There has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth over the inequities between those dastardly self employed and the saintly employees

There has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth over the inequities between those dastardly self employed and the saintly employees. The self employed apparently pay less tax, less NI and organise their affairs to avoid their responsibilities as taxpayers. In contrast, employees pay tax and NI on their earnings and cannot duck in any way. However, if an employee gets a sick note (for whatever reason) they are entitled to up to 6 months statutory sick pay: no question. A total of £2,323.10. Compare and contrast a self employed individual who is unable to work through illness. They have to complete a 25 page questionnaire, probably have a medical, declare their partner's income and if they've got too much in savings, they'll get zip. I had reason to look at the questionnaire recently with a client who has a physical job and has effectively lost, for the medium term, the use of his arm. As we waded through the questions, it became apparent that, although he cannot do his job, and will have to pay for outside help, he will not be able claim benefits, because he's got one arm that does work ie he's not bad enough. The form started to become fun when we got to the parts which asked: 'Do you have problems remaining conscious while awake?' - my husband might qualify on this, particularly after red wine on a Friday (or if I mention gardening) 'Does your behaviour often upset others?' - some of my colleagues would say I qualify for this on a daily basis. So next time someone complains about the unfairness of it all, feel free to point out this and all the other perks (holiday pay, maternity pay, employment rights, less responsibility etc)


​By Sara Morris