CCM6765 - Particular Aspects: Work & Hours - Self-employed Customers - Migrant Workers

The criteria for a self employed Migrant Worker is no different than a UK National. However as they may not have been in the UK for long and they may not have a history on our HMRC systems it can be difficult to verify their self employment.

There are extra credibility issues to consider. It is not usual for a person to become self employed in remunerative work overnight, there needs to be a period to obtain work and build up a customer base. They will need to buy equipment, secure premises and transport etc.

You will need to ask

• how did they advertise before they came to Britain
• how did they build up their customer base
• when did they buy their equipment, premises etc

You will need to request the normal documentation to verify the self employment. Migrant workers will be subjected to the same requirements to register and provide SA returns for work done. Therefore you should use the same balance of probability criteria when checking the evidence provided.

There may be language difficulties if you need to conduct a phone or face-to-face interview so it may be necessary to use the Big Word.

For further information on self employed Migrant Workers refer to CCM20350.