IR35 (Off-Payroll Working) - A Crucial Update 2026

IR35 Compliance: Navigating the 2026 Reforms

It has become increasingly challenging for UK employers to navigate the evolving legislative landscape and ensure compliance with the complex Off-Payroll Working Rules (OPWR) under the Government's 2026 reforms.

With the introduction of strict new joint-and-several liability rules for umbrella companies and shifting compliance thresholds, the risk of supply chain non-compliance is high. A simple error in contractor classification or due diligence can lead to significant HMRC fines, transferred debt, and unexpected tax liabilities. For organisations that engage a high volume of temporary workers and limited company contractors (PSCs), establishing a robust, defensible assessment process is no longer optional - it's essential for mitigating financial and legal risk.

This half-day conference, in it's 5th year, cuts through the confusion, providing you with the practical knowledge to make accurate IR35 status determinations and secure your broader supply chain. Learn to implement compliant procedures that reduce the risk of non-compliance with HMRC regulations, adapt to the latest employment tax changes, and secure your position.

Recording: If you cannot attend the event live, we can send a link post-event to watch the recording. Cost: £195 +VAT - please contact registrations@bfi.co.uk

09:30 Introduction and welcome

09:35 Overview and updates

• Navigating the new April 2026 IR35 “Small Company” thresholds (Turnover increased to £15m) and the shift of responsibility back to contractors

• Determining responsibility within your organisation under the new rules

• Off-payroll: navigating the modern minefield and the April 2025 double-taxation offset

• Supply chain essentials for the new tax year

• Limiting HMRC fine risks

10:10 Recruitment update

• Best practice on determinations in a changing threshold environment

• Dealing with long contractor engagements and managing the 15% Employer NIC burden

• Where should the responsibility lie? Agency vs. End-Client dynamics

• Differences between SOW (Statement of Work) and Resource Augmentation

10:45 Comfort break

11:00 Umbrella companies: The New April 2026 Legal Reality

• The new Chapter 11 ITEPA legislation: Understanding joint-and-several liability taking effect this week (April 6, 2026)

• Mandatory supply chain due diligence: How agencies and end-clients can avoid transferred tax liabilities

• Spotting non-compliance: Mini-umbrella company (MUC) fraud and disguised remuneration

• Blanket decisions – public and private sector considerations in 2026

• Know your contracts: Tightening audit rights and transparency

• Understanding SDS in multi-tiered supply chains

11:30 Tax rulings & legislation 2026, implications for employers

• Managing the continuing impact of the 15% Employer NIC rate and lowered £5,000 threshold

• Mandatory payrolling of benefits delayed to April 2027 – why employers must use 2026/27 for voluntary system testing

• Employers and internationally mobile employees – navigating the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime replacing the non-dom rules

• The April 2026 National Minimum Wage/Living Wage increases (rising to £12.71) – anticipating aggressive HMRC enforcement

• High Income Child Benefit Charge – advising your workforce on the latest thresholds

12:00 Comfort break

12:10 IR35: Ensuring your IR35/Off-payroll compliance

• Protecting yourself in an era of strict liability

• Guidance versus the law: Where HMRC's view differs from the courts

• Working with CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) – 2026 updates

• HMRC How to Comply

• Tax Tribunals – an overview of the latest case law

• Best practice and ongoing ripples from the Supreme Court's PGMOL judgement

12:45 Wrap up and final questions

13:00 End of conference

HR Directors and Managers, Recruitment and Talent Acquisition professionals, Payroll practitioners and specialists, Legal and Compliance teams, Finance Directors and Controllers, and Agency and temporary staffing managers and Line managers engaging contractors.

• Navigate the new £15m turnover thresholds for IR35 compliance and reassess your risk profile.

• Protect your business from the April 2026 joint-and-several liability laws surrounding umbrella company tax avoidance.

• Understand employment rights changes and the latest gig economy tribunal processes.

• Prepare your payroll systems for the upcoming 2027 mandatory payrolling of benefits transition.

• Handle supply chain management, audit rights, and contractor engagement under the Labour government's stricter enforcement regime.

• Ensure compliance with the new £12.71 National Living Wage and adapt to the higher Employer NIC costs.

“Excellent speakers - who are experts and deal with these issues all the time.”

“Comprehensive and useful information presented throughout the day.”

“Great information provided, answered all questions that were asked! Would recommend!”

What does BFI specialise in?
BFI provides expert-led training in HR compliance, employment law, immigration for employers, union relations, workplace inclusion, and AI and talent solutions.

Who typically attends your courses?
Attendees include HR managers, legal teams, compliance officers, operations leaders, and public sector employers.

Are your trainers practitioners?
Yes. All trainers are experienced specialists; we feature practitioners from the public and private sectors as well as lawyers, policy advisers, former regulators, and consultants.

How do I book a course?
Choose an event on the website and click Register. You can pay online with a credit card or request an invoice.

Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes. Public and private-sector organisations may use PO numbers. These can be added during the registration process, or can be retrospectively added to am invoice if the place has been booked already.

We need to set you up as a Supplier, can you complete a form or send me over your company information?
Yes, we can do either; please contact us via info@bfi.co.uk

Can I get a PO number added to our invoice?
Yes, please send details through to info@bfi.co.uk or reply to us using your confirmation email

Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Discounts for multiple bookings are automatically applied at checkout. For groups of over ten, it may be more cost-effective to run the course in-house. Call 01983 861133 for details

Can I transfer my place to another date or colleague?
Yes. Substitutions are free, and transfers are typically allowed within a set timeframe.

What is your cancellation policy?
BFI follows standard UK training-industry cancellation terms.

How are online courses delivered?
Training is delivered live via Zoom with interactive Q\&A and case-based discussion.

Will I receive slides and supporting materials?
Yes. Attendees receive slides, templates (where relevant), and many other useful documents and links.

Will I receive a copy of the event recording?
Our monthly subscription and webinar clients receive recordings of the live sessions; otherwise we do not record our courses to encourage confidential discussion and questions under the Chatham House Rule

What time zone are online events delivered in?
All events are delivered in UTC / London time unless otherwise stated

What is included in in-person events?
Full-day training includes refreshments, full documentation which is emailed prior to the event and networking opportunities.

Are your venues accessible?
Yes. All venues are fully accessible.

Are your courses CPD-certified?
Many courses are accredited by The CPD Certification Service.

Can I ask questions about my organisation’s situation?
Yes. Trainers answer questions during the session and can respond afterward.

Will the training help us prepare for an audit?
Yes, on our audit courses you will learn what triggers visits, what officers look for, and how to evidence compliance.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. All attendees receive a digital certificate of course completion.

Do you offer private or in-house training?
Yes. All courses can be tailored for your team. Visit https://bfi.co.uk/team-training/

Do you offer consultancy?
Yes. BFI offers policy reviews, audit preparation, HR compliance support, and workforce advisory services.

With huge thanks to Kingsbridge, our sponsor.

Kingsbridge has established itself as one of the UK’s foremost experts in IR35 compliance and risk management for the contingent workforce sector. They offer a unique, integrated approach combining technology and expertise, most notably through the Kingsbridge IR35 Status Tool - an award-winning hybrid solution that provides instant status determinations with expert in-house consultancy for borderline cases. Furthermore, their flexible IR35 Protect insurance covers tax liability, interest, and penalties for whichever party (contractor, agency, or end client) is held liable by HMRC, offering market-leading protection and certainty in a complex regulatory landscape. Kingsbridge supports over 500 partners and thousands of clients in navigating the challenges of the Off-Payroll Working rules.