Tax experts from CIS Tax Advice Limited and parent firm Francis Clark, are calling on those in the construction industry to sign a Number 10 petition in anticipation of the end of consultation regarding proposed changes to the way in which construction workers’ employment is assessed. Consultation ends on 12th October 2009.
The petition reads:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ensure that HMRC rules on self-employment do not discriminate against construction workers.
“The Government has published a consultation document and is intending to change the law around taxation rules for construction workers. They will no longer be seen as self-employed but instead will be 'deemed' employed for tax purposes. They will be forced to pay PAYE and National Insurance contributions but will not get employed status.
“The proposals unfairly single out self-employed construction workers.
“Is the Government planning to introduce similar changes in the law for other self-employed workers such as barristers, IT consultants or journalists? It is unfair and discriminatory to single out one type of worker and exclude other categories.
“Workers' take home pay will reduce.
“The only likely outcome for workers affected by these tax changes is that their pay will be reduced as taxes are increased. There will be no other benefits as a result of this.”
Dave Williams, managing director of CIS Tax Advice and tax partner at Francis Clark, commented: “Singling out the construction industry in this way is not only unfair, but potentially damaging to the economy affecting over 300,000 construction workers and the organisations that employ the services of subcontractors. The industry needs to make its voice heard if it hopes to sway opinion in Government and at the Treasury. If these measures go through unchecked the effect on the construction industry and the wider UK economy could be catastrophic.”
He added: “We strongly urge those in the construction industry and with an interest in it to sign the Number 10 petition immediately. By garnering political support for our cause we hope to encourage HMRC to reconsider its proposals.”
The petition can be signed by clicking here
As a useful resource you can access the following information here: