Legislation update 2022 for payroll

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Following the successful Legislation update 2021 for payroll by PAYadvice.UK with 19,500 hits and downloads since its launch at the beginning of 2021, following the UK budget on 27th October trigger and confirming a number of payroll changes for April 2022, along with announcement by States of Guernsey and States of Jersey - PAYadvice.UK have … Continue reading Legislation update 2022 for payroll →

TV licence fee frozen

The TV licence fee has been frozen for two years as the government moves to support families in the face of rising living costs. Fee will remain at £159 until 2024 before rising in line with inflation for four yearsHouseholds will not see any change to the licence fee until 1st April 2024New agreement gives … Continue reading TV licence fee frozen →

Tax refund companies under fire for high fees

People are losing out on hundreds of pounds after being enticed into using third-party companies to claim tax rebates instead of going directly to HMRC, according to Which? In a survey of over 4,000 people, the consumer champion found one in five (22%) had been contacted by a tax refund company, heard of one by … Continue reading Tax refund companies under fire for high fees →

From Monday 17th January, self-isolation ends after 5 full days

People self-isolating with COVID-19 will have the option to reduce their isolation period after 5 full days if they test negative on both day 5 and day 6 and do not have a temperature, from Monday, 17 JanuaryIndividuals who are still positive on their rapid lateral flow tests must stay in isolation until they have … Continue reading From Monday 17th January, self-isolation ends after 5 full days →

HMRC responds to claims

HMRC, 100 Parliament Street Responses to myths, misconceptions and inaccurate stories or claims about HMRC. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sometimes faces criticism or negative commentary in relation to its enforcement activity. As a consequence the government department has issued some response providing clarification and challenging some myths that may circulate. HMRC does not do … Continue reading HMRC responds to claims →

State Pension Age review

The next review of State Pension age has been launched. The review considers whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence. The Pensions Act 2014 requires government to regularly review State Pension age, and in accordance with law, this latest Review must be published by … Continue reading State Pension Age review →

HMRC gives Self Assessment taxpayers more time to ease COVID-19 pressures

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self Assessment taxpayers for one month – giving them extra time, if they need it, to complete their 2020 to 2021 tax return and pay any tax due. HMRC is encouraging taxpayers to file and pay on time if they can, … Continue reading HMRC gives Self Assessment taxpayers more time to ease COVID-19 pressures →

Blooms – How an employer can employ someone from outside of the UK

The following case study is issued by UK Visas and Immigration as example of how an employer can employ someone from outside of the UK and the steps they will take to apply for a sponsor licence. Blooms florists Employing someone with settled status Sole proprietor florist with a small high street shop, trading as … Continue reading Blooms – How an employer can employ someone from outside of the UK →

New critical workforce testing measures

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has acknowledged the disruption to the workforce caused by the spread of Omicron and set out further measures the government is taking to address this. He announced the Government will provide 100,000 critical workers in England with free lateral flow tests to help keep essential services and supply chains running. … Continue reading New critical workforce testing measures →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – saving UK employment

Source: HMRC, Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics The House of Commons library has published the statistical report for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, referred to as ‘Furlough’. The Scheme applied from 1st March 2020, to prevent mass redundancies due to the COVID-19 pandemics impact on the U.K. economy and specifically employment. The scheme ended on … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – saving UK employment →

HMRC fraud squad takes back £1 billion from offenders

More than £1 billion has been recovered from the proceeds of crime and tax offenders since the formation of a specialist HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) fraud squad five years ago.  Launched in April 2016, the department’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) has now recovered assets equivalent to funding around 20,000 NHS nurses for an entire … Continue reading HMRC fraud squad takes back £1 billion from offenders →

Support to help more disabled people into work

New package of support to help thousands of disabled people into work as Government builds back fairer.15 Jobcentre Plus sites to trial framework to become more autism-friendly.26,000 work coaches are undergoing accessibility training to improve jobcentre services for disabled people. Thousands more disabled people are set to benefit from a new package of support designed … Continue reading Support to help more disabled people into work →

