As an aside when I was looking for a job in 2014 after being made redundant I was applying for both permanent and contract jobs. When I'd previously been a contractor (96-03) the most common way of working was to setup a limited company and take dividends as a director.
In 2014 a lot of agencies were pushing a scheme where you'd work for a company and be paid with employee loans and then these loans would be transferred to a trust with you as the beneficiary. It stank to me but I was assured it was all fine and had been cleared by hmrc.
As it happens I took a permanent job where I still am but a couple of years later the beneficiary scheme was ruled illegal and people had to pay shit loads back. There were also a lot of ruined lives and suicides.
I think squeaky clean is the right way to go.