Good afternoon guys
I’ve searched through the forums and various websites to try and find out if I can retain my self employed status as a driver.
I’ve been asked by a local firm to cover for a driver that’s taking a break for health reasons.
I have been self employed, driving lorries and tractors for years. Always invoiced the customers directly.
However I’ve noticed a few threads on here that seem to say I may loose my testicles if I continue.
I’m a sole trader, vat registered, and have always payed NI.and income tax.
Hopefully someone can tell me the latest.
Thanks for reading.
Following
Some simple questions needing answered for HMRC for them to decide.
How many customers do you have
Do you risk or invest your own money
If you make a mistake who is finacially responsible to correct the situation
Can someone dictate what hours you work past your agreed arrangements for the current job & can you take time off as you please
Do you receive holiday pay
Do you have a facilities at your customer i.e desk,locker or clocking in card that are free for you to use
Have you public liability insurance
How long do you contract/work for one customer at a time
Dave.
He doesn’t need public liability its booked business but his.
If you’ve been doing it for years I wouldn’t take too much notice of what’s on here. I always take it with a pinch of salt alot are armchair lawyers. And have no real grasp of the law or reality
Gremlinc82:
Good afternoon guys
I’ve searched through the forums and various websites to try and find out if I can retain my self employed status as a driver.
I’ve been asked by a local firm to cover for a driver that’s taking a break for health reasons.
I have been self employed, driving lorries and tractors for years. Always invoiced the customers directly.
However I’ve noticed a few threads on here that seem to say I may loose my testicles if I continue.
I’m a sole trader, vat registered, and have always payed NI.and income tax.
Hopefully someone can tell me the latest.
Thanks for reading.
You’re absolutely fine.
It’s the ones who only work for one person and claim to be self employed that the new rules are trying to clamp down on.
As long as you can show different customers, show invoices, pay your tax and ni then you will be fine.
I’ve checked this with a very reputable accountant who confirms this.
However, Connor who is a full time accountant and tax expert but just drives trucks part time will be along in a minute to tell you your breaking the law and when HMRC catch you you’re going to get shot! It’s true 
Thanks for the replies so far, I need to find myself a better accountant. She couldn’t answer me straight away, so she’ll probably write to me with a long complicated answer and charge me for the privilege.
alix776:
He doesn’t need public liability its booked business but his.
Why would you take a risk & not to have it…
I have public liability insurance as well as employers liability as I run a couple of tractors on farm work and employ my son as a part time tractor driver.
Lorry driving is listed on the policy.
dave docwra:
alix776:
He doesn’t need public liability its booked business but his.Why would you take a risk & not to have it…
companies I work for cover me with there insurance as per my terms
Gremlinc82:
I have public liability insurance as well as employers liability as I run a couple of tractors on farm work and employ my son as a part time tractor driver.
Lorry driving is listed on the policy.
I would say on this basis you do not need to worry and are definitely self-employed.