New ‘Right to Work’ Laws Could Impact Self-Employed Tradespeople Like Us – Here’s What You Need to Know

New ‘Right to Work’ Laws Could Impact Self-Employed Tradespeople Like Us – Here’s What You Need to Know

As the founder of Handyman Plus Van, I’ve always made it my mission to stay ahead of legislation and run a responsible, fully insured business. But a new government proposal means all of us in the self-employed and gig economy sectors need to start paying even closer attention.

What’s Changing?

The UK Government has announced plans to extend Right to Work checks to include self-employed workers—a move that could significantly impact sole traders and small businesses in sectors like construction, delivery, beauty, and home services.

Previously, these checks were only legally required for employees. Now, contractors and businesses hiring anyone—even if they are self-employed—will have a legal duty to confirm that their subcontractors or freelancers are eligible to work in the UK.

Why Now?

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, cited this change as part of a wider crackdown on illegal working and rogue employers. The aim is to stop exploitation, tackle people smuggling networks, and ensure fair competition for law-abiding businesses.

In her words:

> “Turning a blind eye to illegal working plays into the hands of callous people smugglers... These exploitative practices are often an attempt to undercut competitors who are doing the right thing.”

What Are the Risks?

If you fail to check someone’s Right to Work and they are found to be working illegally, you could face:

Fines of up to £60,000 per worker

Business closure orders

Director bans

Prison sentences of up to 5 years

What Does This Mean for Tradespeople and Contractors?

If you run a team or hire in help—even occasionally—you’ll likely need to start verifying legal working status just as big companies do for full-time staff. This applies even if the person you’re hiring is self-employed and paying their own taxes.

The Home Office will provide digital verification tools, and the process is claimed to take just a few minutes. A full consultation is planned before implementation, so now is the time to get informed.

How Handyman Plus Van Is Responding

At Handyman Plus Van, we support fair and legal work practices. We believe in a level playing field where everyone has the right paperwork and nobody cuts corners to gain unfair advantage.

We’re staying ahead of the curve by preparing for these changes now:

Reviewing all subcontractor relationships

Exploring digital Right to Work verification tools

Ensuring our own policies align with upcoming legislation

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a solo tradesperson or run a small crew, this proposed change is a big deal. It’s no longer just large employers that need to worry about compliance—the self-employed and gig economy are now in the spotlight.

Make sure you’re ready.

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Want help navigating new rules or looking for a reliable, legal handyman service? Visit www.handymanplusvan.com – fully insured, fully legal, fully committed to doing it right.