Category: Employment

Kickstart moves up a gear with over 120,000 jobs created so far and government making it even simpler for employers to join

More than 120,000 jobs for 16 to 24 year olds have now been created through the government’s flagship Kickstart Scheme, as ministers have urged more employers to get involved. The scheme, which has been underway since September, is helping to put young people who have been some of the hardest hit by the economic impact … Continue reading Kickstart moves up a gear with over 120,000 jobs created so far and government making it even simpler for employers to join →

TUC – Covid occupational deaths expose “huge inequalities” in labour market and need for tougher safety rules

Men working in elementary occupations or caring, leisure and other service occupations had the highest rates of death involving COVID-19. Women working in Process, plant and machine operatives, and Caring, leisure and other service occupations had the highest rate of death involving COVID-19 compared with women of the same age in the general population Commenting … Continue reading TUC – Covid occupational deaths expose “huge inequalities” in labour market and need for tougher safety rules →

“Fire and rehire” tactics have become widespread during pandemic – warns TUC

New poll reveals that nearly 1 in 10 workers have been told to re-apply for their jobs on worse terms and conditions or face the sack   Almost a quarter say their working terms, such as pay or hours, have been downgraded since first lockdown in March  TUC says government must deliver on promise to protect and enhance workers’ rights … Continue reading “Fire and rehire” tactics have become widespread during pandemic – warns TUC →

Home-working reaches highest levels since June 2020

The Office for National Statistics report ‘Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 22 January 2021’ for the period 13th to 17th January 2021, shows the highest levels of home working since June 2020. “The proportion of working adults that have worked from home was at its highest since June 2020; 45% this week … Continue reading Home-working reaches highest levels since June 2020 →

Preparing for changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) on 6 April 2021

There are less than 100 days until changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) come into effect on 6 April 2021. Changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) HMRC are providing support to help customers continue to prepare for the changes. Help and support for off-payroll working Those who should take action are: large and … Continue reading Preparing for changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) on 6 April 2021 →

Plan for jobs – Financial Support Package

The Government’s claims its comprehensive package of financial support is continuing to protect jobs and help businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 outbreak in guidance issued Friday 8th January 2021. Rishi Sunak: There's no denying the next few weeks are going to be difficult. But the end is in sight. That’s why we’ve redoubled our … Continue reading Plan for jobs – Financial Support Package →

Right to work checks for EEA and Swiss nationals during the EU- Exit grace period (1 January – 30 June 2021)

The following is based on the revised Appendix B guidance issued by the UK Home Office. Free movement ended on 1st January 2021. This means EEA and Swiss nationals (and their families) will need to qualify for status under either the new points-based Immigration system or the EU Settlement Scheme. The Citizen’s Rights (Application Deadline … Continue reading Right to work checks for EEA and Swiss nationals during the EU- Exit grace period (1 January – 30 June 2021) →

Significant uplift in key public sector jobs

Boris Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to boost the numbers of teachers, police officers, nurses and other public sector workers. NHS recruitment drive boosts the number of doctors by more than 6,000 and nurses by 13,000.Almost 6,000 police officers have been hired as part of the Government’s commitment to reach 20,000 additional officers by the end … Continue reading Significant uplift in key public sector jobs →

Rogue employers named and shamed for failing to pay minimum wage

The 139 named companies failed to pay £6.7 million to over 95,000 workers. 139 companies, including major household names, have short-changed their employees and have been finedoffending firms failed to pay £6.7 million to their workers, in a completely unacceptable breach of employment lawBusiness Minister Paul Scully says the list should be a ‘wake-up call’ … Continue reading Rogue employers named and shamed for failing to pay minimum wage →

Social security contributions for workers coming to the UK from the EEA or Switzerland from 1 January 2021

Check where you need to pay social security contributions from 1 January 2021, if you’re a worker from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland or Liechtenstein working in UK. From 1 January 2021, if you’re an employee, self-employed or an employer, where you pay your social security contributions will depend on your circumstances and the country … Continue reading Social security contributions for workers coming to the UK from the EEA or Switzerland from 1 January 2021 →

Up to 30,000 workers to help reap 2021 harvest

Measures announced to support farmers and growers next year, including an extended and expanded Seasonal Workers Pilot The number of workers permitted to travel to the UK to pick and package fruit and vegetables will be increased for next year’s harvest, the government has announced today 22nd December 2020. The Seasonal Workers Pilot, originally launched … Continue reading Up to 30,000 workers to help reap 2021 harvest →

Advice for clinically extremely vulnerable in new Tier 4 areas – do not attend work

This group is advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or medical appointments, and not to attend work, even if they are unable to work from home. Updated guidance is being issued for the clinically extremely vulnerable in areas placed into new Tier 4 restrictions from 20th DecemberThis group of the … Continue reading Advice for clinically extremely vulnerable in new Tier 4 areas – do not attend work →

Tier 4 Furlough Chaos – Payroll impacted? Reprocess or adjust pay and claims!

