11/03/2026
For many freelancers, a retainer feels like the dream with a predictable monthly income, less chasing, and fewer gaps between projects.
But in the UK, it’s not just about what you call it. If a retainer starts to look too much like a salary with fixed hours, close supervision, and reliance on one client, it can drift into “disguised employment” territory under IR35.
The difference often comes down to structure. Are you being paid for outcomes and access to expertise, or simply for your time? Do you control how and when the work is done? Do you work with multiple clients? And just as importantly, does the day-to-day reality match what the contract says?
When your setup is clear, your documentation is solid, and your finances are visible, you protect both your income and your independence.
Read more guidance on this here: https://heyor.ca/GLBA1f