Self-Employed Contractor Advisory
Self-Employed Contractor Compliance
Protecting Your Business. Supporting Your Workforce.
The world of self-employment in construction is evolving fast—and so are the rules that govern it. At Jatts Contracting, we help businesses and individuals navigate the complex landscape of employment status, IR35, and self-employed subcontractor compliance with confidence and clarity.
From verifying subcontractor status to making timely tax deductions and HMRC filings, we ensure full compliance at every step—minimising risk, improving operational flow, and giving you peace of mind.
Why Self-Employed Status Matters
Incorrectly classifying a worker as self-employed when they function as an employee can expose your business to:
- HMRC penalties and backdated tax/NIC claims
- Legal disputes over workers' rights (e.g. holiday pay or unfair dismissal)
- Reputational risk with clients, workers, and regulators
- Disruption to contracts and operational delays
With increasing government scrutiny—especially in the construction sector—it’s never been more important to get it right.
Our Self-Employed Compliance Services
Status Assessment & Risk Review
We perform detailed assessments to help you understand whether a working relationship genuinely qualifies as self-employment. We examine:
- Level of control (e.g. hours, supervision, job allocation)
- Personal service (e.g. substitution rights, autonomy)
- Mutual obligation (e.g. ability to refuse work)
- Provision of tools, materials, and insurances
- Contract structure vs on-site practice
This allows us to give you an accurate risk profile for each worker and role.
Contract Structuring & Document Drafting
We help you put the correct contractual framework in place to reflect a true self-employed relationship. Our team:
- Drafts or reviews service contracts and subcontracts
- Ensures terms reflect genuine independence
- Advises on payment terms, invoicing, and dispute clauses
- Aligns contract language with how work is carried out on site
- Helps agencies and contractors maintain clear separation of responsibilities
Clear contracts are your first line of defence in the event of a challenge from HMRC or a tribunal.
On-Site Compliance Monitoring
Even with the right contract, real-world behaviour must match. We carry out:
- Site visits to observe working conditions
- Reviews of supervision, reporting lines, and work allocation
- Spot checks on control mechanisms (timesheets, rota management, substitution use)
- Staff interviews to identify unintentional risks or grey areas
This “boots on the ground” approach ensures that your policies don’t just look right—they work in practice.
Supply Chain Compliance Advice
We advise the entire chain of engagement—main contractors, agencies, and payroll providers on how to:
- Avoid accidental employment through over-management
- Ensure subcontractors provide their own equipment, insurance, and transport
- Support worker independence through job pricing and flexible scheduling
- Respond to IR35 or off-payroll changes when applicable
Our collaborative approach ensures alignment across all levels of your workforce model.
Insurance & Indemnity Guidance
We support subcontractors in securing:
- Valid Public Liability Insurance
- Professional Indemnity or Employers’ Liability where required
- Contract clauses requiring independent cover as a condition of engagement
Proper insurance adds a clear boundary between worker and engager—and is often a key sign of genuine self-employment.
Who This Service Is For
- Main contractors managing large or multi-tiered subcontractor supply chains
- Agencies placing skilled tradespeople on projects under self-employed arrangements
- Sole traders and subcontractors unsure of their employment status
- Site managers needing guidance on delegation, supervision and substitution
- HR & payroll departments needing to vet and monitor third-party labour compliance
Why Work With Jatts?
- Expert understanding of employment law, tax, and CIS
- Direct access to compliance professionals—no jargon, no delays
- Realistic, risk-based advice rooted in construction sector experience
- Collaborative, long-term approach with your teams and contractors
- Regular updates on legislation (IR35, CIS reforms, joint liability laws)
We don’t just tick boxes—we build frameworks that work under pressure.
Legal & Industry Backdrop
Navigate the evolving construction landscape with Jatts, staying ahead of IR35 reviews, HMRC audits, and the 2026 joint liability reforms. Our expertise ensures your self-employed and umbrella arrangements remain compliant and secure in a tightening regulatory environment.
Although not directly applicable to all construction roles, IR35-style reviews are increasingly used in tribunal decisions.
Contractors in sectors like scaffolding, brickwork and electricals have faced increased audits and employment status challenges.
From April 2026, agencies will face greater responsibility for working with umbrella or self-employed suppliers. Getting your house in order now protects you later.
Get In Touch
At Jatts Contracting, we believe in real conversations, fast responses, and helpful advice, no automated nonsense or endless wait times.