Payroll for Construction Firms: Navigating CIS and Subcontractor Pay

Managing payroll is integral to any business, yet the construction industry requires a unique and highly specialised approach.

Complex elements such as multi-job tracking, prevailing wage requirements, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), union payroll, and varying pay rates across projects create layers of administrative challenge.

Without an efficient system, payroll for construction firms can become a costly and time-consuming task.

How Does Construction Payroll Work?

Construction payroll refers to the total wages and salaries a company pays its employees, including their hourly rates. However, in the building and contracting sector, payroll extends well beyond simply issuing wages on time. It encompasses the calculation of pay across different sites and projects, compliance with CIS regulations, and correct classification of workers. It also involves ensuring that subcontractors are paid accurately and in line with HMRC requirements.

This process demands meticulous record-keeping, integration with time-tracking systems, and constant adherence to changing tax and employment regulations.

What Sets Construction Payroll Apart from General Payroll?

Construction payroll is considerably more complex than standard payroll due to industry-specific requirements. Key factors that set it apart include:

• Multi-Job Tracking - Employees and subcontractors frequently work across multiple projects, each with its own pay rate. This requires detailed allocation of hours and rates per project to ensure accurate billing, cost control, and wage calculation.
• The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) - Contractors are required to deduct money from subcontractors’ payments and pass it to HMRC as advance payments towards the subcontractor’s tax and National Insurance. This adds another layer of compliance to the payroll process.
• Union Payroll Requirements - If workers are part of a trade union, their pay may be subject to specific collective agreements and additional deductions such as union dues.
• Variable Pay Rates - Pay rates can vary depending on skill level, project type, and site location, requiring careful monitoring and correct application.
• Regulatory Compliance - Adherence to employment law, working time regulations, and health and safety obligations all influence payroll operations.

How to Set Up Payroll Service for Your Construction Company

1. Time Tracking Systems

Accurate time tracking forms the backbone of any construction payroll system. With workers moving between sites and roles, it is essential to capture real-time data on hours worked. A robust time-tracking system can:

1. Improve cost estimates by monitoring hours per task or project.
2. Aid project planning by providing reliable time data.
3. Streamline payroll calculations and reduce administrative errors.
4. Ensure correct overtime payments in line with working time regulations.
5. Promote accountability among workers.

Modern solutions integrate directly with payroll software, reducing manual input and ensuring accuracy.

2. Employee and Subcontractor Classification

Correctly classifying workers as employees or subcontractors is vital. Misclassification can result in incorrect tax treatment, penalties from HMRC, and disputes over employment rights. For subcontractors, CIS rules must be followed meticulously, including verification with HMRC and correct application of deductions.

3. Payroll Taxes, Deductions, and Withholdings

Payroll for construction firms in the UK includes not only paying workers but also ensuring compliance with tax laws. Common deductions include:

• CIS Deductions - For registered subcontractors, a standard 20% deduction is made and sent to HMRC. For unregistered subcontractors, the rate is 30%.
• PAYE and National Insurance Contributions - Standard employee deductions must be calculated and paid to HMRC.
• Pension Contributions - Under auto-enrolment rules, eligible workers must be enrolled into a workplace pension scheme.
• Union Dues -  Where applicable, deducted and paid to the relevant union.
• Court-Ordered Deductions or Garnishments - Such as child maintenance orders.

Accurate reporting via RTI (Real Time Information) submissions to HMRC is a legal requirement.

Common Construction Payroll Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding errors is essential to prevent compliance issues and maintain worker trust. Frequent pitfalls include:

1. Relying on Manual Processes -  Manual tracking increases the risk of errors and inefficiencies.
2. Neglecting Overtime Pay -  Failing to account for overtime correctly can breach employment law.
3. Ignoring Hour and Pay Rate Verification -  Mistakes in rates across different jobs can cause payroll disputes.
4. Incorrect Tax Forms - Late or incorrect RTI submissions can result in HMRC penalties.
5. Misclassifying Employees -  Incorrectly treating an employee as a subcontractor (or vice versa) can have costly consequences.

Simplify Construction Payroll with DHPayroll

DHPayroll provides specialist payroll services for the UK construction industry, with expertise in CIS compliance, multi-project time tracking, and subcontractor payments. By using tailored software and processes, construction firms can reduce errors, save time, and ensure full compliance with HMRC requirements.

Conclusion

Payroll for construction firms is a specialised function requiring a deep understanding of industry regulations, variable pay structures, and compliance with the CIS. With the right systems and expert support, construction companies can streamline operations, remain compliant, and maintain smooth cash flow for both employees and subcontractors.

FAQs

How do I set up payroll for my construction company?

Choose a payroll solution that supports CIS compliance, multi-job tracking, and integration with time-tracking systems. Register as an employer with HMRC, set up PAYE, and ensure all workers are classified correctly.

What is CIS in UK payroll?

The Construction Industry Scheme is a tax deduction scheme in which contractors deduct money from a subcontractor’s payments and pass it to HMRC. It is designed to reduce tax evasion in the construction sector.

What are the different types of construction payroll services?

These include in-house payroll management, outsourced payroll services, and hybrid models that combine internal oversight with external processing support.