2,828 ’elf Assessments filed on Christmas Day

More than 31,000 Self Assessments submissions for the 2020 to 2021 tax year over the festive period. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed that 2,828 taxpayers filed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day, compared to 2,700 in 2020. For thousands, filing their tax return on 25 December has become part of their … Continue reading 2,828 ’elf Assessments filed on Christmas Day →

Industry given certainty around seasonal workers but told to focus on domestic workforce

Seasonal Worker visa route extended until end of 2024, to allow foreign workers to come to the UK for up to six months to pick both edible and ornamental crops. The visa scheme which allows seasonal workers to come to the UK will continue, but the government has demanded a plan from the sector to … Continue reading Industry given certainty around seasonal workers but told to focus on domestic workforce →

Health and Care Visa scheme expanded

Care workers, care assistants and home care workers to become eligible for Health and Care Visa for 12 month period Care staff to be added to the Shortage Occupation List in response to pandemic pressuresVisa Boost complements £462.5m investment in Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund Thousands of additional care workers can be recruited to boost … Continue reading Health and Care Visa scheme expanded →

Protect yourself from online sales scams

The government is urging the public to protect themselves from online sales scams through five actionable steps. The public must be vigilant in protecting themselves from the threat of online scammers the Government has urged after a year which saw a record number of cyber attacks and online scams. Reports to Action Fraud, the national … Continue reading Protect yourself from online sales scams →

£1 billion support for businesses impacted by Omicron

Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businessesGovernment will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences for small and medium-sized … Continue reading £1 billion support for businesses impacted by Omicron →

Self-isolation reduced from 10 to 7 days

New guidance enables the 10-day self-isolation period for people who have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) to be reduced to 7 days, in most cases. People who receive negative LFD results on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period – with tests taken 24 hours apart – will no longer have to self-isolate … Continue reading Self-isolation reduced from 10 to 7 days →

Statutory Sick Pay rebate scheme (SSPRS) reopens

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has announced support for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant with the reopening of the SSP rebate scheme (SSPRS). It is a temporary scheme to support employers facing heightened levels of sickness absence due to COVID-19. The SSPRS will refund small and medium-sized employers’ COVID-related SSP costs for up … Continue reading Statutory Sick Pay rebate scheme (SSPRS) reopens →

Trusted and modern: HMRC’s vision for the future

The Rt Hon Lucy Frazer QC MP Location: HMRC’s Regional Centre in Stratford.Delivered on: 6th December 2021 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Good morning to everybody, both those who are here in person, and those who are online. Jim, thank you very much for inviting me today. I am really delighted … Continue reading Trusted and modern: HMRC’s vision for the future →

Cyber laws to protect personal tech

Consumers will be better protected from attacks by hackers on their phones, tablets, smart TVs, fitness trackers and other internet-connectable devices due new law. Bill to better protect people’s smartphones, TVs, speakers, toys and other digital devices from hackersWill prevent the sale of consumer connectable products in the UK that do not meet baseline security … Continue reading Cyber laws to protect personal tech →

Markets and outdoor marquees allowed permanently

Local hospitality businesses no longer need planning permission to put up marquees on their land and councils will no longer need planning permission to hold an outdoor marketMeasures originally introduced during the pandemic will now be made permanent following public consultationThis will draw more people to high streets and town centres and boost local businesses … Continue reading Markets and outdoor marquees allowed permanently →

Welsh Devolved Taxes and Welsh Rates of Income Tax – Draft Budget 2022-2023

Welsh Rates of Income Tax The draft Budget assumes the three Welsh Rates of Income Tax (basic, higher and additional) will remain at 10% (10p in the pound) for 2022-23. This will be subject to Senedd approval through a Rate Resolution and will mean that Welsh taxpayers will continue to pay the same rates as … Continue reading Welsh Devolved Taxes and Welsh Rates of Income Tax – Draft Budget 2022-2023 →

HMRC to name tax avoidance promoters

Naming tax avoidance promoters As part of the approach to support taxpayers to steer clear, or move out, of tax avoidance HMRC plans to publish details of those involved in the supply of mass-marketed tax avoidance schemes and details of the schemes they are selling. This will enable taxpayers to spot avoidance schemes more easily … Continue reading HMRC to name tax avoidance promoters →

