As the self-employed status of TV and radio stars like Jeremy Paxman, Chris Moyles, Fearne Cotton and Fiona Bruce comes under HMRC scrutiny for what the press calls ‘sophisticated schemes’ to protect their earnings, we brace ourselves for the results of yet another HMRC review of self-employment in the construction industry.

In our view, two highly contentious items stand out. One is the proposal that self-employed construction workers should pay full NI and PAYE, but not benefit from statutory employment rights. Another is the possible requirement for them to have their own equipment - not just tools, but serious equipment - thus further restricting the flow of labour that is this hard-pressed industry’s lifeblood. Are self-employed TV presenters required to have their own studios?

We operate both an umbrella company for temporary workers and payment arrangements for self-employed individuals. Most clients are in the construction field, and in 10 years of operation we have worked hard to ensure that workers, their employment agencies, and ourselves, comply
fully with legislation.

A BBC spokesman, when asked about the BBC’s use of freelancers, was quoted as answering “these arrangements are legal, proper and commonplace within the industry”. Well said!

Trudy Gordon, managing director, Gabem Management