Month: March 2020

Right to work checks adjusted #COVID19 #coronavirus

Right to work checks have been temporarily adjusted due to coronavirus (COVID-19). This is to make it easier for employers... These changes apply from 30th March 2029 and will end when the crisis is over. Normally employers would need to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks Conducting a right to work check during the temporary COVID-19 measures Ask the worker … Continue reading Right to work checks adjusted #COVID19 #coronavirus →

NHS returners being targeted by unscrupulous tax avoidance schemes #COVID19 #coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tax-avoidance-promoters-targeting-returning-nhs-workers-spotlight-54 ..’unscrupulous promoters of tax avoidance schemes are targeting workers returning to the National Health Service (NHS) to help respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak’ ....All of these schemes have one thing in common and that is to attempt to disguise the true level of your earnings, which would ordinarily be subject to Income Tax … Continue reading NHS returners being targeted by unscrupulous tax avoidance schemes #COVID19 #coronavirus →

TUC sets out furloughed employee rights #COVID19 #coronavirus

The Trades Union Congress have provided resource confirming the rights for employees and workers who have been furloughed. https://www.tuc.org.uk/what-are-rules-if-youre-temporarily-laid-off The TUC confirms that ‘Bosses must follow the rule’..... ‘...Employers must use a fair process for selecting employees for furlough and be very clear about why they are making certain decisions. They must be careful not … Continue reading TUC sets out furloughed employee rights #COVID19 #coronavirus →

At last! The updated tax calculation specification #Budget2020

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876522/PAYERout_v18.0.pdf HM Revenue and Customs have published the SPECIFICATION FOR PAYE TAX TABLE ROUTINES version 18.0 and distributed to software developers Monday 30th March 2020. This specification defines the legal basis for the calculation of Income Tax in the UK. Tax calculation for England, Northern Ireland and Wales remain unchanged. The Scottish Parliament budget process … Continue reading At last! The updated tax calculation specification #Budget2020 →

I’ve been Furloughed – What should my pay be? #COVID19 #coronavirus

If you have been offered furlough and agreed to it, the following is the basis of payments you should receive. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme?&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=covid19#how-much-youll-get Have you been ‘furloughed’ by your employer? Do you know how much you will receive? The following outlines the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme basis your employer should be using. How much you’ll get Your … Continue reading I’ve been Furloughed – What should my pay be? #COVID19 #coronavirus →

GPA – uniting payroll #COVID19 #coronavirus #Budget2020

https://globalpayrollassociation.com/products/uniting-payroll Friday 27th March saw the ‘three payroll musketeers’ unite payroll with a free virtual symposia UK update. Simon Parsons joined Kate Upcraft and Ian Holloway to discuss government change in relation to the new tax year and emergency measures dealing with #COVID19 #coronavirus. The host was the Melanie Pizzey of GPA. All four are … Continue reading GPA – uniting payroll #COVID19 #coronavirus #Budget2020 →

Home working – Broadband limits removed #COVID19 #coronavirus

Government agrees measures with telecoms companies to support vulnerable consumers through COVID-19 The UK’s major internet service and mobile providers, namely BT/EE, Openreach, Virgin Media, Sky, TalkTalk, O2, Vodafone, Three, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, and KCOM have all agreed the following commitments, effective immediately: All providers have committed to working with customers who find it difficult to … Continue reading Home working – Broadband limits removed #COVID19 #coronavirus →

VAT deferral #COVID19 #coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/deferral-of-vat-payments-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19 If you’re a UK VAT registered business and have a VAT payment due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020, you have the option to: defer the payment until a later datepay the VAT due as normal HMRC will not charge interest or penalties on any amount deferred as a result of the … Continue reading VAT deferral #COVID19 #coronavirus →

Rules on carrying over annual leave relaxed #COVID19 #coronavirus

Workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to COVID-19 will now be able to carry it over into the next 2 leave years. Government to amend regulations to allow annual leave to be carried over into the next 2 yearsmeasures will ensure workers won’t lose their leave entitlementsmove gives … Continue reading Rules on carrying over annual leave relaxed #COVID19 #coronavirus →

HELP for employees and workers – #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – does my employer have to lay me off / make me redundant because of #COVID19

