Materials+7.2%year to Sep 2026
Output-0.2%Aug 2026, month
Insolvencies3,873building firms, 12 months
Bank Rate4.00%since 5 Nov 2026
Late interest11.75%statutory, now
Min wage£12.7121 and over
Employer NI15%2026/27
Site deaths25construction, 2025/26

Materials+7.2%year to Sep 2026
Output-0.2%Aug 2026, month
Insolvencies3,873building firms, 12 months
Bank Rate4.00%since 5 Nov 2026
Late interest11.75%statutory, now
Min wage£12.7121 and over
Employer NI15%2026/27
Site deaths25construction, 2025/26

Home News Guides Trades Data Rulebook Tools Opinion Glossary Search

SearchUK edition · Data to November 2026

CQ StudioContractor Quote Studio

Free tools

Home
News
Guides
Trades
Data
Rulebook
Tools
Opinion
Glossary

Home / Tools

Subcontractor status check

Tick what is true for this worker. The list is based on HSE's guidance for employers.

Signs of an employee

You deduct income tax and National Insurance from their payYou can decide where, when and how they workYou supply their materials and equipmentAny profit from the work belongs to youThey must do the work personally and cannot send a substituteThey are treated the same as your other staff

Signs of independence

They do not work only for youThey supply most of their own equipment and materialsThey are clearly in business for their own benefitThey can send a substitute if they cannot do the work

0 employee signs · 0 independent signs

Tick the statements that apply

Your result will appear here.

This is a count, not a legal test. Only the courts can decide status for certain.

Read the full guide

This tool gives general guidance only. It is not legal, insurance or financial advice, and nothing you enter leaves your browser.

Contractor Quote Studio

Insurance, money and rules for the trades, read properly.

Popular guides

Employers' Liability Insurance for Subcontractors
Public Liability vs Employers' Liability Insurance for Trades
How to Read a Trade Insurance Quote
How Much Is Public Liability Insurance? UK Prices for 2026
How Much Public Liability Insurance Do I Need? UK Guide

By trade

Builders
Electricians
Plumbers and heating engineers
Roofers
Scaffolders
Painters and decorators
Landscapers and gardeners

Site

News
Data desk
Rulebook
Cover finder
Subcontractor status check
Quote comparison
About
Contact
Privacy
Terms

General information for UK businesses, not insurance, legal, tax or financial advice. Contractor Quote Studio is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, does not sell or arrange insurance, and does not recommend specific policies. Photography via Unsplash.