Author: psimonparsons

Post-18 education and training expansion to prepare workers for post-COVID economy

Lifetime Skills Guarantee to give adults the chance to take free college coursesNew entitlement to flexible loans to allow courses to be taken in segments, boosting opportunities to retrain The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, sets out plans to transform the training and skills system, helping the country build back better from coronavirus. Adults without A-Level … Continue reading Post-18 education and training expansion to prepare workers for post-COVID economy →

Self Assessment registration deadline

HM Revenue and Customs are reminding tax payers who are required to do their first self assessment return which will relate to their tax affair from 6th April 2019 through to 5th April 2020 to register online. If you’re filing online for the first time You must have received your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), enrolled … Continue reading Self Assessment registration deadline →

Employer duties for those instructed to self-isolate #coronavirus #COVID19

The government have put in place measures for employer requirements to support those who have been instructed to self-isolate. Breaches can be punishable by fines and penalties: Make sure your workers self-isolate You should help your employees self-isolate if they: have coronavirus symptoms and are waiting for a test resulthave tested positive for coronavirusare a … Continue reading Employer duties for those instructed to self-isolate #coronavirus #COVID19 →

Latest Job Retention Scheme stats

The Job Retention Scheme launched on 20 April.  By midnight on 20 September there were a total of:  ➡️9.6m jobs furloughed * ➡️1.2m employers furloughing ** ➡️Total claimed £39.3bn  *This information is now being published monthly by HMRC. Opinion The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is about to enter its last month of operation. No new employees can … Continue reading Latest Job Retention Scheme stats →

Business interruption insurance – treasury letter

Correspondence - Treatment of government grant support schemes in business interruption insurance settlements: Letter from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to the Association of British Insurers John Glen MP John Glen, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury has written to the Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Huw Evans. Huw Evans, … Continue reading Business interruption insurance – treasury letter →

New COVID-19 support schemes announced

Dear @PAYadvice, Additional government support has been announced this week for businesses and employees impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) across the UK. This includes a new Job Support Scheme to protect the jobs of millions of people returning to work, extending the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, extending the VAT cut (from 20% to 5%) for the … Continue reading New COVID-19 support schemes announced →

Minimum wage set for smallest rise in a decade

The UK’s two million minimum wage workers are set to receive the smallest pay increase since 2010 – of around 15p – next April. The COVID-19 economic shock does not mean the Government should abandon its pledge to abolish low pay according to the Resolution Foundation’s annual Low Pay Britain report. Low Pay Britain 2020 … Continue reading Minimum wage set for smallest rise in a decade →

Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) extended

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) extension will support viable traders who are facing reduced demand over the winter months, covering 20 per cent of average monthly trading profits via a government grant. The SEISS Grant Extension provides critical support to the self-employed. The grant will be limited to self-employed individuals who are currently eligible for the … Continue reading Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) extended →

Job Support Scheme starts 1st November 2020

From 1st November, for the next six months, the Job Support Scheme will protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19. The Job Support Scheme is designed to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19, to … Continue reading Job Support Scheme starts 1st November 2020 →

Chancellor outlines Winter Economy Plan

Rishi Sunak unveils government’s plan to protect jobs and support businesses over the coming months. central to plan is a new Job Support Scheme and extension of Self Employment Income Support Schemeand over one million businesses will get flexibilities to help pay back loans The Chancellor Rishi Sunak today outlined additional government support to provide … Continue reading Chancellor outlines Winter Economy Plan →

Government launches cross-sector Working Group to help address multiple small pension pots

The Government has launched a cross-sector Working Group with industry to assess and make recommendations, as an interim step, on ways to tackle deferred, small pension pots. At a virtual launch event on Tuesday 22 September, the Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Guy Opperman, outlined his vision for the Working Group, the challenge of … Continue reading Government launches cross-sector Working Group to help address multiple small pension pots →

Tax credits claimants will continue to receive payments even if working fewer hours due to COVID-19

If you claim tax credits and have returned to work after being furloughed but are still temporarily not working your normal hours due to COVID 19 you do not need to tell HMRC. They will continue to use the information they already have until 31st October 2020. Those working reduced hours due to coronavirus or … Continue reading Tax credits claimants will continue to receive payments even if working fewer hours due to COVID-19 →

