Save time and money with award winning contractor umbrella company

Demand for supply teachers often fluctuates wildly and hinges on a number of things - not least the government's education policy. And, while many supply teachers are long-serving contractors who have been working in education for years, supply teaching is also an excellent way to get your foot in the door.

There are around 20,000 supply teachers in the UK. The majority are female and work at primary school level. Would-be supply teachers wanting to break into education can easily use it as a stepping stone to a permanent career, but most supply teachers enjoy the flexibility and variability of working at different schools - often in different cities.

Financially, supply teachers are rewarded handsomely - often getting the same hourly rate a salaried teacher would take home. So, supply teaching is a lucrative career option. And, other than the right qualifications and a Criminal Records Bureau check, there are very few hurdles to overcome - as long as you get the right umbrella agency to deal with your contractual and tax obligations.

There is even a strong supply teachers community that can offer professional advice on a variety of topics. So one thing is for sure, once supply teachers finally start picking up regular work they are never alone.

Like any other umbrella contractor, supply teachers can pick and choose when they work. They can step in and out of short-term contracts and, with the right agency in place, will never be short of work. This flexibility is seen as one of the major benefits for supply teachers - and something that is envied by practically every salaried educator. The only downside is the amount of paperwork. Sifting through several employment contracts a year - sometimes dozens if posts are temporary - can be a nightmare, which is why supply teachers can benefit from an umbrella contractor like Orange Genie.

Doing all the leg work in terms of contractual obligations, pay and tax filing, an umbrella company allows supply teachers to shift the focus from bureaucracy and paperwork to actual teaching. Once contractual obligations are dealt with - especially if it is done by a third party - then supply teachers can begin thinking about their future plans, career aspirations and where they would like to be teaching.

It seems fairly intuitive that a successful supply teaching career hinges on picking the best supply teachers agency. But this isn't all there is to consider. Of course finding work is the first hurdle for supply teachers to vault, but getting all the contractual agreements sorted and ensuring that pay arrives in your bank account in a timely fashion is vital. Equally important for supply teachers is the need to get their tax returns in order and ensure they are not being overcharged by HM Revenue & Customs. This is where umbrella companies like Orange Genie come in. We can ensure reliable payment, deal with an contractual obligations and offer placement support - even out of hours. But we will also monitor your placements and offer any advice we can - including professional development pointers.

One of the most vital aspects of contractor work - and this also goes for supply teachers - is that your agency and umbrella company get to know you and build a strong relationship that helps you get the most out of your career. Orange Genie has been doing just that with supply teachers for years. So whether you are using supply teaching as a stop gap while you get your foot on the ladder, or as a means of remaining in teaching on a part-time basis, it makes sense to get the help of a good umbrella company like Orange Genie and make sure your paperwork is in order.