ok, ok, it was on the cards, we admit it. As one of the UK's fastest growing payroll RPO providers it was time we moved the logo away from something that represented more of a Umbrella feel, to a professional yet simplified branding. After all, less than 5% of our 2,000 contract workers paid each week are actually on a Umbrella style solution. All the rest are on a standard PAY+ scheme which pays a comparable net pay to PAYE whilst ensuring all our workers are compliant against NMW or Travel … [Read more...]
UK economy emerges from recession
I was really pleased to hear that this afternoon the UK economy has emerged from recession, I thought I would share with you this article I read on the BBC News website: The UK economy has come out of recession, after figures showed it had grown by a weaker-than-expected 0.1% in the last three months of 2009. The economy had previously contracted for six consecutive quarters - the longest period since quarterly figures were first recorded in 1955. There have been recent recovery signs - last … [Read more...]
A response from the FCSA and REC following Radio 5 programme
Following on from last night’s Radio 5 programme into tax avoidance by recruitment agencies (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19977308), Stuart Davis, Chairman of the FCSA comments: ‘The programme highlights some legitimate concerns about the behaviour of some recruitment agencies and payroll companies. It is clear that a small minority are not operating within the spirit of the law and exploiting low paid workers by not paying National Minimum Wage (NMW), and using expenses as part of NMW to … [Read more...]
DO NOT GET CONFUSED BY CURRENT HMRC INVESTIGATIONS SURROUNDING TAX AVOIDANCE OR TRAVEL & SUBSISTENCE SCHEMES
A recent Radio 5 Live broadcast discussed payroll providers and umbrella companies as being immoral in their methods to reduce tax and national insurance contributions by providing a travel and subsistence allowance, hence conducting an immoral service. A couple of comments I would like to make on these allegations: Not all payroll providers and/or umbrella companies operate in this manner. Some do and some have, however they have either rebranded themselves, or are yet to be investigated. If … [Read more...]
How to say thanks to your staff
Genuine appreciation goes a long way. It shows you are paying attention. It shows you care. It makes people feel valued. People don't forget kindness. I can show you how to thank someone appropriately in eight words or fewer. When you thank your employees, be prompt. Recognise the kind of effort you want to see again soon and be spontaneous. Don't wait for a review or company-wide event to thank your employees. Of course, be specific, too. So how can you most effectively thank and recognise … [Read more...]
HMRC final warning on Pay day by pay day tax relief models
At an Ernst & Young Service Providers seminar last week Robin Wythes, the leading HMRC employment status policy director, reiterated HMRC’s determination to close down the Pay day by pay day tax relief model still being widely marketed and utilised by agencies and end users with large numbers of workers at or near National Minimum Wage (NMW). HMRC have taken the unusual step of recently publishing two statements warning that these schemes are non-compliant. See … [Read more...]
Change to Child Benefit
I stumbled upon an interesting article regarding new rules which will effect Child Benefit and I learned that some high earners and their partners will be expected to disclose their finances to each other from next January. I thought I would share it with you: People will be able to find out from HM Revenue and Customs if their partners receive child benefit, or earn above £50,000 a year. The changes are part of the forthcoming taxation of child benefit in households where someone earns above … [Read more...]
Supporting our employees this STOPtober
As you are aware (if you are not, don't you watch the TV?) today is the first of a 28 day supportive campaign to help smokers quit. As a equal and caring employer, it makes absolute sense to support and enforce this initiative. I have therefor put a further personal incentive to my staff. Quit for this month (and hopefully the rest of their lives) and I will give each of them £100. If they don't, they will forfeit and pay me £50 :o) Join me in wishing employees of ePayMe the best of luck and … [Read more...]
Millions to take first step on saving ladder for less than the price of a pint
Today (Monday) new legislation comes into force that will see more than 5m people savinginto a pension for the first time ever by the end of 2018. NEST, the national not-for-profit pension scheme established under the legislation, has calculated that the majority of these new savers will need to put just over £2 aside each week to get them started – and if their employer pays the entire minimum contribution required by law, nothing at all. Automatic enrolment reforms will affect 11 million … [Read more...]
National Minimum Wage Rate Change
Another date for your diary: From 1st October 2012: Workers aged 21 and over will now receive a minimum rate of £6.19 per hour. Apprentices under the age of 19 and those over 19 who are in the first year of their apprenticeship will get £2.65 an hour. The rates for 18-20 year olds and 16-17 year olds remain unchanged a £4.98 per hour and £3.68 respectively. Entitlement to the National Minimum Wage Most workers in the UK over school leaving age are legally entitled to be paid at least the … [Read more...]