Are you at risk of loosing your job or income as a result of #COVID19 #coronavirus? Speak with your employer to see if they would agree to use the governments Job Protection Scheme? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme If you and your employer both agree, your employer might be able to keep you on the payroll if they’re unable … Continue reading HELP for employees and workers – #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – does my employer have to lay me off / make me redundant because of #COVID19 →

Employers can claim for furloughed employees through the #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme #COVID19

HMRC have released (26th March 2020) further information on the operation of the #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for employers who furlough some employees for a minimum 3 weeks. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme It highlights the condition to qualify, how the furlough earnings are calculated and based and other questions and situations. This is part of the governments indicative … Continue reading Employers can claim for furloughed employees through the #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme #COVID19 →

New Income Support Scheme for Self-employed #COVID19 #coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme The scheme allows the self employed to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. Who can apply Self-employed individual or a member of a partnership and: submitted Self Assessment tax return for 2018-19traded 2019-20are trading when you apply, or … Continue reading New Income Support Scheme for Self-employed #COVID19 #coronavirus →

HMRC issue guidance on expenses and benefits related to #Homeworkers #COVID19 #coronavirus

What is the tax position? HMRC have issued further clarification on which expenses are taxable if your employee works from home due to #coronavirus #COVID19 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-which-expenses-are-taxable-if-your-employee-works-from-home-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19 For example - Those working from home are entitled to the reliefs relating to home-working allowance of £4 per week (£18 per month) rising to £6 per week (£26 … Continue reading HMRC issue guidance on expenses and benefits related to #Homeworkers #COVID19 #coronavirus →

Avoid the SCAMS #COVID19 #coronavirus

Scammers are attempting to capture your personal detail to commit fraudulent activity. HMRC are warning about text messages that look similar to the stay at home message from GOV.UK that falsely indicate a tax refund. Helping protect your members from scams The Pension Regulator (TPR) are concerned that during this difficult period, many may be … Continue reading Avoid the SCAMS #COVID19 #coronavirus →

#COVID19 and National Minimum/Living Wage #coronavirus

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy have confirmed that the ‘Government in clear that employers must continue to pay at least National Minimum Wage to workers’. HMRC, who act as enforcers of NMW law, will continue to respond to worker complaints and protect workers rights. How to complain about minimum pay breach In … Continue reading #COVID19 and National Minimum/Living Wage #coronavirus →

Will we see Statutory Self Employment Pay? #COVID19 #coronavirus

The House of Commons Public Bill committee have proposed an amendment to the emergency Coronavirus Bill. If passed then we may see the introduction of ‘Statutory Self Employment Pay’. This would potentially provide payments of 80% of average monthly net earnings subject to a £2,917 £2,500 ceiling (amended to match employment). The potential beneficiaries being … Continue reading Will we see Statutory Self Employment Pay? #COVID19 #coronavirus →

Middlesborough FC loose National Minimum Wage Appeal case #NMW

Middlesborough FC Middlesborough FC ran a payroll deduction scheme allowing employees to buy season tickets has lost an appeal and must make up the short fall in wages due under National Minimum Wage law. The scheme allowed employees to agree to buy football season tickets by instalments from their pay. HMRC issued enforcement notices against … Continue reading Middlesborough FC loose National Minimum Wage Appeal case #NMW →

Enforcement of a Gender Pay Gap suspended #COVID19 #coronavirus

Due to Coronavirus ‘the Government Equalities Office (GEO) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have today... taken the decision to suspend enforcement of the gender pay gap deadlines... for this.. year’. There will be no expectation on employers to report their data. In a joint statement, Minister for Women & Equalities, Liz Truss, … Continue reading Enforcement of a Gender Pay Gap suspended #COVID19 #coronavirus →

‘You must stay at home’ #COVID19 #coronavirus

Prime minister Boris Johnsonhttps://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-address-to-the-nation-on-coronavirus-23-march-2020 The prime minister Boris Johnson has announced further measures to combat coronavirus: - people will be allowed to leave home for ‘very limited purposes’: basic shopping necessities, once a day exercise, medical need, and absolutely necessary to work travel - do not meet friends or family who you do not live … Continue reading ‘You must stay at home’ #COVID19 #coronavirus →

