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 RTW checks in the UK – April 2022
As of 6 April 2022, Biometric Residence Card (BRXC), Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Frontier Worker Permit (FWP) holders will no longer be able to present physical BRPs, BRCs or FWPs in order to evidence their right to work in the UK. Instead, these individuals must evidence their right to work via the Home Office's online service.What does this mean for recruitment agencies?Employers should review internal right to work check processes, procedures and communications in light of … [Read more...]
Crown Commercial Services for Supply Teachers Framework announcement
The following is a copy of an email sent to Recruitment Agencies that are working within the Supply Teacher Framework explaining that they are to confirm that they are not using Joint Employment models to pay their Supply Teachers.Yet more proof that the government and governing bodies are clamping down on services that they deem unsuitable for workers to be paid under.“We have recently been made aware of an emerging ‘joint employment model’ whereby the employment business and an … [Read more...]
HMRC issue guidance on how to reduce your risk of using tax avoidance umbrella companies
Here at ePayMe, we have written a number of blogs on compliant umbrella firms, knowing your supply chain and tax avoidance schemes. Now, HMRC has published their own guidance on how to reduce this risk.As we’ve highlighted previously, off-payroll changes are bringing more workers under PAYE. However, some companies are finding unconventional and non-compliant ways to avoid this and pay less tax.These tax avoidance schemes operate on disguised remuneration, reporting some earning as … [Read more...]
Self-employed pension savings at a low
HMRC have released figures that reveal self-employed pension savings have hit record lows across 2019/2020. Since 2012 to 2013, non-eligible employee participation has increased to 34%. However, this has declined for the self-employed to 16%.In 2019/20 self-employed people paid around £830m into their personal pensions. Though, this figure is down from the £1.15bn paid in the previous year.It is thought that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure would have reduced even further … [Read more...]
Could IR35 be responsible for the UK’s HGV driver shortage?
Food shortages, petrol crisis, the last few months in the UK have been challenging for a number of Brits. A lot of the recent issues are down to a shortage of HGV drivers. It’s estimated that Britain needs an additional 100,000 drivers to ease pressures.The COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit are being blamed for the shortage of drivers. However, new research from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) reveals that recent tax changes could partly be to blame.For those that aren’t familiar with it, … [Read more...]
HMRC issues letters alerting contractors to tax avoidance schemes
The new IR35 Legislation has encouraged more contractors to seek work through umbrella companies. However, the rise of disguised remuneration schemes has now prompted HMRC to act.HMRC have started issuing Tax Avoidance Warning letters directly to contractors, strongly suggesting they may be involved in a DR arrangement or scheme. However, the contractors were likely deceived into signing up as a user, believing they were signing up to a true umbrella company.Are the Revenue using this as … [Read more...]
All you need to know about supply chain compliance
5 months into the IR35 Off-Payroll Legislation, and companies are still facing the effects of these changes. It is now more important than ever to have a good understanding of who you’re working with.Due to the changes, the responsibility of assessing a contractors IR35 status is now down to the end hirer. Making an accurate assessment as part of the compliance process will help avoid any liabilities that could arise from not carrying out this check.The new legislation has meant that … [Read more...]
Umbrella Company or PAYE?
Understand the difference and find out which is the right option for you. Opting to work through an umbrella company is an increasingly popular payroll option in the UK for temporary workers and contractors. However, the understanding of what this actually means for workers is still largely misunderstood. This article aims to highlight in simple terms the differences between umbrella companies and agency PAYE systems; their functions and how worker payroll is processed. This article … [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...]