Skip to main content
Unions confront ‘tax scam’ firms
Crooked ‘umbrella’ companies deduct fees from construction workers’ pay

Construction unions confronted building firms across Britain yesterday over a rampant tax scam that costs the public purse and workers millions a year.

Outside Parliament MPs and leaders of three trade unions rallied against the rise of crooked “umbrella” companies which exploit a legal loophole to evade employer dues.

Earlier, construction union Ucatt members had picketed the gates of sites where the exploitation is taking place.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
FRAUGHT PROCESS: A member of HS2 staff walks through the Chilterns tunnel of the new line
Features / 23 May 2026
23 May 2026

The HS2 debacle exposes what happens when public infrastructure is handed to private contractors – especially when set against China’s state-led high-speed rail success, says CARLOS MARTINEZ

A sign in a field by the M40 near Warwick, protesting the changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules, November 2024
Landownership / 22 October 2025
22 October 2025

CAROL WILCOX argues for the proper implementation of the land value tax, which could see unused plots sold off and landlords priced out of landlordism, potentially resolving the housing and planning crises

A tanker from Thames Water,  August 10, 2022
Privatisation / 12 August 2025
12 August 2025