BROOKSON LEGAL IN THE MEDIA

Aseries of high-profile tax payments from government departments this summer has highlighted that the transition to IR35 compliance is far from over for the public sector, despite new responsibilities for managing off-payroll contractors being introduced back in 2017.

IR35 aims to crack down on those who are 'disguised employees'. The off-payroll rules were first introduced in 2000 by the then chancellor Gordon Brown. Known as "IR35" after the government release which announced the policy, the rules are designed to crack down on tax avoidance by people who HM Revenue & Customs considers to be "disguised employees".

Freelance workers are being left in the dark by hiring companies about far-reaching tax changes starting next year, which business groups have warned will embroil workers and groups in disputes and red tape.

Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has won a "disguised employment" case over a £1.2m bill against HM revenue & Customs at the UK tax tribunal.