Taking on employees.(fuel)(Bonuses)

[pritch]

Hi,
I need to employ a few guys and i'm just a bit confused about the way to go about it with fuel and stuff.
I would like to take them on as subbies to start with then see how the work goes.The guys will have to travel to a couple of jobs a day within a 30 mile radius.
I know its up to the subbie to get to work and back but at what point would I have to start paying for fuel?
cheers

 

[alanl]

Do as the majority of other building firms do, pay them a set hourly/daily/job rate, and let them pay the fuel out of that.
Keep them as sub-contractors for as long as you require, then it is far easier for you, as you'll only have one invoice a week from each worker, as against employing someone where you have to work out Tax/NI/expenses/employers Insurance etc.
It is up to you to decide the rate you want to pay, and adjust as necessary for any work further away.

If you do want to employ them,rather than sub-contract, then do a lot of research into the various costs associated with employing someone. It is a lot more than you first think.

Alan.

 

[johnboy6083]

just pay them what you think will be a good rate bearing in mind the travel ect. offer them the jobs on price, and then let them include that in the price.

Just a few ideas

john

 

[Joe S]

I have heard that if subby's work for the same person for more than 28 consecutive days (I think?) then they need to be on a casual contract. I cant be 100% but I'm sure thats what one of my Builders were on about the other day on site.

 

[alanl]

No, that's not quite right. To be Self-employed, you need to show that you are not working solely for one person/Company.
That is, you have taken on a variety of work, and are willing to work for anyone.
That you have a year long Contract to maintain a group of buildings, and only do that one Contract in the year does not make you employed. There are a number of criteria that the DHSS/DWP/HMRC use to decide if someone is self-employed.
e.g. If the Company that you are working for supply you with a van, tools, uniform,and tell you when and where to work, and what hours, yet say you are self-employed as you submit an invoice for your pay each week, then they may be forced to employ you if HMRC find out.(or more likely get rid of you)
If however you have little contact with them, use your own kit/van, and come and go as you please, then you are likely to be classed as Self-employed, even though your only income comes from them.
Alan.

 

[pritch]

some good advise there. thanks