AGENCY USER GUIDES

• What to do if a temp is PAYE, but would like to become a Sterling CIS sub-contractor?
• What to do if the contractor is a user of another service provider?
• What if the temp wishes to be paid on a CIS status/validation?
• What to do if you are still receiving queries at branch-level?
• What happens to a temporary worker once they become a Sterling CIS sub-contractor?
• Why do we need to confirm "Eligibility to Work?"

What to do, if a temp is PAYE, but would like to become a sub-contractor of Sterling CIS?
Simply, ask them to call our Customer Service Team, on 0870 754 1111. We will then explain the benefits of becoming a Sterling CIS and the support they will receive once they do. They will also receive an illustration. We will then send them an registration pack and form, or they can download one here. If they are happy for us to call them directly, simply ring our Sales Team 0870 754 1111 and give us a contact name / number.

What to do, if they are already a user of another service provider?
Simply, ask them to call the Sterling CIS Sales Team on 0870 754 1111. We will then explain the benefits of becoming a sub-contractor of Sterling CIS and the support they receive once they do.
We will explain any differences between Sterling CIS and their current provider (e.g. we operate a sliding-scale of fees and they may be paying a flat-fee) and give them an illustration
If they are happy for us to call them directly, simply ring the Sterling CIS Sales team on 0870 754 1144 and give us a contact name / number.

What if the temp wishes to be paid on a self-employed basis?

For construction workers;

Some temps will wish to work on their self-employed status, which most / all agencies are unable to facilitate.. By calling the Sterling CIS sales team, on 0870 754 1111, we will explain the full implications of remaining self-employed along with the advantages and disadvantages of this status.

For non-construction workers;

Some temps wish to work self-employed, most agencies are unable to facilitate this. Call the Sterling CIS self-employed team on 0870 754 1111, we will explain the full implications of remaining self-employed, along with all the advantages and disadvantages of this status. If the temp is happy for us to call them directly simply ring our Sterling CIS team on 0870 754 1111.


What is the difference between a Sterling CIS sub-contractor and Sterling CIS sub-contractor?

Sterling CIS; - for construction workers

The contractor registers as a sub-contractor to Sterling CIS and maintains their self-employed status i.e. they are not classed as an employee, but as a business on their own account. A Sterling CIS sub-contractor can only claim their expenses through their own business accounts at the end of the Tax Year. Sterling CIS make the relevant tax deductions and pay this money over to the HMRC on a monthly basis. We then issue a voucher to the sub-contractor, to show they have paid this money "on account." At the end of the tax year, the contractor must produce business accounts for self assessment.

It is this profit, which is then assessed on income tax and national insurance. The 20% deduction is treated as a payment on account of such liability. Any extra tax due or refunds are dealt with through the self-assessment system.

Sterling CIS; - for Non-construction workers

The contractor registers as a sub-contractor to Sterling CIS and maintains their self-employed status i.e. they are not classed as an employee, but as a business on their own account. As such, they can only claim their expenses through their own business accounts, at the end of the Tax Year. At the end of the tax year, the contractor must produce business accounts for self assessment. It is this profit, which, then assessed on for both income tax and national insurance. Any extra tax due or refunds are dealt with through the self-assessment system.
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What to do if you are still receiving queries at branch-level?
We have systems in place to ensure that none of this burden falls back on the Agency. However, out of habit you may find that the temps will still the agency they are sub-contracted to, if they have a query. If this is the case, please encourage them to call our Customer Service Team on 0870 754 1111with general queries, or their dedicated Payments clerk with any specific queries

What happens to a temporary worker once they become a Sterling CIS sub-contractor?
As soon as we have received a registration form, along with the correct documentation (please see "Why do we need to confirm everyone’s "Eligibility to Work?" section) the relevant paperwork will be forwarded to your Agency (to the branch itself, or to a central Payroll Department) according to your instructions.
The Techserv sub-contractor will then receive a Welcome Pack, which will include such details as a Health & Safety Guidance handbook and useful numbers.

They also receive a laminated ‘credit card’ which fits easily into their wallet and contains all our contact details.


Why do we need to confirm everyone’s "Eligibility to Work?"
As you will be aware, any employer has to perform a number of checks on its sub-contractors, to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK. As of May 2004, these checks were amended, to include all sub-contractors, not just those who are deemed as ’non-UK’ residents. As such we must receive documentation from all potential sub-contractors, before we can accept their application, even those who claim to be UK residents. It is no longer a statutory defence for an employer to claim that an employee has stated UK residency, therefore this is not classed as confirmation of the sub-contractors "Eligibility to Work” as the onus is now on the Employer to verify formal documentation. As an Employer, we must also ensure that we do not discriminate against any party / parties, by asking one person to confirm their eligibility and not another.
Whilst this sometimes requires further explanation, it is a vital part of the service we provide to our Agency clients; this safeguards your reputation by ensuring that everyone who passes through your system has had their "Eligibility to Work" confirmed by Sterling CIS.

Sterling CIS are not obliged to undertake such a check as we are not an employer but do so as best practice.