Back in April, we posted a blog surrounding NHS workers being targeted by tax avoidance promoters and it does not stop there.News surrounding tax avoidance schemes are still circulating outside of the NHS services. HMRC have shared information surrounding the schemes and what to look out for. Information can be found hereMost umbrella companies are compliant with tax rules. However, there are some promoters of tax avoidance schemes using comparison and broker websites, as well as direct … [Read more...]
EU Settlement Scheme Update
Over 4 million applications have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme according to the latest Home Office figures.The latest statistics show that 3,693,400 applications have been received from England, 204,700 from Scotland, 67,200 from Wales and 66,300 from Northern Ireland.If you apply for the EU Settlement Scheme successfully, you will be able to continue living and working in the UK after the 30th June 2021.You will receive either:Settled statusPre-settled statusWhat … [Read more...]
Immigration law changes, is your business ready?
Following the departure of Great Britain from the EU, the transition period ends in December. From January 2021, new rules will apply.One topic businesses need to ensure they have covered is the immigration law changes, which will affect business that employ workers from the EU.As many businesses will already be aware, EU nationals will have to apply for the EU settlement scheme to continue to live and work in the UK and have until the 30th June 2021 to apply for the scheme.On the … [Read more...]
Temporary staff numbers increase following lockdown
Availability of candidates saw a rise for the time in 20 years, reflecting redundancies announced by many companies across Britain following lockdown. It is estimated there has been over 700,000 job losses so far due to the pandemic, with numbers expected to reach over 1 million by the end of 2020.Billing from temporary hiring’s rose for the first time in 7 months. There was also a rise in billings from companies hiring permanent workers in August but the increase was worryingly small, the … [Read more...]
Two more arrests made in HMRC furlough fraud crackdown
Two further arrests have been made in connection with fraud relating to the CJRS for the sum of £70,000. An accountant from Romford and a Company Director from Walthamstow have both been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering.Both individuals have since been released under investigation, but devices and business records have been retained by police.This is not the first arrest made in connection with suspected fraud, back in July arrests were made in … [Read more...]
Up to £3.5bn furlough claims fraudulent or paid in error – HMRC
HMRC told MP’s on the Public Accounts Committee it estimates that 5-10% of furlough has been wrongly awarded, with the latest data showing the programme has cost the Government £35.4bn so far.So far, 8,000 calls have been received to HMRC’s fraud hotline.The furlough scheme had paid 80% of wages for the workers placed on leave since March due to the coronavirus outbreak.Employers are being urged to check their claims and repay any excess amount back to HMRC.As it stands HMRC are … [Read more...]
Support for working families affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Families that benefit from government-funded childcare support were given a boost today as the government announced that they would not lose out due to coronavirus (COVID-19).Working parents or carers who are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or 30 hours free childcare but have temporarily fallen below the minimum income requirement as a result of the pandemic will continue to receive financial support until 31 October 2020.Critical workers who may exceed the income threshold … [Read more...]
UPDATE: CJRS
On Tuesday 21st July, HMRC conducted a CJRS webinar for employer’s in relation to the scheme as we move into the final stages of furlough. We have listed the key facts below following the information shared during the webinar.What has changed?From July 1st, employers could bring back employees for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim the CJRS grant for their normal working hours not worked. They must have previously furloughed employees for a full … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Update
Some 61% of jobs done by these young women had wages paid by the state, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said.Young men of the same age were also more likely than not to have been furloughed, hitting 58% of their jobs.Men aged in their 40s and women aged 41 to 58 were least likely to have been put on the scheme.Anne Willmot, age campaign director at Business in the Community, said: "Young people are being locked out of employment at the start of their careers - a key time for them to … [Read more...]
The hospitality industry invited to register for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme
HMRC has confirmed, in a press release, that restaurants and other establishments who are providing food for customers to eat on-premises are now able to register for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.The scheme, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, on 8 July 2020, means that everyone in the UK can receive a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks every Monday to Wednesday in August 2020, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head. Alcoholic drinks are exempt from the … [Read more...]