New trial to offer streamlined use of GOV.UK

A trial is being carried out to make government services easier to find and use online. New GOV.UK accounts will make it easier for people to find and use government servicesPeople with accounts will not have to fill in their personal details multiple times on separate servicesThose who do not want accounts will still be … Continue reading New trial to offer streamlined use of GOV.UK →

FSB open gateway for small employers who want to join the Kickstart Scheme

FSB is a national gateway for the UK Government's Kickstart scheme and is encouraging small businesses to get involved and help support young people with job placements in England, Scotland and Wales. To apply for the Kickstart Scheme businesses need to be able to offer a minimum of 30 placements. FSB (the Federation of Small … Continue reading FSB open gateway for small employers who want to join the Kickstart Scheme →

Prepare for new year changes to European travel #BREXIT

rules around passports, access to healthcare, driving, pet travel and mobile phone roaming in EU and EFTA countries are changing from 1st January 2021travellers are urged to visit the governments transition page to check the specific actions they may need to takethe safety and wellbeing of British travellers remains the Government’s priority, and anyone planning … Continue reading Prepare for new year changes to European travel #BREXIT →

Supporting and enforcing Self-Isolation #COVID19 #coronavirus

“The best way we can fight this virus is by everyone following the rules and self-isolating if they’re at risk of passing on coronavirus”. The government have announced measures:- Those required by law to self-isolate from 28th September will be supported by payment of £500 for those on lower incomes who cannot work from home … Continue reading Supporting and enforcing Self-Isolation #COVID19 #coronavirus →

Important updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Dear @PAYadvice, We’re writing to let you know about upcoming changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and what this means for you.  From 1‌‌ October, HMRC will pay 60% of usual wages up to a cap of £1,875 per month for the hours furloughed employees do not work. What you need to do from 1‌‌ October  Continue to … Continue reading Important updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme →

Hundreds step up to help smaller employers Kickstart Britain’s recovery

Hundreds of organisations are stepping up to help Britain build back better by supporting smaller employers to give youth a chance and take advantage of the Government’s landmark Kickstart Scheme. More than 500 bodies have signed up to serve as gateways on the £2bn programme, providing assistance to employers offering fewer than 30 vacancies under … Continue reading Hundreds step up to help smaller employers Kickstart Britain’s recovery →

Nearly a million workers used flexible furlough in July

Nearly a million workers returned to their jobs part-time in the first month flexible furlough was introduced. number of workers in retail on furlough halved from the start of the pandemic from 1.85 million to 789,000.the construction sector received more than £2 billion in support with SEISS grants for self-employed workers Flexible furlough began on … Continue reading Nearly a million workers used flexible furlough in July →

Paying Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back

HMRC have issued new guidance for employers on how to repay grant money. If you’ve claimed too much through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, or you’d like to make a voluntary repayment because you do not want or need the grant to pay your employees’ wages, tax and National Insurance and pension contributions, you can … Continue reading Paying Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back →

Government to boost capacity in employment tribunal system, giving quicker outcomes for employees and employers

Business Minister Paul Scully introduces raft of technical changes to increase flexibility to employment tribunal system. New reforms to help employment tribunal system hear more cases and open up court space – ensuring a speedier resolution of cases for businesses and employeesenables deployment of a greater range of judicial expertise including non-employment judges into tribunalsrules … Continue reading Government to boost capacity in employment tribunal system, giving quicker outcomes for employees and employers →

Furlough scheme has worked: saving jobs and helping more than half of employees back to work

More than half of those furloughed since May returned to work by mid-August - ONS At the schemes peak in May, 30% of the workforce across the UK was furloughed. The share fell by more than half to 11% by mid-August. To tackle the impact that the coronavirus pandemic had on people’s jobs, businesses and … Continue reading Furlough scheme has worked: saving jobs and helping more than half of employees back to work →

Make sure your business is COVID-19 secure

The government have simplified their #WorkingSafely guidance to highlight the priority steps businesses should take to protect their staff and customers during coronavirus. Check the steps and read the full guidance to make sure your business is COVID-19 secure: Working safely during COVID-19 PAYadvice.UK 13/9/2020

Flexible furlough – 11th September 2020 updated guidance

On 11th September 2020, a new subsection has been added to the guidance 'Work out your employee's usual hours and furloughed hours' to tell employers how to calculate the number of working and furloughed hours for an employee that comes off furlough or flexible furlough partway through a claim period. Employers using this calculation do … Continue reading Flexible furlough – 11th September 2020 updated guidance →

Employer provided flu jabs – taxable benefit? It depends!

