HC Deb 12 December 1996 vol 287 c358W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact on employment levels in the housebuilding sector of changes in the national insurance status of operatives; and if he will withdraw the booklet, "Are Your Workers Employed or Self-Employed?" [8325]

Mr. Heald

A wide range of representatives bodies from the construction industry, including from the housebuilding industry, were involved in joint consultations with officials from the Department and the Inland Revenue prior to publication of the booklet, which was at the request of the industry. We have continued to consult across the industry and, in response to the issues they raised, published on 19 November a joint Inland Revenue and Contributions Agency press release, copies of which are available in the Library. This detailed the further steps that were being taken to help the construction industry to review the employment status of their workers in line with the same general rules that apply to other industries. We have no plans to withdraw the booklet.

Mr. Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when next he intends to meet housebuilders to discuss the implications of the change in the status from self-employed to employed for national insurance purposes of operatives in the housebuilding industry; and what assessment he has made of the costs which this change will impose on the sector. [8324]

Mr. Heald

My hon. Friends the Members for Fylde (Mr. Jack) and for Hertfordshire, West (Mr. Jones) and I met representatives of the construction industry on 21 November. The housebuilders were invited to be present or to ensure that their views were represented. The further steps the Inland Revenue and the Contributions Agency are taking to help the construction industry review the employment status of their workers were discussed and welcomed. Departmental officials will continue to liaise with the industry and keep me advised.