It was announced on 17th March that the reforms to IR35/Off Payroll Working rules in the Private Sector are to be pushed back for a further 12 months to 6th April 2021.

We are heartened by this decision, which will give many of our clients, and the wider community of independent professionals working through their own businesses, a little more time and breathing space to deal with the complications and difficulties posed by COVID-19.

We must emphasise that this is a postponement rather than a cancellation, and that those to who these rules apply will still need to be prepared for the rules to come into force next year. Additionally, if you are working in the public sector, the Off Payroll Working rules that were introduced in 2017 do still apply to you.

The government has not released any written statement as yet, but a brief summary of the announcement can be found on the FCSA website and across the financial and mainstream media.

We hope this lightens the load a little for you at this challenging time.

Best wishes,

The Competex Team.