HMRC late payment interest rates to increase

HMRC interest rates for late payments will be revised following the Bank of England interest rate rise to 0.25%. The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee voted on 16th December 2021 to increase the base rate to 0.25% from 0.1%. As a consequence, the HMRC interest rates (which are linked) for late payments will increase. … Continue reading HMRC late payment interest rates to increase →

Temporary changes to the self-certification period for sickness absence

HMRC have issued the following and asked that we share: On 12th December, the Prime Minister launched the Omicron Emergency Boost, with the NHS expected to offer every eligible adult over the age of 18 a booster vaccination by 31st December. Developing this accelerated booster programme presents a huge challenge for the NHS and it … Continue reading Temporary changes to the self-certification period for sickness absence →

Gender neutral X passport case lost

In an appeal judgement given by the Supreme Court, the requirement for the passport office to issue gender neutral passports (gender X), has been lost. Background The Appellant was born female but underwent several operations that were successful in achieving the desired status of "non-gendered." From 1995 onwards the Appellant has been in contact with … Continue reading Gender neutral X passport case lost →

Skills boost to support jobs

Nine new Institutes of Technology and a multi-million-pound investment in skills and technical training to level up opportunities. Adults and young people will benefit from more high-quality and flexible education and training – levelling up opportunities and supporting more people into higher skilled, higher wage jobs. Those looking to upskill or retrain will have access … Continue reading Skills boost to support jobs →

Employee Sickness self-certification extended to 28 days

The DWP and HMRC have applied a statutory instrument which comes into force on Friday 17th December 2021 which extends employee sickness self-certification until 26th January 2022. …. …. This modifies the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations 1985 to provide that an employee shall not be required to provide medical information for the first … Continue reading Employee Sickness self-certification extended to 28 days →

New CDC pension scheme one step closer

A new type of pension scheme delivering reliable returns – and potentially boosting retirement incomes for millions, will soon become a reality after regulations were laid in Parliament. The new Collective Defined Contribution pension will see both the employer and employee pay into a collective fund, with pensions paid out from this shared pot. Benefits … Continue reading New CDC pension scheme one step closer →

Consultation: disability workforce reporting

The Minister for Disabled People launches a consultation on disability workforce reporting as part of the National Disability Strategy Consultation one of 100 immediate commitments in the National Disability StrategyEmployers, staff networks, disabled people and their organisations, encouraged to have their saySurvey will run until close 25th March 2022. Views on voluntary and mandatory reporting … Continue reading Consultation: disability workforce reporting →

Crackdown on directors who dissolve companies to evade debts

Rogue directors who dissolve companies and avoid paying liabilities to staff, creditors and the taxpayer can now be disqualified from being a director. The Insolvency Service has new powers to tackle unfit directors who dissolve companies to avoid paying liabilities. The Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act helps tackle directors dissolving companies to … Continue reading Crackdown on directors who dissolve companies to evade debts →

Record £1 billion child support

New figures reveal a record £1 billion in child maintenance payments has been collected and arranged in the last 12 months to September 2021. Figures reveal: nearly 800,000 children are now covered by a child maintenance arrangementresults prove strength of vital service to separated parents and children The sum was collected and arranged on behalf … Continue reading Record £1 billion child support →

Record number of people on payroll

The December 2021 Office of National Statistics (ONS) report: Labour market overview, UK: December 2021 The data comes from HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC's) Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Real Time Information (RTI) system. Covering the whole working population within PAYE rather than a sample of people or companies. RTI data allows more detailed estimates … Continue reading Record number of people on payroll →

Second State Pension Age Review

The next review of State Pension age has been launched by the Government. The Review is to consider whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence. The Pensions Act 2014 requires government to regularly review State Pension age, and in accordance with law, this latest … Continue reading Second State Pension Age Review →

TUC want to hear from Childcare workers

The TUC is looking to engage with childcare workers to understand their experiences of working in the sector before and during the pandemic. They want to understand the priorities childcare workers have for reform of the sector and what they would like to see happen to improve working conditions. Who should complete this survey The … Continue reading TUC want to hear from Childcare workers →