Times continue to be very strange with the #COVID19 pandemic. The number of U.K. citizens who qualify for a free flu jab has increased and more employers are facilitating the provision of the flu jab to employees either in the workplace or by other means. So generally medical treatment provided and paid for by the … Continue reading Employer provided flu jabs – taxable benefit? It depends! →

New grants for English businesses affected by local lockdowns

Businesses in England that are required to shut because of local interventions will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks. scheme provides a safety net to further protect jobs where a business is required to closecomes in addition to billions of pounds of existing loans, grants and tax breaks … Continue reading New grants for English businesses affected by local lockdowns →

Thousands of new Work Coach vacancies

The DWP has announced The number of Work Coaches is to be doubled to 27,000 nationally. Employment Minister calls for those who want to make a difference in their communities to apply now.Thousands of new expert Work Coaches to boost support for jobseekers and build back an even stronger economy. From Thursday 10th September 2020, … Continue reading Thousands of new Work Coach vacancies →

Should Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rise?

In the TUC blog by Alex Collinson the TUC state: The current weekly rate of statutory sick pay (SSP) is just £96. This is around one-fifth of average weekly earnings, meaning that if the average worker is off work sick for a week, they lose around 80 per cent of their usual earnings. Current government … Continue reading Should Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rise? →

New measures to suppress #COVID19

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a statement on new measures to suppress the virus and keep the number of infections down. What has changed for businesses in England: From Monday 14 September, you must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than 6. This will apply indoors and outdoors. … Continue reading New measures to suppress #COVID19 →

Loan charge deadline 30th September

Message sent on behalf of the HMRC Counter Avoidance Team. There’s still time to file, pay or discuss a Time to Pay arrangement With the 30 September 2020 deadline approaching, customers with loans subject to the Loan Charge should be mindful of any actions they need to address well in advance of the 30 September … Continue reading Loan charge deadline 30th September →

Job Retention Scheme updated Data template

Updated HMRC template to help employers get their data right From today employers can use the HMRC updated template to claim for 100 or more furloughed employees. The XLS and XLMS versions highlight any missing information needed to make a CJRS claim. Where information is missing, fields will be red. Once the missing information is … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme updated Data template →

Tax Gap & the Job retention fraud

HMRC Chief Executive appears at Public Accounts CommitteeJim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, appeared at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today. You can watch his appearance. Jim Harra, Public Accounts Committee Jim was asked to comment on a range of topics including the tax gap, EU transition the and the Coronavirus Job … Continue reading Tax Gap & the Job retention fraud →

The inspector calls – Is your business COVID-secure

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Is calling on businesses of all sizes and sectors to ensure they are COVID-secure. Is yours? Being COVID-secure means being adaptable to the current guidelines and so HSE’s inspection approach will adapt as workplaces in different sectors get to grips with managing the coronavirus risks that apply to them. … Continue reading The inspector calls – Is your business COVID-secure →

UK diners eat 100 million meals to protect 2 million jobs

The Chancellor today thanked Britons for helping protect thousands of jobs across the UK after statistics revealed that more than 100 million meals were eaten as part of the landmark Eat Out to Help Out scheme. over 100 million meals have been claimed for under the government’s Eat Out to Help Out schemeChancellor thanks Brits … Continue reading UK diners eat 100 million meals to protect 2 million jobs →

2 in 5 working mums face childcare crisis – #COVID19

Around 2 in 5 (41%) working mums with children under 10 can’t get – or are unsure whether they will get – enough childcare to cover the hours they need for work this September, according to a new TUC poll As children around England begin to return to school, an ICM survey for the TUC reveals that many mums are missing … Continue reading 2 in 5 working mums face childcare crisis – #COVID19 →

Payrolling – tax employees’ benefits through your payroll

Dear @PAYadvice, We’re continuing to help employers, businesses and individuals with online support during this difficult period. Almost all benefits in kind can now be payrolled to save you time – which means no more forms P11D. Find out more in the following live webinar – during which you can ask questions using the on-screen … Continue reading Payrolling – tax employees’ benefits through your payroll →

Corporate Criminal Offences – more than just a legislative tool, and why you should care

HMT by PSP (c)2019 Customer Stakeholder Engagement Team| HM Revenue & Customs have provided the following: Back in September 2017, legislation was introduced which can hold a corporate liable if it fails to prevent any associated person from facilitating tax fraud. This is known as the Corporate Criminal Offences (CCO). It is easy to see … Continue reading Corporate Criminal Offences – more than just a legislative tool, and why you should care →

