I am an electrician who is on the CIS scheme. I’ve been working for the same company for 20 years but am still classed as self employed.

Paul Fay · Mar 23, 2020

I’m part of the CIS scheme. Like many builders we are employed by everything but name (we are self employed). I’ve been working for the same company for over 20 years ( a very good company), they deduct tax from me at source. Today they took the very understandable decision to suspend all work for three weeks. Obviously 3 weeks with no pay is not something I can manage. What are my rights I can’t find anything online that refers to the CIS scheme.
thanks in advance for your answers.

Pretty Mouth · Mar 23, 2020

As I understand it: If you're on the CIS scheme, then you're self employed. However, if you work solely for the same company for longer than a certain amount of time (3 months I think) then your company is obliged to properly employ you. Do you have other clients, or just the 1?

davesparks · Mar 23, 2020

Unfortunately you and the company you work for will likely be viewed as having broken the law with this work arrangement as you will almost certainly be deemed a disguised employee.

I don't know exactly how this will affect your ability to get support but but I wouldn't shout too loudly about it.

The positive news is that you should be able to claim universal credit to help with bills etc