Im now looking at employing a driver to take the old MAN out and as im totally new to employing someone I was hoping you lot would have some advice! I was hoping to take on someone self employed just over the harvest but I’ve not found anyone but I have a lad who will leave his current job to start with me full time.
Basically, what factors do I need to consider before employing someone? What is the cost to me on top of the obvious wages I.e tax liabilities? What is considered a fair wage oop north in the current climate? When I was employed (nearly 3 yrs ago) I was on £260 basic plus £9.50 o/t and £20 night out. I realise this was shocking and I dont want to insult anyone with a wage offer nor do I want to be spending a fortune!!
If you’re not keen on posting details on the open forum please feel free to PM me!
You need to consider the lads National Insurance and Tax. Then you have employers National Insurance you have to pay too. Then keeping on top the payroll paperwork, e.g. P60’s etc. There are online services that do this for a cost.
Other things to look at are holiday entitlement and pay, and believe it or not you sometimes are obliged to register the lad in a pension scheme too, depending on how much he earns; if he is over 22 and earns 10k a year or more then in most cases it is mandatory.
Not trying to put you off, but you obviously need to do the maths and work out if if stacks up!
Matt ,make sure you draw up a carefully worded contract ,covering ,accidents ,damage ,fines and lack of work ect,like a drivers hand book ,I’ve helped do some to meet the Fors ,basically to cover your self and limit you from some degree of liability and in the event of employing some one who’s prone to making mistakes or you don’t take too you can get rid of with out too much hassle .
scotstrucker:
pay them a day rate then a bonus for keeping truck/trailer clean, truck damage free.
A wage shouldn’t have to be with bonus’s. A simple understanding that you expect the vehicle to be kept clean and looked after should be part of any job that involves driving.
Right, this guy is mid 40’s and hes done the continent and the lot. Curtains, boxes, flats and fridges but hes never had a go on bulk yet. Hes keen to come out with me and see what the jobs about as its not just as simple as pick up the wheat and deliver it.
What exactly does the EMPLOYER end up paying in respects of PAYE? Is it dependent on his weekly wage or a set amount for using the service?
Would it be easier to have a contract of employment written up by a professional to ensure it covers all the legal points? Perhaps some of you would be kind enough to send me an example of a contract so I can change it to suit?
Im sure it will be an emotional roller coaster and things may not be easy to get started but im a big believer in nothing ventured, nothing gained! The fact is I have a wagon sat there worth not alot but the potential to earn a hell of a living over the harvest period. I havegood,guaranteed work all year round and im going to take advantage of that.
There’s a company called Penninsula (sp) who offer employment services. It may be worth a few quid just to cover your ■■■. Your accountant can help you with any PAYE questions.
There’s probably also a raft of contract templates on the Web. It’s just tailoring it to your needs.
hi Matt
when I was self employed for 4 years I used HMRC paye payroll system.it’s free,very easy to use,tells you everything you need to deduct & pay every quarter.everything is done online now with HMRC so once you register as an employer you can download the software & use it to pay your employee.
I found it very good & easy to use.
