Are you the boss?
People who are self-employed run their own business and are responsible for its success or failure.
They pay their own taxes and don’t have employment rights unlike employees.
Don’t forget they still have protection for health and safety and against discrimination.
If an employer uses the wrong employment status they could end up paying any unpaid tax and fines to HMRC.
Check the following to ensure they are self-employed:-
Are they in business for themselves, responsible for its success/failure and can make a profit/loss.
Can they decide what work they do and when, where or how to do it.
Can they hire someone else to do the work?
Are they responsible for fixing any unsatisfactory work in their own time?
Do you agree a fixed price for their work - it doesn’t depend on how long the job takes to finish.
Do they use their own money to buy business assets, cover running costs, and provide tools and equipment for their work?
Can they work for more than one client?
Do they put in bids or give quotes to get work.
They are not under direct supervision when working.
Do they submit invoices for the work they’ve done.
Are they responsible for paying their own tax and NI?
They don’t get holiday or sick pay when they’re not working.
Do they operate under a self-employed/consultant/contractor contract?
It is always advisable to give them a contract which clearly states all these terms.
For further advice about employment status contact Nichola Coulthard at Coulthard Human Resources - Nichola@coulthardhr.co.uk. 07946541606. www.coulthardhr.com