HMRC December 2021 Employer Bulletin

HMRC have issued the December 2021 Employer Bulletin, again, packed full with information. In this month’s edition of the Employer Bulletin there are important updates and information on the following: PAYE Health and Social Care – National Insurance contribution increaseNational Insurance holiday for employers of veteransReporting benefits and expenses in real-timeEmployers using Category M National … Continue reading HMRC December 2021 Employer Bulletin →

Scottish budget 2022-2023 sets out Scottish Income Tax changes

The following is extracted from the document Scottish Budget: 2022-23 issued alongside the budget delivered on 9th December 2021. The Scottish Parliament has the power to set the Income Tax rates and bands for the non-savings, non-dividend income of Scottish taxpayers, with the revenue received coming to the Scottish Government through the operation of the … Continue reading Scottish budget 2022-2023 sets out Scottish Income Tax changes →

Why are employers breaking minimum wage law? ‘don’t be a Scrooge – pay your staff properly’

Government has named and shamed another 208 businesses which failed to pay the minimum wage to 12,000 of the lowest paid workers. What are employers doing wrong? The employers named underpaid workers in the following ways: Deduction and Dress codes 37% - deductions that reduce minimum wage pay, for example workers out of pocket to … Continue reading Why are employers breaking minimum wage law? ‘don’t be a Scrooge – pay your staff properly’ →

Record numbers study nursing and midwifery

Record numbers of students accepted places to study nursing and midwifery in England this year for the second year running. The figures from this year’s admission cycle show 30,185 acceptances, an increase of 1.5% (445) compared to last year when there were 29,740 acceptances. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid: It … Continue reading Record numbers study nursing and midwifery →

More help to train and test new HGV drivers

First intensive short courses in HGV driving under way to help tackle skills shortages and support 11,000 people launching new careers in the logistics sector. Free courses to train as HGV drivers are under way as part of a package of measures to ease driver shortages and support supply chains for Christmas and beyond. Skills … Continue reading More help to train and test new HGV drivers →

‘Passport’ to help disabled graduates get in to employment

Hundreds of disabled university students are set to benefit from a new ‘passport’ scheme that will support them as they move into work. The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Access to Work Adjustment Passport is to help ease the transition from university into employment by reducing the need for repeated health assessments. A pilot … Continue reading ‘Passport’ to help disabled graduates get in to employment →

Call for Evidence: umbrella company market

The government has published a call for evidence on the umbrella company market. Umbrellas - what are they? Umbrella companies play a role in the labour market by facilitating the engagement of temporary workers. Umbrella companies employ individuals on behalf of clients and employment businesses. They do not source work for the employee, which is … Continue reading Call for Evidence: umbrella company market →

Steps to modernise and simplify UK tax system

As part of Tax Administration and Maintenance Day the government has set out more detail on work to deliver a modern, simple and effective tax system - to help taxpayers get their tax right the first time. The announcements follow the commitment the Chancellor made at Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 - for there … Continue reading Steps to modernise and simplify UK tax system →

April 2022 Statutory payments changes confirmed

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Software Developers Support Team (SDST) have issued the confirmed statutory payment rates applicable from April 2022. PAYadvice.UK have updated its Legislation Update 2022 v22.4 with the confirmed rates. For statutory parental payments for weeks starting from 3rd April 2022: Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)Statutory Adopt Pay (SAP)Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP)Shared Parental … Continue reading April 2022 Statutory payments changes confirmed →

Precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Omicron variant

Face coverings From 4am Tuesday 30th November 2021 face coverings are compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt. All international arrivals Travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday 30th November 2021 are required to take a PCR … Continue reading Precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Omicron variant →

Check on illegal working practices in the security industry

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) and HMRC have carried out joint operations in London, Bradford and Glasgow last week to ensure that security staff were employed legitimately and treated fairly. Teams attended a number of venues and spoke to security operatives to check the correct taxes were being paid and to ensure they were not … Continue reading Check on illegal working practices in the security industry →

