Updated 3 April 2020
It was announced in the Commons on 1th March that the Off Payroll Working Rules (IR35) which were to be implemented in the private sector from 6 April 2020 will be delayed 12 months in response to the impact COVID-19 is having on the economy.
It is important to stress that this is a delay in the implementation rather than a cancellation and Steve Barclay confirmed in the Commons that the government remains committed to implementing these rules from 6 April 2021.
The delay to the implementation of IR35 in the private sector will delay the additional benefits that the engager could obtain where the contractors are involved in the R&D activities, as they will continue to be classed as subcontractors until they are included on the payroll.
Contractors who have been advised that they will be caught by these rules by their engagers should liaise with their engagers to determine their next steps.
Official Government announcement can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/off-payroll-working-rules-reforms-postponed-until-2021