Many a payroll professionals worst nightmare has just happened! Christmas payrolls are a strain at the best of times with the practice of early payments, mixed with extended flexible furlough and the operation of tight deadlines under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). With the Prime-ministers announcement of further lockdown measures for swathes of London, … Continue reading Tier 4 Furlough Chaos – Payroll impacted? Reprocess or adjust pay and claims! →

ACAS – ‘If you’re one of the elves working over Christmas, what are your rights?’

ACAS have guidance on employment rights for those working during the Christmas season. If you have to work over the Christmas period, what are your rights? Some of the key considerations ACAS raise include: your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage, though this depends on how old you arethere is no entitlement … Continue reading ACAS – ‘If you’re one of the elves working over Christmas, what are your rights?’ →

Employer reimbursed Coronavirus swab tests – Income tax exemption and National Insurance disregard

The Government is to introduce a temporary income tax exemption and National Insurance contributions (NICs) disregard, to ensure that employees who purchase their own Coronavirus swab tests, and are reimbursed by their employer, will not attract income tax and NICs liabilities in the current tax year. A Coronavirus swab test means a test which detects … Continue reading Employer reimbursed Coronavirus swab tests – Income tax exemption and National Insurance disregard →

819,000 fewer on payroll since February 2020

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and HM Revenue and Customs have released the joint Earnings and employment from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information, UK: December 2020 There were 28.2 million employees on payroll in November 2020 The number of payrolled employees in the UK in October 2020 fell by 2.6%, compared with … Continue reading 819,000 fewer on payroll since February 2020 →

JETS fuels support for more than 40,000 jobseekers

More than 800 jobseekers per day have been referred to the government’s new £238 million JETS – Job Entry Targeted Support – programme since it launched at the start of October 2020. In its first fifty days, Work Coaches across the country have acted quickly to deliver the additional support, signposting tens of thousands of … Continue reading JETS fuels support for more than 40,000 jobseekers →

Crackdown on unfair employment clauses in a boost for low paid workers – consultation

Proposed crackdown on restrictive employment contracts will ensure up to 1.8 million low paid workers across the UK can pick up extra work if they want toother reforms will remove unfair barriers that prevent workers in technology, legal and other sectors from starting up or joining competing businessesplans will give workers more freedom over where … Continue reading Crackdown on unfair employment clauses in a boost for low paid workers – consultation →

BREXIT – Employing EU citizens from 1st January 2021

No right to work checking change until 30th June 2021 With BREXIT - do the right to work checks change on 1st January 2021? Simply the answer is no. The Home Office state the following: You’ll need to check a job applicant’s right to work in the same way as now until 30 June 2021. … Continue reading BREXIT – Employing EU citizens from 1st January 2021 →

Updated rules for farm workers arriving in England

Seasonal workers arriving in England to carry out vital work on farms ahead of Christmas are able to work as soon as they arrive. The temporary measures published 16th November 2020 mean seasonal poultry workers arriving from abroad will be able to work during their 14-day quarantine period from 4am on 17th November. However, they … Continue reading Updated rules for farm workers arriving in England →

Furlough grant to support job retention not job losses from 1st December 2020

The HMRC guidance - Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been updated on Friday 13th November 2020. For claim periods starting on or after 1st December 2020, employers cannot claim CJRS grant from the government to cover 80% of furlough reference pay salary for any … Continue reading Furlough grant to support job retention not job losses from 1st December 2020 →

Treasury Direction in relation to the Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

On 13th November, the Chancellor made a Treasury Direction under Section 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act to extend and modify the effect of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The Direction sets out that HMRC are responsible for the payment and management of amounts to be paid under the scheme. The schedule to this … Continue reading Treasury Direction in relation to the Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. →