New qualification to give core digital skills

Ofqual has launched a second consultation on its remaining policy proposals and draft: Technical consultation on regulating Digital Functional Skills qualifications The qualifications are being introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) and will be designed to teach core digital skills needed for life and work. Ofqual will regulate these new qualifications. Ofqual consulted on … Continue reading New qualification to give core digital skills →

Employers urged to help un-pause the careers of women in menopause

Menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce, and this Older Workers Week (22nd – 28th November), Minister for Employment Mims Davies is calling on employers to strengthen their support to keep millions in work. With almost one in four women cutting their careers short because of the menopause, the Minister has called … Continue reading Employers urged to help un-pause the careers of women in menopause →

National Apprenticeship Week theme ‘Build the Future’ announced for 2022

The theme of “Build the Future” continues for its second National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which will take place between 7th and 13th February 2022. The 15th annual week-long celebration will take place across England, encouraging individuals of any age to reach their career goals by building their skills and knowledge through an apprenticeship. Peter Mucklow, … Continue reading National Apprenticeship Week theme ‘Build the Future’ announced for 2022 →

Margaret Beels appointed as Director of Labour Market Enforcement

“The new appointment will bolster government’s continued efforts to protect and enhance workers’ rights while stamping out workplace exploitation” Margaret Beels appointed as new Director of Labour Market EnforcementBeels will set strategic direction for labour market enforcement bodies and will oversee an annual assessment of the scale and nature of workplace non-compliance Margaret Beels OBE … Continue reading Margaret Beels appointed as Director of Labour Market Enforcement →

Child Care Vouchers – 2022/2023 Basic Earnings Assessment Calculator

Employer who provide childcare vouchers to employees are required to undertake an annual Basic Earnings Assessment (BEA) prior to the start of the tax year to define the tax and NIC free amount of ChildCare Vouchers (CCV). The rates and limits available are set by the Westminster parliament and apply across the United Kingdom. There … Continue reading Child Care Vouchers – 2022/2023 Basic Earnings Assessment Calculator →

Tax Administration and Maintenance Day – 30th November 2021

A Tax Administration and Maintenance day (TAMD) will take place on 30th November 2021.Consultations for announcements made at Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021, summaries of responses to recently closed consultations and technical information notices will be among documents published)None of the announcements will require legislation in the Finance Bill. A number of documents will … Continue reading Tax Administration and Maintenance Day – 30th November 2021 →

Software Developers HMRC NI Guidance 2022/2023 EB5

The HMRC Software Support Team (SDST) have issued the new National Insurance Contributions guidance for software developers. Effective for the tax year 2022 to 2023 – Technical Specification – issued January 2022. EB5 NI Guidance 2022-23_v1cDownload They have also issued an updated 2021-22 EB5 which includes NICs category V and the Veterans Upper Secondary Threshold … Continue reading Software Developers HMRC NI Guidance 2022/2023 EB5 →

Health and Social Care payslip message issued

On 7th September 2021, the government announced a new 1.25% Health and Social Care Levy to fund investment in the NHS and social care. The Levy will be effectively introduced from April 2022 when National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for working age employees, self-employed people and employers will increase by 1.25% and be added to the … Continue reading Health and Social Care payslip message issued →

Over 100,000 young careers boosted by Kickstart

Launched as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, Kickstart has helped young people in all corners of the country to develop new skills, build confidence, and get a crucial first foot on the career ladder, with jobs at a huge range of UK employers including Yorkshire Water, Pinewood Studios, JD Sports, EFL football clubs, … Continue reading Over 100,000 young careers boosted by Kickstart →

Self Assessment – Don’t be scammed!

800,000 tax-related scams were reported in the last 12 months HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is preparing to issue emails and SMS to Self Assessment filers reminding them to be on their guard after nearly 800,000 tax-related scams were reported. Fraudsters are using Self Assessment to try and steal money or personal information from unsuspecting … Continue reading Self Assessment – Don’t be scammed! →

Helping families access Child Trust Funds

Families seeking access to small funds belonging to loved ones who lack mental capacity are to benefit from a simpler and quicker system, under plans set out by ministers. A new streamlined process will allow withdrawals and payments from cash-based accounts, such as a Child Trust Fund (CTF) or a Junior ISA, up to £2,500 … Continue reading Helping families access Child Trust Funds →