Call for evidence: tackling disguised remuneration tax avoidance

HMRC welcome views on ways to tackle future use of disguised remuneration tax avoidance schemes. You can Share your views, to help shape the best way to tackle promoters and enablers of these schemes. This call for evidence asks for views and evidence on several issues including: what are the drivers of continuing use of … Continue reading Call for evidence: tackling disguised remuneration tax avoidance →

Kickstart opens

As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. The 6 month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment. They will be … Continue reading Kickstart opens →

Plan for jobs – Apprenticeship cash boost

New incentives launched 1st September 2020 to help businesses invest in the skills they need to recover and grow. Employers of all sizes are being invited to apply for generous cash incentives to help them take on new apprentices and get more people into work. Apprenticeships are a great way to get ahead in a … Continue reading Plan for jobs – Apprenticeship cash boost →

CJRS2 Deadlines (Flexible Furlough Job Retention)

HMRC has been contacted ‘concerning some employers believing there was a 31 August deadline for making CJRS claims for July (up to 31 July)’. HMRC ‘confirm there are no imminent deadlines. The only deadlines imposed were around the change from CJRS1 to the CJRS Flex (or CJRS 2)’ The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme team at … Continue reading CJRS2 Deadlines (Flexible Furlough Job Retention) →

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from today (1st September 2020)

Dear @PAYadvice We’re writing to remind you about changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)from today and what this means for you or your clients.  From 1‌‌ September HMRC will now pay 70% of usual wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 per month for the hours furloughed employees do not work. What you or your clients need … Continue reading Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from today (1st September 2020) →

2021/2022 RTI specifications issued

The HMRC Software Developers Support Team have issued revised RTI RIM artefacts for 2021-22 version 1.0 in the technical pack on GOV.UK, along with a document showing the changes between 2020-21 and 2021-22. A further update, to incorporate the Data Items Guide (DIG) for 2021-22, will follow. The RTI techpack is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/real-time-information-online-internet-submissions-support-for-software-developers. RTI … Continue reading 2021/2022 RTI specifications issued →

Expired driving licences automatically extended by 11 months

Photocard licences that expire between 1st February and 31st December 2020 have been extended for 11 months. Under these changes, drivers whose photocard driving licence or entitlement to drive runs out between 1st February 2020 and 31st December 2020 have their entitlement automatically extended from the expiry date, for a period of 11 months. Drivers … Continue reading Expired driving licences automatically extended by 11 months →

New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas

People on low incomes who need to self-isolate and are unable to work from home in areas with high incidence of COVID-19 will benefit from a new government payment scheme. Government to implement new payment for people on low incomes in areas with high rates of COVID-19, who need to self-isolate and can’t work from … Continue reading New payment for people self-isolating in highest risk areas →

Why don’t workers report NMW underpayments?

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) have repeatedly stressed the importance of Government action to encourage workers to make complaints about employers who underpay. Many groups indicate a reluctance of exploited workers to bring complaints. The numbers of complaints about underpayment look minuscule compared to the LPC statistical estimates. It is considered that the problem is … Continue reading Why don’t workers report NMW underpayments? →

Do you have employees working from home?

Dear @PAYadvice, During the past few months, many employers have asked employees to work from home – sometimes providing mobile phones and internet to help them. For more information on paying expenses and providing benefits in kind, join the following live webinar. You can ask questions using the on-screen text box. Expenses and benefits for … Continue reading Do you have employees working from home? →

Over 64 million meals claimed for as Eat Out to Help Out enters fourth week

More than 64 million meals have been enjoyed by diners across the country since the launch of the government’s Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme. new figures today show that restaurants have claimed for more than 64 million discounted meals as Eat Out to Help Out enters its fourth weekupward trend in meals claimed … Continue reading Over 64 million meals claimed for as Eat Out to Help Out enters fourth week →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – helping employers get their data right

The HMRC Communications Team have asked PAYadvice to share the following: It’s important that employers provide all the data we need to process their claim. Payment of a grant may be at risk or delayed if a claim is submitted that’s incomplete or incorrect, so we want to help employers get this right. We will … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – helping employers get their data right →

