Self employed or PAYE

[simonm]

So after many years of being in business initially tree work but now only grounds maintenance I am considering not having anyone on PAYE and instead only self employed for set days a week. I have tried this in the past with tree work but at the time we were always rammed with work and needed someone there full time so it didn't go anywhere. I can see the pros of not having anyone on PAYE but not many cons. Does anyone operate a grounds maintenance business this way? 

[Mark Bolam]

I would say it all depends on the people you have available and what works for them.

If it works for both/all of you then go for it.

[doobin]

The main drawback is the legality of it. Legally if they work directly under your instruction then they should be part time paye. 
 

that said, everyone seems to do it and get away with it. 

[Clutchy]

Cons are 

 

You're not committing to them - they're not going to commit to you. 

 

People skirting PAYE employment irrationally annoy me, if you're not going to play the business game for real stop playing at all and leave us to it. 

[AHPP]

4 minutes ago, Clutchy said:

Cons are 

 

You're not committing to them - they're not going to commit to you. 

 

People skirting PAYE employment irrationally annoy me, if you're not going to play the business game for real stop playing at all and leave us to it. 

What's unbusinesslike about being in control of your own business spending and tax affairs?

Edited January 21 by AHPP

[Clutchy]

Being in control (or more control) of your staff by being able to install values, culture and continuous improvement to get the best team you can. 

 

Other wise you've got one foot in and one foot out. 

 

Becuase you're too scared to go all in. 

 

IMO of course. 

[AHPP]

Depends what you want in your men, worker bees or thinkers.

 

But yes, I follow. I was thinking more from a worker's point of view.

[AHPP]

Playing devil's advocate for a moment, Clutchy, it could be said (from the other thread you're posting in at the moment, about recouping training costs from departed employees) that you want to employ them like they're children but sue them like they're men. One might argue that you're not all-in enough on being an employer.

 

Devil's advocate remember. I personally would, as king for a day, just put employment law in the bin and let people bargain freely.

Edited January 22 by AHPP

[Mick Dempsey]

6 hours ago, Clutchy said:

Cons are 

 

You're not committing to them - they're not going to commit to you. 

 

People skirting PAYE employment irrationally annoy me, if you're not going to play the business game for real stop playing at all and leave us to it. 

You make an important point there.