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...]
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...]
HMRC’s approach to fraud in the Covid-19’s support schemes
As many of the governments coronavirus support schemes are coming to an end, HMRC are assessing the impact of fraud within them.HMRC’s current estimate for the amount lost to fraud and error in the schemes during 2020 to 2021 is a total of £5.8 billion against a £81.2 billion spend. 8.7% in CJRS, 2.5% in SEISS phases 1-3 and 8.5% in the eat out to help out schemes.From the beginning, it was clear the scheme would be targets for fraud and that customers may make mistakes.The … [Read more...]
HMRC reveal bizarre excuses for not paying NMW
Following the latest HMRC press release naming and shaming employers for paying staff less than minimum wage, they have now published some of the excuses employers have used for failing to pay staff at minimum wage.HMRC recognises that the vast majority of employers ensure they pay their employees at least the NMW, but, in tax year 2020-21, it has helped over 155,000 workers in the UK to recover more than £16 million in pay they were entitled to. In addition, it has issued over £14 million … [Read more...]
Right to work in the UK changes for EEA Citizens
With less than two weeks until the right to work checks change for EU residence whom are continuing to live and work in the UK, the employer’s right to work guidance has now been updated.From 1 July 2021, EEA citizens and their family members require immigration status in the UK. They can no longer rely on an EEA passport or national identity card, which only confirms their nationality, to prove their right to work. They will be required to provide evidence of lawful immigration status in … [Read more...]
Employee Experience the focus of Post-Covid Business: How prepared is your business?
Many employers are making sincere changes to their businesses in order to incorporate the increasingly popular Hybrid Working Model and prioritise Employee Mental Wellbeing. The UK Government's initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic was to impose a countrywide lockdown, enforcing workers to work remotely from home where possible. Businesses as a result, had to adjust and comply with new regulations for the safety of its workers.Subsequently, the effects of lockdown has now … [Read more...]
Future of Lockdown: UK Government Guidelines
A paper published by the House of Commons on April 2nd, 2021, outlines the rules around COVID-19 and returning to work. Here is a brief summary which outlines lockdown legislation, employer’s health and safety obligations and when workers can refuse to work.Download full report here.In late March 2020, the UK Government imposed a National lockdown in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic that swept the country. Government imposed rules that prohibited people from going to … [Read more...]
IR35 For Beginners
Do you need assistance understanding IR35? Are you unsure if you are affected? This IR35 for beginners infographic may help.Infographic: IR35 for beginnersIf you have any questions or concerns about your IR35 status then please do connect with us on 01252 863700 or email info@epayme.co.uk.ePayMe are one of the UK’s leading providers of compliant payroll services to contractors, temporary agencies and small businesses. Our bespoke systems utilise the latest software and link directly … [Read more...]