#COVID19 #coronavirus – The Pension Regulator update for employers

The Pension Regulator have issued guidance for employers The pension regulator (TPR) recognises that ‘These are unprecedented, challenging and uncertain times for trustees, employers, administrators and, crucially, savers’. TPR are providing a update page for employers and other pension professionals. https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/covid-19-an-update-for-trustees-employers-and-administrators The TPR provide the following information for employers:- Trustees of both defined benefit (DB) … Continue reading #COVID19 #coronavirus – The Pension Regulator update for employers →

#COVID19 #coronavirus – Online isolation notes launched – providing proof of coronavirus absence from work

People unable to work for more than seven days because of coronavirus (COVID-19) can obtain an isolation note through a new online service. Department of Health and Social Care Isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or … Continue reading #COVID19 #coronavirus – Online isolation notes launched – providing proof of coronavirus absence from work →

KEEP BRITAIN PAID #COVID19 #coronavirus – Guidance for employers – Sick Pay

Guidance for employers https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19#certifying-absence-from-workhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses The government have issued guidance for employers and business. This guidance will assist employers, businesses and their staff in addressing coronavirus (COVID-19). Sick pay Those who follow advice to stay at home and who cannot work as a result will be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), even if they are … Continue reading KEEP BRITAIN PAID #COVID19 #coronavirus – Guidance for employers – Sick Pay →

#coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – KEEP BRITAIN PAID

Rishi Sunak - Chancellor of the Exchequer https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. Eligibility All … Continue reading #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – KEEP BRITAIN PAID →

#COVID19 #coronavirus Guidance for the Self-employed

Guidance for self-employed https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees If you’re self-employed or not eligible for SSP If you are not eligible for SSP – for example if you are self-employed or earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week – and you have COVID-19 or are advised to stay at home, you can now more easily make a … Continue reading #COVID19 #coronavirus Guidance for the Self-employed →

#COVID19 #coronavirus – Guidance for employees

Help for employees https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees Sick pay You can get £94.25 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. If you are staying at home because of COVID-19 you can now claim SSP. This includes individuals who are caring for people in the same household … Continue reading #COVID19 #coronavirus – Guidance for employees →

KEEP BRITAIN PAID – Government to meet 80% of earnings of retained workers #COVID19 #coronavirus

The government have announced further temporary measures to help keep Britain paid. ‘STAY AT HOME’ - ‘PROTECT THE NHS’ - ‘SAVE LIVES’ Boris Johnson - Prime minister Prime minister Johnson - Cafes, clubs, theatres and leisure centres are to close. Stay at home. Together we will beat this virus. Rishi Sunak - Chancellor of the … Continue reading KEEP BRITAIN PAID – Government to meet 80% of earnings of retained workers #COVID19 #coronavirus →

School closures – KEEP BRITAIN PAID – Payroll professionals are key workers #COVID19 #coronavirus

Payroll = Key worker The Department for Education has confirmed that payroll professionals are classified as key workers within financial services The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend. It is important to underline that … Continue reading School closures – KEEP BRITAIN PAID – Payroll professionals are key workers #COVID19 #coronavirus →

Receive free school meals? What happens with the school closures?

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-set-out-to-support-pupils-eligible-for-free-school-meals Children eligible for free school meals will be offered meals or vouchers as an alternative if they can no longer attend school due to coronavirus measures Low-income families whose children are eligible for free school meals will be offered vouchers, food or meals to make sure they continue receiving this support, even if they … Continue reading Receive free school meals? What happens with the school closures? →

Homeworkers tax and NI free allowance increase from 6th April 2020

Working from home? Where an employer chooses to pay an allowance for their workers who are working at home under a home working arrangement, the allowable amount which is tax and NI free (with no requirement for expense recording) is being raised from the current flat rate £4 per week (£18 per month) to a … Continue reading Homeworkers tax and NI free allowance increase from 6th April 2020 →

National Insurance Holiday for employers of veterans from April 2021

One of the new measures announced in the budget was the introduction for a National Insurance holiday for employers that hire former members of the UK regular armed forces. Budget 2020 The NI holiday would exempt employers NIC liability on the veteran’s salary up to the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) in their first year of … Continue reading National Insurance Holiday for employers of veterans from April 2021 →

Off-Payroll working measures delayed until April 2021 – #COVID19 #coronavirus

Steve Barclay MP (Parliament tv) 17th March 2020 - Steve Barclay, as part of the budget 2020 debate, announces a delay to the introduction of off-payroll working (deemed employment / IR35) originally planned to be introduced to some private sector business from April 2020, to a 12 month deferred implementation date of April 2021 as … Continue reading Off-Payroll working measures delayed until April 2021 – #COVID19 #coronavirus →