More than 19,000 jobs created by Kickstart Scheme so far

Over 19,000 job placements for unemployed young people have so far been created under the government’s £2 billion Kickstart Scheme - with tens of thousands more expected in the months ahead. 19,672 jobs created for young people so far by landmark Kickstart Schemejobs in tech, film and TV, communications, fitness, and the charity sector among … Continue reading More than 19,000 jobs created by Kickstart Scheme so far →

Policy paper – Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HMRC have published information on how you to check if an employer is eligible to claim, and what needs to be agreed with employees. Policy paperExtension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme This latest information applies for CJRS claim periods from 1 November 2020. The final date for claims for the period up to 31 … Continue reading Policy paper – Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme →

Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support

Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021, the Chancellor announced today, 5 November. businesses and people across the UK given certainty over winter months with further support announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunakthe furlough scheme will now be extended until the end … Continue reading Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support →

The Living Wage week is coming – new rates to be announced Monday 9th November 2020

THE ONLY UK RATE BASED ON LIVING COSTS The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by over 6,500 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs; the weekly shop, or a suprise trip to the dentist. Living Wage accredited employers voluntarily pay the … Continue reading The Living Wage week is coming – new rates to be announced Monday 9th November 2020 →

5th November restrictions for England commence

Mr Speaker, I beg to move that these Regulations are approved and that we come together today to implement time-limited restrictions across England from midnight, so we can contain the Autumn surge of the virus, protect our NHS and save many lives - Boris Johnson PM New national restrictions in England from Thursday 5 November … Continue reading 5th November restrictions for England commence →

Latest (2nd November) on CJRS extension

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension until the end of March 2021 The government have issued the following information which may provide some added clarity: Extending the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme (CJRS) The CJRS will be extended until 2 December 2020. In March, we announced the Coronavirus Jobs … Continue reading Latest (2nd November) on CJRS extension →

New national restrictions start 5th November 2020

The Prime Minister has announced tougher national restrictions in England from Thursday. New national restrictions from 5 November With the NHS weeks from being overwhelmed, and a higher death toll than the first wave predicted without new restrictions, the Prime Minister, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Scientific Advisor, and Cabinet agreed there was no alternative to … Continue reading New national restrictions start 5th November 2020 →

Furlough Scheme Extended and Further Economic Support announced

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension until the end of March 2021 The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended for a month with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked and further economic support announced. The UK is being provided with additional financial … Continue reading Furlough Scheme Extended and Further Economic Support announced →

Millions of jobs continue to be supported as Job Support Scheme (JSS) launches – now delayed due to extension of CJRS

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. Millions of jobs continue to be supported over the winter with the government’s JSS from Sunday, 1 November. combined with the Job Retention Bonus (JRB), the Job Support Scheme … Continue reading Millions of jobs continue to be supported as Job Support Scheme (JSS) launches – now delayed due to extension of CJRS →

Job Support Scheme – Guidance Published (30th October 2020)

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. HMRC have published more details and guidance to assist employers in operating and claiming support through the new Job Support Scheme which commences from Sunday 1st November 2020. Check … Continue reading Job Support Scheme – Guidance Published (30th October 2020) →

Job Support Scheme Open – what are ‘usual hours’?

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. There are different calculations for working out ‘usual hours’: Fixed hours For those whose pay does not vary usual hours are calculated based upon the greater of: hours contracted … Continue reading Job Support Scheme Open – what are ‘usual hours’? →

Job Support Scheme Open – what is ‘reference salary’?

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. Under JSS Open, employers can claim up to a maximum of £1,541.75 per month. Further guidance will set out how to work out reference salary for JSS Closed. Employers … Continue reading Job Support Scheme Open – what is ‘reference salary’? →

Hire ex-military talent – The career transition partnership

Defence minister Johnny Mercer: “Every year, 14,000 people leave the military - people with incredible skills that can enhance your workplace.” He is encouraging employers to sign up to the Career Transition Partnership to access ex-Armed Forces talent. Career Transition Partnership Opinion The government are encouraging employers to look seriously at the pool of talent … Continue reading Hire ex-military talent – The career transition partnership →

Job Support Scheme Open – temporary working agreements

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. To be eligible for the grant employers must have written agreements with their employee (or written collective agreement with a trade union) that they have offered a temporary working … Continue reading Job Support Scheme Open – temporary working agreements →

Job Support Scheme and National Minimum Wage

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. Employees are entitled to the National Living Wage, National Minimum Wage or Apprentices Minimum Wage for the hours they are working or treated as working (such as training undertaken … Continue reading Job Support Scheme and National Minimum Wage →

Job Support Scheme Open – financial impact test

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. Employers facing decreased demand who can claim JSS Open Employers are eligible to claim the JSS Open if: an employer with 250 or more employees on 23 September 2020 … Continue reading Job Support Scheme Open – financial impact test →

Job Support Scheme – which employees?

