As businesses continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of employment, many are turning to umbrella companies as a solution to streamline processes and manage their workforce efficiently. The HMRC publication dated 30/11/2023 sheds light on the responsibilities that businesses need to be aware of when engaging with umbrella companies. In this blog post, we will explore key insights from the publication and provide guidance for businesses to ensure compliance and successful … [Read more...]
Tackling Non-Compliance in the Umbrella Market
In 2018, the government committed to regulating umbrella companies following the Good Work Plan. In 2021 HM Treasury, HMRC and the Department for Business & Trade called for evidence on the policy options to regulate and tackle non-compliance in both tax and employment rights by umbrella companies.Umbrella companies play a big role in the temporary/contract supply chain providing their workers with employment rights and deducting the appropriate tax and national insurance contributions. … [Read more...]
Crackdown on National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage underpayments
The National Minimum Wage was introduced in 1999, and the National Living Wage in 2016. The NMW and NLW provide essential protection for lower paid workers, ensuring they are fairly paid for the work completed.The minimum wage sets the minimum hourly rate of pay that all employers are legally required to pay their workers, subject to their age and whether they are an apprentice.The Government is committed to taking robust enforcement action against employers who fail to pay staff … [Read more...]
DfE Share Updated Guidance On Strike Action
The Department for Education have shared updated guidance to help schools minimise disruption during any strike action.The guidance can be found here.Engaging with supply agencies Following the repeal of Regulation 7 in July 2022, it is now possible for employers to engage with agency staff to replace the work of those taking official strike action. The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses (Amendment)Regulations 2022The NEU announced on the 16th January … [Read more...]
Government Consults On Holiday Pay Entitlement For Irregular Hour Workers
With last years Harper V Brazel case hitting the headlines, the Government is now consulting on holiday pay entitlement for irregular hour workers.It wants to hear from agency staff, contractors and umbrella companies on how the entitlement is totted up, along with making some proposals of their own.Because of the result of the Harper V Brazel judgement, part-year workers are now entitled to a larger holiday entitlement than part-time workers, who work the same total number of hours … [Read more...]
HMRC Are Asking New IR35 Questions
The Taxman is asking new IR35 questions of clients whose contractors disputed their status and is quietly making changes to how he assesses end-client processes for handling contractor disputes over IR35 status, Treasury minutes reveal.The changes involve HMRC asking the client “specific questions” about their dispute-process and obtaining feedback on the volume of disputes; their outcomes, and if SDSs were altered.'Demands and questions from HMRC' “A list of all contractors – along … [Read more...]
ePayMe Business Partner of The REC
ePayMe is pleased to announce that it has become a business partner of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, The REC.The partnership is a significant step for the Surrey company, which is also Professional Passport and APSCo accredited.We have been providing the recruitment industry with compliant and robust payroll solutions for many years. Our knowledgeable and helpful staff have a wealth of experience and a combined 100+ years working within the payroll space.REC sets … [Read more...]
Autumn Statement Overview
The Chancellor has announced in the Autumn Statement a series of changes that will affect finances.Jeremy Hunt started his speech in the House of Commons, stating that in the face of "unprecedented global headwinds, families, pensioners, businesses, teachers, nurses and many others are worried about the future. He says the plan leads to lower energy bills and a stronger health and education system.Here is an overview of the key points from the statement.Tax and wagesThe … [Read more...]
National Insurance rise to be reversed in November
A 1.25% rise in National Insurance will be reversed from 6 November and the government will axe a planned tax rise to fund health and social care.The NI rise was introduced in April under former chancellor Rishi Sunak, but during the Tory leadership race Liz Truss pledged to change it.New chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng made the announcement ahead of a "mini-budget" on Friday.He said: "Taxing our way to prosperity has never worked."To raise living standards for all, we need to be … [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...]