I was somewhat surprised to read your article on false self-employment in construction (2 October, page 15)

The statements that, “responses to the consultation will broadly support the proposals” and “support is growing for the plans” seem contrary to everything I am hearing. The Glass and Glazing Federation has cautioned against the proposals and we are linked to the National Specialist Contractors Council, which is made up of 28 trade associations that are also opposed. I believe the Federation of Master Builders is also against the proposals, as are a number of other organisations. We also understand several tax professional bodies have raised objections.

The building industry, unlike most others, is project-based, rather than being formed of a group of businesses pursuing long-term work patterns. It comprises many projects, from small to large, with specialist trades often required for only short parts of a project. So, the industry needs a large proportion of workers to operate with the flexibility of self-employment.

It is bad enough that the Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs have prejudged this consultation, without Building doing so, too.

Nigel Rees, chief executive and national secretary, Glass and Glazing Federation

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