SPEAKING as a person in her seventies who often needs help with light duty jobs both indoors and out, I am amazed at the hourly rate charged by some workmen for this service, particularly since it is unlikely that Income Tax or National Insurance are being paid out of the cash-in-hand arrangements.
From my experience those guilty of jumping on the bandwagon fall into three categories.
First, those in full-time employment willing to work extra hours for many different reasons.
Second, pensioners who are still active and seem to regard odd-jobbing as a ‘nice little earner’ as they often charge rates which they wouldn’t be earning if still in employment.
Third, those who offer gardening services but with little knowledge of plants , shrubs or trees , and are really just lawn mowers.
We are grateful to those who offer their services for the jobs which are too small for professionals , however, please don’t rip us off, either charge fairer rates or provide an invoice and pay the tax which should be paid.
E Turton,
Droitwich
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