COMMENT
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How often do you use subcontractors? Maybe just the odd once or twice when you can't be bothered with the hassle of those "awkward" jobs.
It's easy enough: book the subbie, bill the client, take your share and pay off the man who does the work. Sounds simple? It should sound like a nightmare in the making.
Do you know who you're dealing with? Of course he says he's got an 0-licence, but have you seen it? If he's telling porkies you could he heading for a very uncomfortable meeting with your local Traffic Commissioner.
And what if his driver is injured while doing a job for you—who's to blame? Like the advert for the Lottery: "It could be you!" —but in this case it could be you being prosecuted under the Health and Safety regs.
So choose your subbies with care, watch them like a hawk and snake sure they know what you know. If you're not sure what your relationship with a subbie should be—read this Legal Bulletin...