Q.    Why are there companies such as Charminster Construction?

A.    Charminster Construction is a construction company supplying the services of sub-contractors.  Agencies and a growing number of contractors are unable to use sub-contractors on a self-empoloyed basis.  By using Charminster Construction, bona-fide self-employed individuals may retain their self-employed status. 

A.    Most tradesmen would rather be self-employed.  They do private work as well as sub-contracting work.  They have accountants and organise their affairs around their self-employed status.  Periods of employment cause hardships for them in terms of claiming of expenses etc.  By offering the opportunity of work on a self-employed basis, you appeal to a larger number of tradesmen, making vacancies easier to fill. 

A.    Initially, we need a contract for services to be signed by the agency.  The agency then simply pays us electronically instead of paying direct to the subcontractor.  We do the rest.

A.    Yes.  We raise a V.A.T. invoice each time you want us to pay a subcontractor.  Unless you request otherwise, you will receive one invoice, irrespective of the number of temps being processed.

A.    All our contracts are written by one of the country's leading firms of tax advisers.  They are all fully IR35 compliant.  The contract, however, must be an actual reflection of the working terms.

A.    We currently pay holiday pay in a "rolled up" manner.  We show holiday pay as a separate element on the remittance advice.  We are aware of the fact that European rulings might make an accrued scheme mandatory and are planning the necessary changes.

A.    No.  Providing that we receive payment from an agency for work carried out by the Wednesday following, subcontractors receive their money by the Friday.

A.    Our standard charges are explained here.

Q.    Are there any other fees for temps to worry about?

A.    We charge no registration fee.  We are able to offer other services such as year end returns etc. through third party accountants who will charge reduced fees for individuals introduced by us.

Q.    Sometimes we have problems with late timesheets and subs.  Are you able to help in this respect?

A.    We are able to accommodate requests for payment at short notice, using CHAPS.  We also understand the need to pay subs on occasions.  Very occasionally, we may have to charge a nominal fee for this.