Stay ahead of the changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Dear @PAYadvice, Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 1‌‌ September mean that employers will need to fund 10% of furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours they do not work and continue to pay their National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions, as these will not be covered by future grants. Make sure you have the … Continue reading Stay ahead of the changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme →

Marriage Allowance

S&C by PSP (c)2019 It is thought that millions of qualifying couples are missing out and have not applied for their marriage tax allowance. If one of the couple have reduced income due to family commitments or for other reasons, then this allowance may benefit you. Please note that you can apply for the marriage … Continue reading Marriage Allowance →

Jersey: Temporary 2% employee Social Insurance contributions reduction

In July, it was announced that the Government of Jersey would introduce a £150m fiscal stimulus package to help the Jersey economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, the proposal to cut Social Security so that there is a temporarily reduced employee contribution by 2%, from the current 6% down to a … Continue reading Jersey: Temporary 2% employee Social Insurance contributions reduction →

Employers with furlough discrepancies being contacted by HMRC

The Job Retention Scheme has assisted 9.6 million jobs with over 1.2 million employers have made furlough grant claims. Whilst on furlough, employees are not permitted to work, originally for a period of 21 days, whilst receiving furlough pay. Tax payers, is the government grants, funded 80% of earnings plus employers NIC and a base … Continue reading Employers with furlough discrepancies being contacted by HMRC →

#BREXIT: Continue to live in the UK if you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

EU, EEA or Swiss citizens will usually need to apply to continue living in the UK after 31 December 2020. If you’re wanting to continue to live in the U.K. and from any of the following: the EU (except Ireland)IcelandLiechtensteinNorwaySwitzerland Press the following button to find out what to do and when: Continue to live … Continue reading #BREXIT: Continue to live in the UK if you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen →

Self-isolating after returning to the UK: employment rights

Employers who dismiss an employee because they have had to self-isolate following travel abroad may be liable for unfair dismissal HM Government have issued guidance for employees and employers in relation to the impact of quarantine when returning from holidays or other overseas travel when quarantine has been imposed. They advise the following: Working from … Continue reading Self-isolating after returning to the UK: employment rights →

Eat Out to Help Out scheme

There are just seven days left for diners and dining establishments to use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The scheme allows restaurants, bars, cafes and other eligible establishments to provide 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks, up to £10 per person, all day Monday to Wednesday throughout August. Guidance on how to claim … Continue reading Eat Out to Help Out scheme →

Children returning to school – Tax Free Childcare

With Scottish schools returning last week, and Northern Irish schools re-opening, HMRC are reminding parents they can get up to £2,000 of government help towards childcare costs with Tax-Free Childcare (TFC). For every £8 that families pay, the government will add £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child, per year (or £4,000 for … Continue reading Children returning to school – Tax Free Childcare →

Child Benefit: Over 16 Full-time non-advanced Education

HM Revenue and Customs is urging parents of children aged over 16 who are staying in full-time non-advanced education from September 2020, such as Sixth Form colleges, or training, to inform HMRC so that Child Benefit payments and Child Tax Credit payments don’t stop. Child Benefit provides £21.05 a week for the eldest or only … Continue reading Child Benefit: Over 16 Full-time non-advanced Education →

How changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 1‌‌ September impact you

Dear PAYadvice, We’re writing to remind you about changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from 1‌‌ September and what this means for you.   What you need to do from 1‌‌ September From 1‌‌ September CJRS will pay 70% of usual wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 per month for the hours furloughed employees do not work.You will still need … Continue reading How changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 1‌‌ September impact you →

PAYE RTI penalties – continuation of the risk-based approach to charging penalties

HMRC is to continue its risk-based approach to PAYE late filing and late payment penalties for the 2020/21 tax year. This means that late filing and late payment penalties will be considered on a risk-assessed basis and not automatically. Penalties for 2020/21 will be issued from September 2020. Support is available for Employers during the … Continue reading PAYE RTI penalties – continuation of the risk-based approach to charging penalties →

New help on offer for disabled people working from home during the pandemic

People who are clinically extremely vulnerable can get new applications for grant funding fast-tracked.Funding can now cover taxi fares and public transport costs, if a health condition prevents you from travelling on public transport during the pandemic. New help on offer for disabled people working from home during the pandemic Those working from home or … Continue reading New help on offer for disabled people working from home during the pandemic →