Made in the UK, Sold to the World

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has published a 12-point plan to help UK businesses hit £1 trillion in exports. The Government has launched a new ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ plan to help businesses double exports and sell their products around the globe. The 12-point export strategy - published Wednesday 17th … Continue reading Made in the UK, Sold to the World →

Millions paid below the real Living Wage

4.8 MILLION JOBS IN THE UK PAY BELOW THE REAL LIVING WAGE 1 in 6 (17.1%) of UK jobs pay below the real Living Wage, a significant decrease from last year’s figure of 5.4 million (1 in 5 or 20.2 per cent) Women (20.4 percent) are more likely to earn below the real Living Wage than men (13.9%) Part-time workers (33.2%) are … Continue reading Millions paid below the real Living Wage →

REAL LIVING WAGE INCREASES TO £9.90 IN UK AND £11.05 IN LONDON AS COST OF LIVING RISES.

Over 300,000 Living Wage workers are set for a pay boost More than £1.6 billion in extra wages has gone to low-paid workers since the start of the Living Wage movement 20 years ago £613 million in extra wages has gone to low-paid workers since the start of lockdown, with a record number of employers … Continue reading REAL LIVING WAGE INCREASES TO £9.90 IN UK AND £11.05 IN LONDON AS COST OF LIVING RISES. →

Warning highlighting online shopping product safety risks!

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), has issued an Important Product Safety Message in the run up to Christmas, asking the public to check who they are buying from. Many consumers are unaware that online platforms are not always the seller of the products on their websites but often act as an intermediary … Continue reading Warning highlighting online shopping product safety risks! →

Employers – are you Disability Confident

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring in the workplace. Over 20,000 organisations have already signed up. Disability Confident employers play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. They’re changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks and communities, and reaping the … Continue reading Employers – are you Disability Confident →

Just some extra cash!

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are reminding individuals that obtaining additional income from various sources may need to be declared and subject to Income Tax. This is 'casual income' and you might need to pay tax on it. This may include money someone earns from things like: selling things, for example at car boot sales … Continue reading Just some extra cash! →

New rules put pension savers’ interests first

Plans to protect small pension pots from being eroded by charges will be introduced in April 2022. Hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from the new rules outlined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Tuesday 9th November 2021, which will introduce a threshold at which pensions providers will no longer be able … Continue reading New rules put pension savers’ interests first →

COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment for frontline health and social care workers

Health and social care workers, including volunteers who have face to face contact with service users, will need to provide evidence they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to be deployed, under new measures announced Measure aims to ensure patients and staff are protected against infectionDeadline for care home workers to be double … Continue reading COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment for frontline health and social care workers →

Drivers miss out by not renewing licences online

New figures released by DVLA show that drivers missed out on £2.3 million of savings by not renewing their photocard driving licence online. The agency has revealed that between April 2020 and March 2021, around 23% of the 2 million renewal applications received were sent by post or via the post office. This is despite … Continue reading Drivers miss out by not renewing licences online →

Time or running out for claimants with post office card accounts

Around 24,000 HMRC claimants with a Post Office card account have just three weeks left to update with new payment details before the 30th November 2021 deadline, or risk having payments paused. From 1st December 2021, HMRC will stop making tax credits, Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance payments to Post Office card accounts. HMRC is … Continue reading Time or running out for claimants with post office card accounts →

New measures protect pension savers from scams

New measures to protect pension savers and help stop scam transfers in their tracks became law Monday 8th November 2021. The new regulations, which come into force on Tuesday 30th November 2021 mean suspicious transfers can be stopped from ending up in the hands of a fraudster, as pension trustees and scheme managers get new … Continue reading New measures protect pension savers from scams →

Furlough numbers for September at record low

The number of people on furlough fell to a record low during its September 2021 last month of operation. Figures show 210,000 employees came off the scheme in September – and around half of the 1.1 million people supported were on flexible furlough working some of their usual hours. Insolvency Service data also showed redundancy … Continue reading Furlough numbers for September at record low →

