At Push Promotions, all our hosts, hostesses, and promotional teams are employed through a fully compliant PAYE scheme. Payroll, tax, National Insurance, and pensions are all handled correctly, giving you clarity and confidence in how your event staff are engaged.
Some agencies may appear more competitive by engaging staff on a self-employed basis or through intermediaries. When hiring event staff, it’s essential to understand that most promotional, hospitality, and corporate event roles are considered employment under HMRC rules. Using an incorrect staffing model can create significant risk for clients — particularly for organisations with a turnover over £10 million, where IR35 legislation and the requirement to issue a Status Determination Statement (SDS) apply — potentially leaving businesses exposed to unexpected tax liabilities, penalties, or compliance issues.
Our rates may be slightly higher, but that’s because we include all employment costs, carry out verified right-to-work checks, and ensure full compliance at every stage. The result is peace of mind for your business and professional, fairly treated staff representing your brand.
Why Compliance Matters: Most Event Staff Are PAYE Workers
Most promotional, hospitality, and corporate event roles are legally considered employees, even if an agency uses titles like “model” or “brand ambassador.” Staff are employees if they:
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Work under the direction and supervision of a client or team leader
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Have limited control over how the work is carried out
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Must personally carry out the work assigned
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Work set hours and follow a required dress code or uniform
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Are paid on an hourly or daily basis rather than per project
Non-compliant staffing can expose your business to:
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HMRC investigations and penalties
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Backdated tax and National Insurance contributions
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Employment disputes or IR35 complications
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Reputational damage if staff rights are not respected
For medium and large organisations — especially those with a turnover over £10 million — these risks are significant.
For a clear visual guide on off‑payroll rules and client responsibilities, see the official HMRC flowchart:
Off‑payroll working rules (IR35) – Flowchart for client organisations (PDF)
Who Bears the Risk?
When agencies misclassify staff or rely on “grey area” arguments, any short-term savings for the agency shift the risk onto the client. This can leave your business exposed to:
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HMRC investigations and penalties
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Backdated tax and National Insurance contributions
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Employment disputes or IR35 complications
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Reputational damage if staff rights are not respected
For organisations with a turnover over £10 million, these risks are particularly significant. Choosing fully compliant PAYE staff ensures your business, your events, and your reputation are protected.
Why PAYE Compliance Matters
When you work with Push Promotions, everything is handled correctly. Our PAYE model ensures:
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Legal compliance with HMRC employment status guidance
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Staff receive correct holiday pay, pension contributions, and employment protections, including auto-enrolment
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Verified right-to-work checks are completed
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Employer National Insurance contributions are included
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Your business is shielded from tax, employment, or IR35 risks
While some agencies appear cheaper by using self-employed staff or intermediaries, these shortcuts carry long-term costs that often remain hidden until it’s too late. With our approach, you get professional, compliant, and reliable staff without worry.
Protecting Your Business and Your Staff
Choosing a fully compliant staffing partner like Push Promotions means you can focus on your event without worrying about tax, employment law, or IR35 compliance. Your staff are engaged fairly and professionally, and your business is shielded from the risks that can arise from non-compliant staffing. With the right team in place, you can confidently plan large-scale events, knowing your staff, your operations, and your reputation are fully protected.
Key takeaway: Working with a PAYE-compliant staffing agency like Push Promotions might cost slightly more upfront, but it protects your business from risk, ensures staff are treated correctly, and gives you peace of mind that your events run smoothly and legally.
