The House of Lords Economic Affairs Finance Bill Sub-Committee has published the Government’s response to its report on the off-payroll working rules. The response addresses the concerns raised by the Sub-Committee and sets out how the Government is responding to its recommendations. The response concludes as follows:

“The Government has carefully considered the Sub-Committee’s report into the off-payroll working rules. Whilst the Government is still committed to introducing the reform to these rules in this Finance Bill, with an implementation date of 6 April 2021, it agrees with the Sub-Committee that the delay should be used productively and effectively.

The Government has already committed to commissioning further research into the public sector reform to assess how the reform had been implemented and its effect on the labour market. Furthermore, HMRC are enhancing its education and support to businesses and individuals ahead of the implementation of the reform in April 2021. HMRC will continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders on the implementation of the reform, working with different sectors to ensure businesses understand the changes.”