Welsh Government Attachment of Earnings Orders consultation

The Welsh Government is seeking views on the proposal to amend earnings thresholds for Attachment of Earnings Orders (AEO) issued by Welsh local authorities. They are proposing to uprate the AEO thresholds so that the level of earnings taken into account for council tax purposes reflects ‘real terms change’. Increasing the earnings limits will protect … Continue reading Welsh Government Attachment of Earnings Orders consultation →

Agent view of Employer liabilities and payment for PAYE

The HMRC customer engagement team have provided the following in relation to payroll agents access to client information. Update on Agent view of employer liabilities and payments Rollout plan We are pleased to report that from Monday 1st November agents with up to 7,500 clients can now opt in to see employer liabilities and payments. What … Continue reading Agent view of Employer liabilities and payment for PAYE →

Scottish Earnings Arrestment changes April 2022

Proposed changes to Scottish Earnings Arrestment tables for April 2022 have been published. Accountant in Bankruptcy (Scotland’s Insolvency Service) is expected to lay regulations in the Scottish Parliament in November which will uprate the current Diligence against Earnings tables. These tables are used to determine the amount deducted from a person’s wages if they are … Continue reading Scottish Earnings Arrestment changes April 2022 →

Funding to create jobs, expand woodlands and protect trees

Applications for new £6m fund start from 3rd November 2021, with environmental charities, not-for-profits, local authorities and protected landscape bodies encouraged to apply. Action to get more trees in the ground, create more jobs and improve access to nature across the country has been stepped Sunday 31st October 2021 with a new £6 million ‘Trees … Continue reading Funding to create jobs, expand woodlands and protect trees →

Powers to make temporary modifications to employment taxation

According to HM Treasury, COVID-19 has highlighted the limited scope to make changes to the current benefits in kind and expenses tax system to respond quickly to the pandemic. The government has had to introduce primary and secondary legislation with temporary effect to respond to the pandemic, to exempt a number of benefits in kind, … Continue reading Powers to make temporary modifications to employment taxation →

Van benefit charge and fuel benefit charges for cars and vans from 6 April 2022

As part of the Autumn Budget 2021, the following has been announced: Who is affected? Employers and employees: where employers provide employees with company vans available for private use, or provide fuel for private mileage in company cars and vans. Approximately 150,000 individuals are likely to be affected by the increase in the car and … Continue reading Van benefit charge and fuel benefit charges for cars and vans from 6 April 2022 →

New Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy

The government is establishing an Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy. This new levy will first be charged on entities that are regulated during the financial year from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, the amount payable determined their size based on UK revenue from periods of account ending that year. Amounts will be payable … Continue reading New Economic Crime (Anti-Money Laundering) Levy →

Clamping down on tax avoidance

As part of the Autumn budget 2021 announcements, the government are progression new measures to clamp down on promoters of tax avoidance schemes. The measure is targeted at the most persistent and determined promoters and enablers of tax avoidance. The proposed legislative changes are designed to clamp down on the supply of tax avoidance arrangements. … Continue reading Clamping down on tax avoidance →

Dividend tax increase April 2022

Since April 2016, the rates of Income Tax applicable to dividend income have been 7.5%, 32.5% and 38.1% for basic, higher and additional rate taxpayers respectively. Any individual who has dividend income can benefit from the dividend allowance which has been set at £2,000 since April 2018. Dividends within the allowance are not charged to … Continue reading Dividend tax increase April 2022 →

Large minimum wage increase to boost low-paid workers’ incomes

Minimum wage rates from April 2022 have now been confirmed Following a period of speculation, media briefings and the Autumn budget 2021 announcements, changes to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage following the Low Pay Commission recommendations have been confirmed for April 2022. The National Living Wage (NLW) will rise to £9.50 from 1st … Continue reading Large minimum wage increase to boost low-paid workers’ incomes →

Pension tax relief response – new NPA top-up

Following concerns expressed to government on a purported tax relief anomaly between the Net Pay Arrangement where tax relief at the employees prevailing tax rate is given versus Relief At Source where a 25% top up is applied regardless. The government was concerned about the potential for a low-earning individual’s take-home pay to be affected … Continue reading Pension tax relief response – new NPA top-up →

