Why we MUST ditch our lazy attitude to finding work through agents and agencies

[EternalOptimist]

So they wouldn't even let you go through a PAYE umbrella - surprised agencies are that fussy. Heard that some agencies got touchy about certain offshore schemes masquerading as umbrellas, but thought most were more than happy to allow PAYE umbrella's

lol

there were no brollies when I started out.

[EternalOptimist]

Let me be clear. I am disagreeing with premise that we must change the lazy way we find work. I am saying that I will adapt. see above ^^^

[TestMangler]

lol

there were no brollies when I started out.

^^ This !

Some agencies operated PAYE but were reluctant and pinched the tulip out of rates. Sole trader was not an option so LTD was the only practical route available. Some of you Johnny come lately know it all's with less than 20 years experience need to get a history lesson.

[EternalOptimist]

^^ This !

Some agencies operated PAYE but were reluctant and pinched the tulip out of rates. Sole trader was not an option so LTD was the only practical route available. Some of you Johnny come lately know it all's with less than 20 years experience need to get a history lesson.

Also, for the noobs, bear this in mind.

An agent as a middleman has an overwhelming interest in minimising your rate
An agent headhunting has an overwhelming interest in maximising your rate

there are lots of factors at play here, but my fallback is simple. you don't fight fire with fire
you fight fire with water
those that adapt will survive.

[tomtomagain]

I think you're still OK for travel and subsistence to sites other than the regular site. It's the site that is the base for the duration of the "employment" that isn't going to be allowed.

So if your contract explicitly had you working from your office ( i.e your home address or the local business centre ) for the duration of the contract then would you be able to deduct expenses incurred for trips to the client site?

[PurpleGorilla]

If you stop by a staples and pick up office supplies on your way back from client office to home office perhaps you could claim the mileage?

[suityou01]

I had acronyms. WTF is SDC?

[MicrosoftBob]

I had acronyms. WTF is SDC?

Supervision or Direction or Control

[jamesbrown]

So if your contract explicitly had you working from your office ( i.e your home address or the local business centre ) for the duration of the contract then would you be able to deduct expenses incurred for trips to the client site?

Subject to the conditions outlined in the consultation, each contract will be considered a separate employment for the purposes of sections 337, 338 and 339 of the ITEPA. Subject to those conditions, you will not be able to claim tax relief on T&S for home-to-work travel, as it will be considered "ordinary commuting" (s338). Travel that is necessary to perform the duties of the employment (s337) will be unaffected (i.e. if you need to attend a meeting or conference in the ordinary course of your work; hence the tulip about a "level playing field"). Bottom line, if you meet the conditions, you will not be able to claim relief.

[jamesbrown]

If you stop by a staples and pick up office supplies on your way back from client office to home office perhaps you could claim the mileage?

No, that's specifically addressed in the consultation. You won't be able to turn ordinary commuting into a business trip.