To not agree to regular cash in hand work

[giraffesCantWalkInSnow]

I am fairly sure IANBU but friends implied I am being a bit of a wimp, what does MN think?

Have a new job - 3 days start in Feb, really pleased. Had an interview a day for a one day a week job, every Thursday. Would suit very well, interview went well imo. But they said since its just one day we would just do cash. I said no to this - I have always said I feel its unfair that some people think its optional to pay it and feel I'd be very hypocritical to agree to this. Also I don't want to be feeling guilty. If everyone decided not to pay tax and ni then were would we be?

I think they were a bit taken back. I know they have a few others to see and I am worried if they agree to cash in hand they will get it. I am on job seekers just now and want to put the money back in to the pot that I have been claiming from iykwim.

AIBU?

Just because it's cash in hand doesn't mean they're dodging tax/ni. One day a week is unlikely to have either taken out anyway. When I worked as a saturday girl (a good few years ago now!) I was paid cash but still got my P60 each year and my p45 when I left - it was still all 'on the books' and there were no dodgy dealings at all, they just chose to pay everyone cash!

I think it's admirable that you are so conscientious about it. So YANBU.

I, on the other hand, am not so conscientious. On top of my part time job, I do some informal cash in hand work, which really helps us to make ends meet at the moment. I'd rather NOT do it tbh as it's time I'd rather be spending with my family, but we really do need the money at the moment.

I've never claimed any benefits, but I don't think that makes me any less morally culpable than you OP.

So well done for sticking to your principles. And shame on me!!!

lou, they aren't wanting to pay tax/ni

If you sign yourself up as self-employed then it doesn't matter if the money is cash-in-hand, you can still declare it at the end of the tax year and pay the tax accordingly. Call up HMRevenue & Customs and let them know the situation - they're really helpful.

How much are they playing you, is it enough to be subject to tax/Ni ?

Would be about £70 for the day.