Written question asked by Michael Grylls (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 December 1996. It was answered by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: For how many years construction operatives in the housebuilding sector have been considered to be self-employed for national insurance purposes; when, by whom and for what reasons the decision was taken to change that status; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Sir Michael Grylls: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for how many years construction operatives in the housebuilding sector have been considered to be self-employed for national insurance purposes; when, by whom and for what reasons the decision was taken to change that status; and if he will make a statement. [8555] Mr. Heald: Since 1980, the administrative practice of the Department has been to accept that the issue by the Inland Revenue of a 714 certificate or deduction from payments under the SC60 scheme were evidence of self employment. Following representations from the construction industry claiming that many workers treated as self-employed were really employees, the Inland Revenue and Department of Social Security prepared new guidance for the industry about employment status. This made it clear that whether someone is employed or self-employed depends on the terms of engagement not the issue of a 714 certificate.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8555; 287 c185W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Construction Housing Industry National insurance contributions Manual workers Self-employed