Improving Student Loans services

A blog by Bernice McNaught, SLC’s Executive Director, Repayments and Counter Fraud Services Improving Student Loans Company service for customers in repayment. Over the last 18 months, we have made significant improvements to the student loan repayment process. More frequent data sharing (MFDS), a joint programme of work with HMRC and our Government shareholders, has … Continue reading Improving Student Loans services →

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SESS) now open

If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), the scheme allowed a claim for a first taxable grant. Applications closed on 13 July 2020. A second and final taxable grant is worth 70% of average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 … Continue reading Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SESS) now open →

2021 Student Loans Repayment Threshold Announcement

The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed 11th August 2020 the annual updates to the Thresholds of Income Contingent Student Loans and Mortgage Style Student Loans. Income Contingent Student Loans / Undergraduate loans / Income Contingent Student Loans for pre-2012 (Plan 1) loans From 6 April 2021, the repayment threshold for Plan 1 loans will rise … Continue reading 2021 Student Loans Repayment Threshold Announcement →

Employer Bulletin (August 2020 – issue 85)

HMRC have issued the August 2020 edition of the Employer Bulletin covering: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and what employers need to do from August onwardsMake sure you’re paying the correct workplace pension contributionsNew law to ensure furloughed employees receive full statutory redundancy paymentsDeadline to report the disguised remuneration loan charge – 30 September 2020COVID-19 – … Continue reading Employer Bulletin (August 2020 – issue 85) →

Overtime and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – update

The guidance ‘Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ has been updated with a new section on how to calculate a claim for fixed pay employees who have worked enough overtime (in the tax year 2019 to 2020) to have a significant impact on the amount to claim. If your … Continue reading Overtime and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – update →

Employer Salary Advance Schemes – FCA view

The Financial Conduct Authority has made a statement ‘the risks and benefits of Employer Salary Advance Schemes (ESAS) and what employers and employees should consider when using them’. Promoted as an alternative to high cost credit they have broadly similar economic effect. Most schemes do not fall under the FCA regulation, as they do not … Continue reading Employer Salary Advance Schemes – FCA view →

Important information about the Job Retention Bonus

Dear PAYadvice.UK We’re writing to let you know that we have published additional information on the Job Retention Bonus, including details on how to check if you’re eligible and what you need to do now to get ready to claim. You can find this by going to GOV‌.UK and searching ‘Job Retention Bonus – Policy … Continue reading Important information about the Job Retention Bonus →

Claiming tax credits and being flexible-furloughed?

If you claim tax credits and have returned to work after being furloughed but are still temporarily not working your normal hours due to COVID 19 you do not need to tell the HMRC tax credits office. They will continue to use the information they already have and treat claimants as working their normal hours … Continue reading Claiming tax credits and being flexible-furloughed? →

Support for working families affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) given an extra boost

Working parents eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or 30 hours free childcare who have temporarily fallen below the minimum income requirement due to COVID19 will continue to receive financial support until 31st October 2020. Also, Critical workers exceed the income threshold for the 2020 to 2021 tax year as a result of working more to play … Continue reading Support for working families affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) given an extra boost →

HMRC texting Tax Credit claimants about National Minimum Wage

Working Tax Credit recipients are known to be twice as likely to be underpaid the National Minimum Wage. Failure by employers to “uprate” workers following a key birthday is a common cause of non-compliance. HMRC are reminding recipients of Working Tax Credits who recently turned 18, 21 or 25, that they are eligible to a … Continue reading HMRC texting Tax Credit claimants about National Minimum Wage →

#COVID-19 shielding ends

With the gradual lifting of restrictions, changes introduced on Saturday 1st August 2020 see the official end to shielding requirements. What has changed The guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable is that shielding has been paused. This means: you do not need to follow previous shielding adviceyou can go to work as long as the … Continue reading #COVID-19 shielding ends →

The future of work can be flexible

There has been a steep rise in the number of employees working flexibly during lockdown, alongside this there has also been a decline in stigma around flexible working during this period. A survey by the University of Kent and Birmingham University asked over 1,000 employed and self-employed workers about working from home during the pandemic … Continue reading The future of work can be flexible →

£20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills #coronavirus

Two new leadership programmes to help small business leaders grow in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic have been launched Government investment in small business training, management and productivity£20 million commitment at critical time for small businesses dealing with the impact of coronavirusinterested small business leaders are encouraged to sign up The Small Business Leadership … Continue reading £20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills #coronavirus →

