Cleaning biz - can I use self-employed contractors please?

[ldn-entrepren]

Hi, I have an opportunity to start a cleaning business and will need 5 cleaners on a daily basis for about 3 or 4 hours to clean a business premises.

This is the only opportunity I have and I would need to provide a trial for a couple of months to get started which could then move into a long term contract.

I would like to hire 5 self employed cleaners to get the business off the ground and through the trial stage and ideally hire self employed contractors for some time, perhaps even permanently until the business becomes viable. I would prefer not to hire permanent staff as there is a lot of setup, management, and responsibility required.

I've been reading up on HMRC's guidance with things like IR35 (dont think that applies to me as a startup) and Im confused as to whether Im allowed to hire contract cleaners.

Can anyone with knowledge of this industry and new businesses please help steer me in the right direction?

Thank you,

Byron

PS. I'm also looking for a contract template as a reference to use, if anyone can please share any decent starter templates that would be very helpful.

 

[Mitch3473]

As long as the cleaners have other sources of income, ie, you are not their sole provider of work and can give you invoices for their time and work. Check with your accountant just to confirm.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Will you be providing the self employed cleaners with the tools to do the job?
Will they be able to get someone else to do their work?
Will you be managing or supervising them?
Will they be working under your control?

Depending on the above, they may be deemed as employees (even if self employed) for the purpose of employers liability insurance - if so you will legally have to have this insurance.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Its not just insurance the same rules apply by Inland Revenue are are firm if any of the above apply then you are forced to make them PAYE