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...]
EU settlement scheme update
From September 2023 people with pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) will automatically have their status extended by 2 years before it expires if they have not obtained settled status.The process will be automated by the Home Office and reflected in the person’s digital status, who will then be notified of the extension directly. This will ensure that no one loses their immigration status if they do not apply to switch from Pre-Settled to Settled status.The Home … [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...]
ePayMe Wins Best Payroll Service Provider
We are delighted to announce that we have been named the Best Payroll Service Provider 2022 in the UK. This award recognises our outstanding commitment to delivering compliant payroll solutions to recruitment businesses of all sizes across the country.At ePayMe, we believe that payroll should be simple, efficient and cost effective. That is why we have developed a comprehensive range of payroll services that are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients.The award has been … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]