#COVID19 SSP (sick pay) reclaims to be standalone process

Absence due to #COVID19 related sickness ‘unfit for work’ expected to be treated as a stand-alone process from other Non #coronavirus absence. No changes are planned for employer reporting of Real Time Information (RTI) Full Payment Submission (FPS) or Employer Payment Summary (EPS). New emergency legislation is being introduced retrospectively effective from Friday 13th March … Continue reading #COVID19 SSP (sick pay) reclaims to be standalone process →

Scottish tax changes applicable from Monday 11th May 2020

The Scottish government have confirmed that the ‘management of the income tax.. for Scotland ... is the responsibility of HMRC. Due to the timing of the Scottish, Welsh and Westminster Budgets...an update will be issued and an agreed date .. provided as soon as possible in 2020/21’. Scottish Parliament HMRC have today confirmed that the … Continue reading Scottish tax changes applicable from Monday 11th May 2020 →

DWP confirm further measures for #COVID19 #coronavirus

In summary: -those advised to self isolate or suffering from Coronavirus are considered unfit for work (ie Sick) effective 13 March 2020 -Coronavirus related absence is to qualify for SSP from day 1 (no 4 day PIW or 3 waiting days) effective 13 March 2020 -Employers with under 250 employees on 28 February 2020 can … Continue reading DWP confirm further measures for #COVID19 #coronavirus →

#COVID19 – #coronavirus advised self-isolation now officially sickness – Friday 13th March 2020

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/287/pdfs/uksi_20200287_en.pdf The government have passed emergency legislation via a statutory instrument to amend the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982 (“the 1982 Regulations”). Regulation 2(1) provides categories of people to be treated as incapable of work for the purposes of claiming statutory sick pay. These Regulations provide that a person who is isolating from others … Continue reading #COVID19 – #coronavirus advised self-isolation now officially sickness – Friday 13th March 2020 →

When will Scottish tax changes go ahead?

So the Westminster budget has happened and the personal allowance for the UK left at £12,500. So no change for England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Scottish Parliament have approved changes to Scottish taxation, yet the GOV and HMRC have issued last years values and not the Scottish Parliament set bands and thresholds! What is … Continue reading When will Scottish tax changes go ahead? →

#COVID19 – advice for employers and employees – #coronavirus

Keep up to date on the developing policy, legislation and advice. Primary resources for employers and employees are available from ACAS who are reviewing their advice daily. “We're monitoring government updates and when legal changes happen, we will update” the ACAS webpage. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of: new continuous cough … Continue reading #COVID19 – advice for employers and employees – #coronavirus →

Budget 2020 – the payroll highlights!

‘This budget gets it done’ Base rate cut Bank of England cuts base rate to 0.25% #coronavirus #COVID19 SSP measures For Coronavirus, day 1 right to SSP. For employers with under 250 employees the amount is fully recoverable for up to 14 days leave per employe. Employers to be offered time to pay in relation … Continue reading Budget 2020 – the payroll highlights! →

£4,000 Employment Allowance change to be announced in the Budget

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is predicted to announce further changes to the Employment Allowance. A cut in the ‘job tax’. Raising the employment allowance from £3,000 to £4,000, giving millions of businesses an immediate boost. In a government policy to encourage job creation, the employment allowance allows qualifying employers to offset currently up to … Continue reading £4,000 Employment Allowance change to be announced in the Budget →

Emergency Sick Pay measures introduced for those affected by #coronavirus #COVID19

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced emergency measures to help deal with Coronavirus. NOW - Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) By law, employers must pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to employees who meet the SSP eligibility conditions on GOV.UK. These conditions include:  the employee is off sick for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)the … Continue reading Emergency Sick Pay measures introduced for those affected by #coronavirus #COVID19 →

Do you know your holiday pay rights?

Holiday pay rights - It comes with the job According to research by Unpaid Britain, workers are missing out on £1.8 billion a year in unpaid holiday leave. That’s 1.8 million employees are being denied their employment rights to holiday pay. Monday 2nd March 2020 saw the launch of a new government campaign to remind … Continue reading Do you know your holiday pay rights? →