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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to refuse to pay cash in hand?

366 replies

Dontasksillyquestions · 28/01/2026 20:29

This recently came up in conversation with a friend and she disagreed with me.

I generally avoid hiring anyone who asks to be paid cash in hand. I don’t see how cash is more convenient these days unless it’s to avoid tax, benefits rules, etc., and I don’t want to be involved. I also rarely carry cash and getting to a cash machine is inconvenient.

Last year I stopped using a regular gardener when he suddenly asked for cash only, despite there being no payment issues (I always transferred the money on the day he’d done the work). My friend thinks I’m being ridiculous and that it’s none of my concern how people run their business. AIBU?

OP posts:
Motheranddaughter · 28/01/2026 20:59

Candlestickinthediningroom · 28/01/2026 20:48

For what other reason would a tradesman want to be paid in cash? Genuine question?

Show quote history

Bank charges, credit control, cash flow
To Name 3

dadtoateen · 28/01/2026 20:59

Candlestickinthediningroom · 28/01/2026 20:46

Of course you are not being unreasonable. I have concerns that if a tradesperson doesn't issue invoices, receipts and allow non-cash payment, then the chance of them working without insurance is higher and I'm not willing to take that risk in my home.

Where was it mentioned that no invoice would have been presented?

Original poster
Dontasksillyquestions · 28/01/2026 20:58

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 28/01/2026 20:48

Cash jobs don't always go through the books but I think it's fair as self employed people don't get paid for annual leave or for being sick. If they don't work they don't get paid. It can also be complicated for households with a self employed earner to claim Universal Credit as a top up as earnings vary so much.
Sometimes doing a few cash in hand jobs are a little fuck you to the government.

Isn’t the main reason self-employed tradesmen charge crazy rates that they don’t get sick leave, paid holidays, and other benefits?

Dodging taxes isn’t a fuck you to the government, it’s a fuck you to the taxpayers, who end up paying more to cover the gap while getting worse services.

OP posts:
BotterMon · 28/01/2026 20:56

Small businesses/sole traders pay a lot of charges when customers use cards. I often pay cash and get a discount. Win win.

I use bank transfers if I need proof of payment for work done but will pay cash at farmer's markets and the like.

FunnyOrca · 28/01/2026 20:54

I never have cash so would hate to pay someone regularly in cash!

We were bullied once by a decorator when we were young and first moved in. Then he said we had given the wrong amount (definitely had not as we had had to withdraw it all so knew how much had come out) and chased us for more, unable to keep his story straight about how much short it had been. We just paid him and have never paid cash for anything since!

BeaLola · 28/01/2026 20:51

It's up to you

I pay my window cleaner in cash - it's £15

I pay my hairdresser in cash- she happily takes cards but I choose cash as I think she gets more that at as no charges being paid

RaininSummer · 28/01/2026 20:51

Unless they don't have a bank account I don't think there is a legitimate reason to ask to be paid cash is there other than small amounts perhaps? Logically it's more hassle as they would have to go to a bank to pay it in. But I don't imagine they do that so it's not traceable for benefits or tax.

Candlestickinthediningroom · 28/01/2026 20:49

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 28/01/2026 20:48

Cash jobs don't always go through the books but I think it's fair as self employed people don't get paid for annual leave or for being sick. If they don't work they don't get paid. It can also be complicated for households with a self employed earner to claim Universal Credit as a top up as earnings vary so much.
Sometimes doing a few cash in hand jobs are a little fuck you to the government.

Or to their own children.

Candlestickinthediningroom · 28/01/2026 20:48

Motheranddaughter · 28/01/2026 20:42

i really can’t see the issue
Asking for cash doesn’t mean they are up to no good

For what other reason would a tradesman want to be paid in cash? Genuine question?

VeterinaryCareAssistant · 28/01/2026 20:48

Cash jobs don't always go through the books but I think it's fair as self employed people don't get paid for annual leave or for being sick. If they don't work they don't get paid. It can also be complicated for households with a self employed earner to claim Universal Credit as a top up as earnings vary so much.
Sometimes doing a few cash in hand jobs are a little fuck you to the government.

BeagleSkunk · 28/01/2026 20:46

I agree with your friend.

It’s your choice of course but I think the underlying assumption that anyone who requests to be paid in cash is a tax dodger or benefit cheat is wrong.

Candlestickinthediningroom · 28/01/2026 20:46

Of course you are not being unreasonable. I have concerns that if a tradesperson doesn't issue invoices, receipts and allow non-cash payment, then the chance of them working without insurance is higher and I'm not willing to take that risk in my home.

Motheranddaughter · 28/01/2026 20:42

i really can’t see the issue
Asking for cash doesn’t mean they are up to no good

pteromum · 28/01/2026 20:42

it doesn’t bother me for small amounts. How they run things is up to them. if they do a good job, are reliable and turn up. Not a problem.

I have a few people I use, eg chimney sweep, mole catcher, window cleaner, all cash only. They all give me a receipt.

It would be a 30 mile trip for me to get cash, but I know when they are coming.

I actually fine it harder when places won’t take cash. Especially fairs, shows, things where children are included. It is so much easier to give the kids a couple of pounds for cash only stalls at a show than one which is card only.

Original poster
Dontasksillyquestions · 28/01/2026 20:40

Since the vote is so close, could someone explain why I’m being unreasonable? I genuinely want to understand people’s reasoning.

OP posts:
Bigcat25 · 28/01/2026 20:33

They are probably avoiding taxes or child support so I think it's fine to avoid. My childcare person started doing this and I kind of regret not ending the arrangement sooner. (For other reasons too but I think she lacked integrity in general.)