That was the Autumn budget 2021 – the Payroll impacts

So the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the second budget of 2021 on Wednesday 27th October with much anticipation of the payroll and other impacting changes, some with immediate application, whilst other are set for April 2022 and some direction for the future. What we already knew Much to the annoyance of Parliament, the speaker … Continue reading That was the Autumn budget 2021 – the Payroll impacts →

Payroll-deducted saving schemes

True Financial wellbeing in the workplace “Financial wellbeing is about feeling secure and in control of your money. It is knowing that you can pay the bills today, can deal with the unexpected, and are on track for a healthy financial future. In short: feeling confident and empowered.” The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is … Continue reading Payroll-deducted saving schemes →

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases April 2022

On the 21st October 2021, the UK government indicated approval of the Low Pay Commission recommendation for the uplifting of minimum pay rates within the United Kingdom – these new minimum rates apply for pay periods commencing on or after 1st April 2022. The National Living Wage (NLW) increases to £9.50, a 6.6% rise. With … Continue reading National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases April 2022 →

DBS and seasonal job scams

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) continues a campaign to raise awareness of job scams and employment fraud among job seekers, alongside JobsAware – a non-profit organisation that informs people of how to avoid and report job scams and other unfair working practices. With seasonal job scams predicted to increase in the lead up to … Continue reading DBS and seasonal job scams →

Nine in 10 disabled workers want to continue working from home after pandemic

Nine in 10 disabled workers surveyed (90 per cent) who worked from home during the pandemic want to continue doing so at least some of the time, according to a TUC poll. An overwhelming majority of disabled workers who worked from home during the pandemic told the TUC that they want to continue doing so … Continue reading Nine in 10 disabled workers want to continue working from home after pandemic →

Self Assessment countdown begins

There are 100 days to go until the deadline for online tax returns on 31st January 2022. Last year, 96% of customers completed their tax return online. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment filers that on Sunday 24th October, they have one week left to submit paper tax returns and 100 days … Continue reading Self Assessment countdown begins →

Give ex-offenders a second chance

new poll shows support for businesses which recruit prison leaversover 90 percent of businesses highlight the reliability of such staff A polling commissioned by the Ministry of Justice has found that over 90 percent of businesses that employ ex-offenders said that they are reliable, good at their job, punctual and trustworthy. The Deputy Prime Minister … Continue reading Give ex-offenders a second chance →

Final claims for the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rebate Scheme

The SSP Rebate Scheme closed on 30‌‌th September 2021 and employers have until 31‌‌st December 2021 to submit any final claims, or to amend claims already submitted.  As a reminder, if an employer with fewer than 250 employees and paid SSP to employees for sickness absence or self-isolation that was coronavirus-related on or before 30th‌‌ ‌September 2021, the employer was … Continue reading Final claims for the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rebate Scheme →

Action – final Job Retention Scheme claims

HMRC are contacting employers with the latest information about the closure of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The CJRS closed on 30th ‌‌September 2021 and the final deadline for claims was 14‌‌th October 2021. What you need to do now: if claims for September need to be amended, this … Continue reading Action – final Job Retention Scheme claims →

Finance for small businesses

Running a small business and needing to find finance assistance, the latest blog by the Governments Actuarial Department (GAD) looks at the issues of raising finance to enable UK businesses to run efficiently. They look at how raising finance is important in allowing businesses to function. Working capital, which enables the daily operations of business, … Continue reading Finance for small businesses →

Further boost for people applying for EU Settlement Scheme

The Home Office has announced a further £3 million to help vulnerable and at-risk EU citizens apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The money goes to a network of grant funded organisations, which supports people across the UK in applying to the EUSS who have vulnerabilities such as language barriers or limited access to … Continue reading Further boost for people applying for EU Settlement Scheme →

Thousands set to benefit from new technical skills

Thousands of working adults will be offered free courses to rapidly upskill in STEM sectors including engineering, digital and construction Sixty-five short and modular courses will start to roll out from later this month at 10 Institutes of Technology(IoTs) across England in STEM subjects, including courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Digitisation of Manufacturing, Digital Construction, … Continue reading Thousands set to benefit from new technical skills →