Any self employed HGV drivers on here? (Not owner drivers)

[bigfatnick]

Hi all.

A few drivers at my work are self employed, they claim to be putting more money in their pockets every month and recommend me to do the same.

It seems that my boss pays them the same hourly rate that I earn, but they pay less national insurance, claim a load of stuff back and have ways of paying less income tax. They all say the same, I don't think it's typical truck driver willy waving bullst. However, they're all a little strong in the mouth department, so I'm not sure how much to believe. As we all know, HGV drivers are a funny breed, and tend not to let the truth get in the way of a good story.

I understand that the government is trying to clamp down on people providing this kind of service, in any industry, and that you are not supposed to work for just one employer (not a problem, I have other people I can do bits for) and almost all the online information I've found on it is a few years old, so may not count any more.

I'm really looking for a balanced view of it. I like to use up my holiday, so I guess I would be at a disadvantage compared to those who want to work all year round. I also live close to work, so couldn't claim a great deal of milage. I do nights out, I'm not sure if I can offset more than the nights out I claim at the moment?


Basically, any tips, advice, facts, pointing in the right direction, fatherly advice etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Nick.