Apprentices get job boost

A new online and telephone support service for apprentices who have lost their jobs during the Covid-19 outbreak has been launched by Gillian Keegan, Apprenticeships and Skills Minister (1st August 2020). A new Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices (ReSSA) will ensure they have access to local and national services that can provide financial, legal, health … Continue reading Apprentices get job boost →

Job Retention Bonus

The Job Retention Bonus is a one-off payment to employers of £1,000 for every employee who they previously claimed for under the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme, and who remains continuously employed through to 31 January 2021. Employees must have earned at least £520 a month on average between the 1 November 2020 and 31 January … Continue reading Job Retention Bonus →

UK PM Downing Street briefing – putting on the breaks

At the prime ministers Downing Street briefing Friday 31st July, relaxation of rules that were proposed to be implemented from 1st August 2020 in England have been delayed by 14 days. Employees should continue to go back to workplaces. Most of the measures that were due to be relaxed on Saturday 1st August have been … Continue reading UK PM Downing Street briefing – putting on the breaks →

Informing and consulting employees

All employers must inform and consult their employees on: selling the business or buying a new onemaking 20 or more redundancies in a 90 day periodhealth and safety issues Get legal advice if you’re unsure whether you need to tell your employees about something. If you have more than 50 employees you may also have … Continue reading Informing and consulting employees →

Income Tax changes – Van benefit charge from 6 April 2021

From 6th April 2021, the cash equivalent of the van benefit charge for zero emission vans is nil. The government announced its intention to introduce this policy change at Budget 2020 as part of ‘Road to Zero’ targets. It will apply only to vans which cannot emit any CO2 when being driven.. This change supports … Continue reading Income Tax changes – Van benefit charge from 6 April 2021 →

Qualify for Working Tax Credits or Universal Credit – Help to Save

Do you know about Help to Save? It’s a savings account that gives you a government bonus of up to 50p for every pound you save. If you get Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit then you can apply: Help to Save How payments work You can save between £1 and £50 each calendar month. … Continue reading Qualify for Working Tax Credits or Universal Credit – Help to Save →

Pregnant and being made redundant! #COVID19 #coronavirus

E by ZJ (c)2019 Question We have an employee who is being made redundant, her qualifying week falls before her end date of employment. ·       Do I issue P45 before we process SMP? ·       If she is on payroll is she entitled to employment rights does this affect her continuous employment? · Or do we process SMP … Continue reading Pregnant and being made redundant! #COVID19 #coronavirus →

New law to ensure furloughed employees receive full redundancy payments

Government brings in law to ensure furloughed employees receive statutory redundancy pay based on their normal wages, rather than a reduced furlough rate. New law will ensure that furloughed employees receive statutory redundancy pay based on their normal wageschanges will mean those furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are not short-changedchanges will apply to … Continue reading New law to ensure furloughed employees receive full redundancy payments →

How changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 31 July impact you

Dear PAYadvice, We’re writing to remind you about changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from 31 J‌ul‌y and what to do if you have claimed too much. What you need to do before 31 J‌ul‌y Submit your CJRS claim for periods ending on or before 30 June 2020 by 31 J‌ul‌y 2020. This … Continue reading How changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on 31 July impact you →

Furlough grant – claimed too much or not enough

Announced on 20th March 2020, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has helped save over 9.5 million UK jobs and aided keeping Britain paid. Employers could claim 80% of reference pay plus the employer aspects of National Insurance and the employer minimum banded Pension Contributions. The guidance has evolved and developed with many revisions. Employers anxious … Continue reading Furlough grant – claimed too much or not enough →

Find a restaurant – Eat Out to Help Out

From 3 to 31 August, get discounts when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme: get a 50% discount on food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner)every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 3 and 31 … Continue reading Find a restaurant – Eat Out to Help Out →

Furloughed staff – not made a claim yet – Time is running out

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) closes for part 1 claims at midnight 31st July 2020. If you have an outstanding claim, then DO IT NOW. The CJRS Scheme was announced on Friday 20th March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the government supporting businesses to keep their workforce employed and paid. For … Continue reading Furloughed staff – not made a claim yet – Time is running out →

ACT NOW – Tax Credit renewal deadline imminent

Don’t loose out. Claimants whose circumstances have changed in the last year or who have received a letter to reconfirm their income details must contact HMRC before 31 July. Tax credits claimants have this week left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about changes to their circumstances or income before the deadline on 31 … Continue reading ACT NOW – Tax Credit renewal deadline imminent →