Licensing system idea for UK tradesmen

TRAVELLING tradesmen who undercut local industry could have their vehicles impounded or be fined unless they apply for a licence under plans being investigated by Commerce and Employment.

Minister Kevin Stewart, pictured, said the department was looking into the issues surrounding 'white van man' - off-island tradesmen who take jobs away from local businesses and leave without paying taxes.

He said an early vision for tackling the problem, which he said was damaging the local building trades and the economy, was to introduce a licensing system.

'People would have to apply for a licences, either by post or online, and provide all the information about who they are, how long they will be here, what job they are doing, and value of the job,' he said.

'They'd then have to pay 20% tax on the labour part of their contract. There would also have to be some kind of reconciliation process where they can claim tax back or indeed pay more once they've finished the job.'