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. Employees who can be claimed for (JSS Open and JSS Closed) Eligible employers will be able to claim the Job Support Scheme grant for employees who were on their … Continue reading Job Support Scheme – which employees? →

Further information available on the Job Support Scheme

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. Dear @PAYadvice, We’re writing to let you know that we have published further information on the Job Support Scheme – including how you can check if you or your clients are … Continue reading Further information available on the Job Support Scheme →

Chancellor increases financial support for the self-employed

Grants for the self-employed doubled to 40% of previous earnings Self-employed grant The Thursday 22nd October 2020 announcement increases the amount of profits covered by the two forthcoming self-employed grants from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, meaning the maximum grant will increase from £1,875 to £3,750. This is a potential further £3.1 billion … Continue reading Chancellor increases financial support for the self-employed →

Prove your right to work in the UK

You do not need a National Insurance number to work in the United Kingdom. The government provide an online service which verifies and confirms details of: the types of job you’re allowed to dohow long you can work in the UK for You’ll need one of the following: your biometric residence permit numberyour biometric residence … Continue reading Prove your right to work in the UK →

Holiday – what is my entitlement?

In the United Kingdom there are legal minimum entitlements to paid holiday. They are enshrined into UK law under the European Working Time Directive and additional UK entitlements. In addition there may be additional contractual entitlements. Workers and employees are entitled to an annual minimum of 5.6 paid weeks UK Employment or worker contracts that … Continue reading Holiday – what is my entitlement? →

BREXIT – time is running out to prepare

The government urges business leaders to step up preparations for Australia-style arrangements from 1 January and launches 'time is running out' campaign. Business leaders are urged not to get caught out by new rules at the end of the transition period by the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL) Michael Gove … Continue reading BREXIT – time is running out to prepare →

Off-payroll workers – have you prepared?

With less than 6 months until new law comes into effect, has your business put in place plans to implement changes to the process of: Engagement of contractorsStatus classificationNotification of status to contractors and their intermediariesDispute processsRecord keepingPayroll and finance readinessOrganising appropriate PAYE schemeIdentifying amounts subject to tax and National InsuranceBudgeting for the employers National … Continue reading Off-payroll workers – have you prepared? →

Payroll Question Time? – 6th November 2020

SD Worx are hosting its next edition of payroll question time on Friday 6th November 2020 at 2pm with its expert panel of Payroll and Employment law specialists. Have question and want to know more. Don’t know where to turn and are seeking guidance: Job Support SchemeJob Retention BonusCOVID-19 support measuresEmployment law latestLooking to the … Continue reading Payroll Question Time? – 6th November 2020 →

54,800 customers claim tax relief for working from home

Since 6th April 2020, employers have been able to pay employees up to £6 a week or £26 a month tax-free to cover additional costs if they have had to work from home. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received more than 54,800 claims using a new online portal which allows workers to claim tax … Continue reading 54,800 customers claim tax relief for working from home →

Employee Parental leave rights

What do you do when you need time to support children. Could you loose your job or be passed over for promotion. Laws are is in place to protect qualifying employees when they need to take care of parental responsibilities. Eligible employees can take unpaid parental leave to look after their child’s welfare. Find out … Continue reading Employee Parental leave rights →

Redundancy – ACAS research

Acas has found that over a third of employers (37%) are likely to make staff redundancies in the next 3 months. YouGov were commissioned to ask British businesses about their redundancy plans and knowledge of the law in this area. The poll found that: 6 out of 10 large businesses said they were likely to … Continue reading Redundancy – ACAS research →

Seafarers to receive fair pay as UK changes law on national minimum wage

government extends protection to guarantee National Minimum Wage for maritime workersnew wage law to ensure fair pay for over 10,000 maritime workers across the countrylatest move in government’s long-standing work to support seafarers, ensuring UK leads the way with highest standards on pay From Thursday 1st October 2020 a change to the law will mean … Continue reading Seafarers to receive fair pay as UK changes law on national minimum wage →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →