Can I work as an employee and be self employed by the same company?

pinkbanana

I am employed part time by a company and therefore paye tax through my wage.

I also work 1 day per week self employed so am registered for self assessment when it come to tax and NI

My question is, Can I then work for my employer as a self employed person as and when the services becomes busier?

I understand that my entitlement to holidays and employee laws would be different on the day I work for them as a self employed person but I am happy with that as I earn much more as a self employed person.

antrobus

Your employer will say no.

Les79

I would imagine so, but that's just a guess.


I would ring ACAS up and enquire there to be honest.


The only thing I can immediately think of is the blurring of what hours are worked self employed and what hours worked as an employee (and overtime etc). You'd probably need your paperwork in order as well as keeping records just in case the government come a sniffing (and any HR queries or managerial change who doesn't *understand* your arrangement and try to put all hours through PAYE).


You mention "I earn much more as a self employed person. " but, assuming the hours are the same, where is the additional income coming from? Could it possibly be some form of tax evasion scheme? If so, and if HMRC are inclined, you could be chased for taxes even retrospectively.

jobbingmusician

They won't necessarily. OP, you may earn more per hour SE, but have you actually costed it out properly? No holiday pay, no sick pay, no training, do all your own tax and stuff. It can actually be cheaper for the employer to have you SE. Or not. No-one on here can know what your employer's costs are or what is best for them (or you).

The answer to your actual question - I don't know of anything which stops you being employed and SE by/working for the same employer AS LONG AS you are gneuinely SE and also work for other people. For example, if you were an office worker who was also a qualified plumber, I don't see any problem in the employer paying you SE to come in and fix a leak. It may be more difficult if the employed and SE tasks are very similar, however.

Masomnia

The same job? No.

PasturesNew

You can, so long as it's a genuine situation and not some "scam" on either part.

Whether it's all OK taxwise etc would really depend on both your setups ... and if any subterfuge were being attempted.

JCS1

Put the details through here and see what HMRC may regard your self employment as

https://www.gov.uk/employment-status/selfemployed-contractor