The Government have announced more assistance for those struggling with the effects of recent lockdowns and school closures by increasing data allowances on mobile devices to support disadvantaged children. This scheme temporarily increases data allowances for mobile phone users on certain networks. This is so that children and young people can access remote education if their face-to-face education is disrupted.Who can get help Schools, trusts and local authorities can request mobile data … [Read more...]
Tax avoidance, what’s the latest?
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...]
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...]
£11 billion boost for taxpayers facing difficulty due to coronavirus
Anyone who has difficulty paying their second 2019 to 2020 Self Assessment payment on account can take advantage of automatically deferring the payment until 31 January 2021, HMRC is reminding taxpayers.The second Self Assessment payment on account for 2019 to 2020 is ordinarily due at the end of July, but the government previously announced it is supporting the self-employed and others by allowing them to defer this payment.This option to defer is on top of additional support … [Read more...]
CRJS Government Guidance Update
The government have issued guidance to help employers repay HMRC if they have over claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.We have put together some key points to assist employers with repayments in line with the guidance supplied by HMRC.If you have uploaded a claim in error and want to delete it, you must delete the claim via the online service within 72 hours. If you have made an error in a claim that has resulted in an over claimed amount you must pay this back to … [Read more...]
What you need to know about staff returning to work post Covid-19
Following The Prime Ministers announcement regarding the further easing of lockdown, measures will need to be in place to start planning for staff to return to work.The initial response to the pandemic was to enforce lockdown and for employees to work from home where possible. Meaning a large portion of the UK working from home. Steps had to be put in place to accommodate the changes to many businesses and ensure staff received support during lockdown to protect their wellbeing.Many HR … [Read more...]