Support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bills has been unveiled.The government have announced some of the following new information via HMRC.New government scheme will see energy prices for non-domestic energy customers such as businesses, charities and public sector organisations cut – protecting them from rising energy costs Government work with suppliers will reduce wholesale energy costs – and the significant rises in bills that … [Read more...]
Social Workers Registration Renewal
All social workers in England have been asked to renew their registration on an annual basis. Social workers can apply for renewal between 1st September and 30th November each year.If successful social workers will have their registration renewed from the 1st December.The Social Work England Register is publicly available online and anybody can search the register to check that a social worker is registered. Anyone using the title of social worker and who is not registered is committing … [Read more...]
Hot Topic – Tax Avoidance Schemes
With news circulating almost weekly since HMRC launched their Tax Avoidance Enforcement scheme the number of non-compliant providers is currently 17 and counting.Anyone knowingly using non-compliant providers still operating really need to consider the affects these providers have on the workforce. Potential under paid taxes could result in workers being penalised for the repayments, causing stress and anxiety in a time when the living costs are increased so additional bills are not welcomed … [Read more...]
Consultation launched on NHS pension changes to boost winter workforce
NHS pension scheme changes could be extended to allow retired staff to retain pension benefits if they return to the workforce.The extension would make it easier for skilled professionals returning to the NHS to deliver high-quality care to patients. Move would help to bolster the workforce ahead of winter so they can continue to bust the COVID-19 backlogs.Retired and partially retired NHS staff could have important NHS pension changes extended to make it easier for them to return … [Read more...]
HMRC’s Latest List of Tax Avoidance Schemes
Here is HMRC's latest list of tax avoidance schemes. Its not long since HMRC's last update so they are clearly very active in highlighting these schemes and outing the perpetrators. That's good to see, particularly if it helps stop non-compliant umbrellas and stops contractors becoming embroiled in a scheme that results in a huge future tax bill that they're personally liable for.We would like all umbrella companies to be compliant in their approach to avoidance of Tax and not look to … [Read more...]
Are you being paid correctly when working within the social sector?
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...]