IR35: Is this the end of the road for the freelance?

By Jamie Harris2020-01-15T10:56:00

New rules for off-payroll consultants are sending shockwaves through the industry – with some predicting blanket bans on the use of freelancers on projects

Construction, a historically highly fragmented industry, has relied on subcontracting for decades. ONS figures show that nearly half of construction contracting jobs are self-employed, and that a fifth of the self-employed in the UK are in construction. Technical roles both on and off-site are drafted in on projects where the expertise is not an in‑house resource.

But now a tax reform – catchily named IR35 – is set to come into force in April which could threaten the entire model of freelancing in the sector. Some had held out hope that a promised government review would delay implementation, but an announcement last week suggests there is no stopping the reforms to off-payroll working.

>> Read more

Already registered? Login here

To continue enjoying Building.co.uk, sign up for free guest access

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists. Enjoy company features, CEO interviews, architectural reviews, technical project know-how and the latest innovations.

Limited access to building.co.uk
Breaking industry news as it happens
Breaking, daily and weekly e-newsletters

Get your free guest access SIGN UP TODAY

Subscribe now for unlimited access

Subscribe to Building today and you will benefit from:

Unlimited access to all stories including expert analysis and comment from industry leaders
Our league tables, cost models and economics data
Our online archive of over 10,000 articles
Building magazine digital editions
Building magazine print editions
Printed/digital supplements

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

View our subscription options and join our community