When working within the social sector, it is crucial that both employers and employees know what is classed as ‘paid working time’ and ‘Non-paid working time’. Employees are entitled to be paid for all working time at National Minimum Wage.Over time what is classed as ‘paid working time’ has been the subject to dispute and getting it wrong can prove very costly. Employers should bear in mind the government has a ‘Naming and Shaming’ scheme for companies that fail to pay their workers the … [Read more...]
12.07% holiday pay appeal rejected
Further to our previous blog regarding holiday pay which details information regarding the Harpur Trust v’s Brazel case, it has been published today that the Harpur Trust’s appeal has been dismissed unanimously and the ruling still stands.It was acknowledged that EU case law indicates that, in general, a worker’s minimum holiday allowance is determined by the number of weeks they actually work. Under UK law, holiday pay for people working irregular hours is determined by averaging their pay … [Read more...]
Support package for over 50s jobseekers
On the 4th July the Government announced a new support package to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits.The new measures are set to help a quarter of all job seekers get back into work with an estimated £22 million investment.As a stable income is the best route for people to support themselves through challenging times, Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres. This will help them get into and progress in work, boosting their earnings … [Read more...]
Agency workers to replace staff on strike following MP’s vote
Yesterday evening the draft Conduct of employment agencies and employment businesses (amendment) regulations 2022 was approved by MP’s by 289 votes to 202.If approved by the House of Lords, the legislation will be changed to allow employers in public services such as education, transport and healthcare to replace staff on strike with agency workers.These changes come hours after further strike action was confirmed.In light of this, the Government have reviewed the current industrial … [Read more...]
Are you calculating holiday pay at 12.07%? If so, you could be held liable for pay differences.
The position regarding holiday pay entitlement for workers with varying work patterns was considered by the Court of Appeal in the 2019 case of Harpur Trust vs. Brazel Case Study Ms Brazel, a clarinet and saxophone teacher worked at schools providing individual lessons to its pupils. She worked on average between 10 and 15 hours per week. She was paid by the hour and did not work during the school holidays. Ms Brazel was required to take her holiday entitlement.The school did what … [Read more...]
Contractors at risk of being taken in by bogus badges from ‘sham’ accreditation outfits
Contractors must start double-checking the badges that umbrella companies display on their website, experts are appealing to readers of ContractorUK.The advice to check that the provider’s badge is a stamp of approval from a genuine, verifiable accreditation body featured in a new umbrella company checklist for contractors.Dolan Accountancy But an avoidance scheme blacklisted by HMRC – Peak PAYE Ltd -- has since been observed using a badge emblazoned with ‘The Institute of Freelancing & … [Read more...]
ONS Reports Increase in Temporary Workers
The number of temporary employees in the UK increased by 9.16% on a seasonally adjusted basis to a total of approximately 1.71 million for the three-month period from October 2021 through December 2021 when compared to the same period a year ago, according to the Office for National Statistics.When compared to the previous three-month period ended November 2021, the number of temporary employees saw an uptick of 1.88%Temporary workers are self-identified when surveyed by the ONS, and … [Read more...]
Hot Topic – Preferred Supplier Lists
With recent headlines, there is a need for Preferred Supplier Lists (PSL's) but at what cost?A contractor could demand that they continue to be paid through an umbrella that is not on an agencies PSL and that umbrella might not be compliant. The contractor may want to continue to use them as their take home pay is 85%+. In this instance, why should an agency want to use them?There is also additional administration in setting them up, if they have not worked with them previously. Due … [Read more...]
HMRC names avoidance scheme promoters for first time
All legitimate umbrella companies have been calling for the regulation of the sector for a long time.We are pleased to announce that Tax avoidance schemes have been named for the first time by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as users are warned they could face large tax bills.HMRC has today advised anyone involved in Absolute Outsourcing’s or Purple Pay Limited’s Equity Participation Scheme to withdraw from them as soon as possible to prevent building up a large tax bill.This is the … [Read more...]
Changes to National Insurance
The big story in this Spring Statement was the announcement that the Government will increase both the Primary Threshold and Lower Profits Limit of National Insurance to bring them in line with the income tax personal allowance of £12,570.The Primary Threshold and Lower Profits Limit are the points at which both employees and the self-employed start paying National Insurance.Speculation had mounted in recent weeks that the Chancellor would cancel the proposed increase in National … [Read more...]