THOUSANDS of self-employed builders are facing uncertain futures as new tax laws come into force tomorrow.

The new regulations have been described as a "time-bomb waiting to explode for the construction industry."

Self-employed builder Kevin Buck, of Lower Darwen, is one of an estimated 300,000 people affected by the the new rule.

The Inland Revenue says self-employed workers in the construction industry now have to class themselves as employed by the contractors they are working for or unemployed.

Kevin's wife, June, said: "It's ridiculous. For 18 years we've paid our contributions as a self-employed person but now we've been kicked in the teeth.

"To be classed as employed by the contractor would mean we would have to fork out anything between £60 and £80 extra each week to cover the employer's liability costs and that's a third of our wages.

"In effect it means we would be paying for the privilege of working.

"We only found out about the new rule recently and we've nowhere to turn for help. It appears there's nothing we can do." The engineering services and national recruitment organisation Meridian Business Support says the rule will devastate the industry.

Director Derek Hampson said: "The very big companies are fully aware of the new rules and acting accordingly.

"But many small to medium sized businesses who call on self-employed personnel when the work demands have done little or nothing.

"In effect, the self-employed would become employees overnight."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the new rules can contact Mr Hampson on 0161 929 3800.

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