Subcontract scaffolding crew

Established scaffolding contractors, building firms and sometimes housebuilders' site teams.

Labour-only rates, usually by the day or by the metre or job, invoiced weekly or fortnightly. Deductions may be made under the Construction Industry Scheme.

• CISRS card and relevant scaffolding experience
• Reliable, safe and tidy work at height
• Good teamwork and turning up on time
• Basic invoicing and record keeping

• Employment status: check with HMRC whether you are genuinely self-employed or should be treated as a worker or employee
• Public liability insurance and sometimes cover that main contractors ask for, check their requirements
• Construction Industry Scheme registration and deductions, check with HMRC or an accountant
• Work can be uneven and depends on a few customers, avoid relying on just one firm
• Working at height and manual handling risks, make sure your training stays current

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the tools, PPE, insurance and training you need to buy. These are estimates, and you use other firms' tube and fittings rather than buying your own.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £7,000, depending on how consistently work comes in and whether you work alone or with a small crew. Work can be uneven, so avoid relying on just one firm.

Check with HMRC whether you are genuinely self-employed or should be treated as a worker or employee, and about Construction Industry Scheme registration and deductions. Also check the public liability cover main contractors ask for, and keep your working-at-height training current.