible for making your own arrangements to pay tax directly to HM Revenue & Customs. In order to assist you in this, Crest Plus are able to make available the services of Independent Accountancy Service Providers to individual subcontractors if they so choose.
Why do you need original ID?
We are legally bound to operate compliant processes in our working environment, and we therefore record and verify that you are eligible to work in the UK.
Some individuals may feel nervous about sending in important documents, particularly passports if they are due to go on holiday. We advise everyone to send their documents in by recorded mail (retain the receipt from the post office because postage can be claimed as an expense), and if you would like to discuss alternative documents, then please contact us or request a call back.
Can I work abroad?
We review each international contract individually, and we will need to discuss the details of the project with you before making a decision. The main areas that we would need to discuss will relate to the specific project, insurance cover, health & safety and payment methods. Please contact us or request a call back
Can I work offshore?
We review each offshore contract individually, and we will need to discuss the details of the project with you before making a decision. The main areas that we would need to discuss will relate to the specific project, insurance cover, health & safety and payment methods. Please contact us or request a call back
Will you find me work?
Freelance Plus & CIS Plus
Because you are self-employed, you control your own affairs and this includes finding work. There are multiple recruitment agencies that you can apply to, you may use the internet – sites such as www.yell.com can give details of agencies in your area – and local newspapers may contain relevant adverts that match your skills.
As your employer, Crest Plus Exchange Limited will endeavour to allocate suitable work to you, and as a minimum guarantees that you will be offered at least 336 hours of work over the course of each full 12 month period (commencing on the date of the agreement), which will be paid at a rate at least equivalent to the National Minimum Wage at that time.
Full details of this are set out in the Terms of Employment, which are included in the Umbrella Registration Document.