Category: Employment

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 →

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 →

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. →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

UK Labour market overview – October 2021

The most recent ONS data show the labour market continuing to recover. The number of payroll employees showed another monthly increase, up 207,000 to a record 29.2 million in September 2021, returning to pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (February 2020) levels. Following a period of employment growth and low unemployment, since the start of the pandemic the … Continue reading UK Labour market overview – October 2021 →

Prisoners recycle bikes for hospital staff

Prison programme encourages inmates to repair and recycle over 900 bikes for hospital staff and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helps prisoners gain new skills and turn their lives around. The project run at HMP Hewell and HMP Aylesbury, not only helps recycle bikes, but also provides specialist training to prisoners helping them gain skills and … Continue reading Prisoners recycle bikes for hospital staff →

Reduce risk of using umbrellas who operate tax avoidance schemes

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued new guidance to help agencies and employers reduce their risks of using umbrella employers who are operating tax avoidance schemes. Tax avoidance schemes Disguised remuneration schemes These schemes claim to prevent some payments being taxable. They describe taxable earnings paid for doing a job as something that is … Continue reading Reduce risk of using umbrellas who operate tax avoidance schemes →

£500 million Plan for Jobs Expansion

Hundreds of thousands of people to be supported as part of the more than £500 million expansion of the government's Plan for Jobs. Workers leaving the furlough scheme and unemployed people over the age of 50 will be helped back into work as part of more than £500m expansion of the government’s Plan for Jobs. … Continue reading £500 million Plan for Jobs Expansion →

Working Tax Credit claimants must report changes to working hours

HMRC is urging Working Tax Credit customers to check if they need to update their working hours if these have reduced as a result of coronavirus. During the pandemic, Working Tax Credit customers have not needed to tell HMRC about temporary short-term reductions in their working hours as a result of coronavirus - for example … Continue reading Working Tax Credit claimants must report changes to working hours →

Employers welcome guidance to tackle ‘class crisis’ in creative industries

Social Mobility Commission (SMC) launches a new sector specific toolkit to encourage socio-economic diversity and inclusion in the creative sector workforce. A new toolkit aimed at widening access to the creative industries for people from working class backgrounds has been launched to tackle a ‘class crisis’ in the sector. The Socio-economic Diversity and Inclusion: toolkit … Continue reading Employers welcome guidance to tackle ‘class crisis’ in creative industries →

Making the workplace inclusive

According to guidance for employers from ACAS, creating an inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, it will make business more successful and adaptable to the current climate. A workplace encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion can help: make it more successfulkeep employees happy and motivatedprevent serious or legal issues arising, such as … Continue reading Making the workplace inclusive →

Report your Pay Gap – deadline approaching

Businesses with 250+ employees are required by law to report their gender pay gap. The 5th April 2021 deadline for the report to 5th April 2020 was delayed due to COVID until 5th October 2021 as a legal concession. The snapshot for public sector employers is different. Those employers who have not yet reported their … Continue reading Report your Pay Gap – deadline approaching →

More support to help people to become HGV drivers

Up to 4,000 will be trained as HGV drivers to help tackle skills shortages and support more people to launch careers within the logistics sector.Package of measures includes using MOD examiners to help increase immediate HGV testing capacity by thousands over the next 12 weeks.Nearly 1 million letters to be sent to all drivers who … Continue reading More support to help people to become HGV drivers →

All tips to go to staff

Government to tackle shameful tipping practices ensuring tips go to workersplans will help 2 million UK workers retain their tips - which can make up a large proportion of income for many hospitality workerscustomers will know tips are going to the worker All tips are to go to staff under plans to overhaul tipping practices … Continue reading All tips to go to staff →

Reinsurance Scheme opens to help festivals, conferences and live events

The UK Live Events Reinsurance Scheme is to give events the confidence they need to plan through to summer 2022The Scheme supports live events such as concerts and festivals, conferences and business events - that are at risk of being cancelled or delayed due to an inability to obtain Covid-19 cancellation insurance Chancellor Rishi Sunak … Continue reading Reinsurance Scheme opens to help festivals, conferences and live events →

COVID-19 restrictions cut household emissions

With more people staying at home, household greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 10%. Could the shift to home working see lower emissions in the longer term? A new article from the Office for National Statistics explores whether the shift to home working could lead to lower emissions in the longer term. A sharp reduction in … Continue reading COVID-19 restrictions cut household emissions →

£1.3 billion in furlough cash returned

New statistics show that businesses have relayed £1.3 billion in furlough cash, with £300 million returned in the last three months.The repayments are being made as more employees return to work as the economy recovers.The number of people on furlough has fallen to the lowest level since the start of the pandemic, with a further … Continue reading £1.3 billion in furlough cash returned →

UK Job Vacancies at record high

With the number of UK job vacancies at a record high, some industries are reporting difficulties in recruiting new staff. A lack of EU applicants is contributing to recruitment challenges, particularly in transport and storage. Hospitality businesses are more than twice as likely as other to be experiencing challenges in filling vacancies compared with normal … Continue reading UK Job Vacancies at record high →

Temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes

A letter from the Director of Adult Social Care Delivery to local authorities, directors of adult social services, care home providers, care home managers and agencies outlines a temporary exemption certification process: Temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes Those working or volunteering in care homes who have … Continue reading Temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes →

New service to help businesses offer apprenticeships

New government service will help businesses to create more apprenticeship opportunities so more people can get the jobs they want. Large businesses will be able to pledge funds to smaller businesses through a new service, to help create and recruit more apprenticeships. A new online service makes it easier for large employers to spend levy … Continue reading New service to help businesses offer apprenticeships →

Mental health in the workplace

Small Business Minister Paul Scully has written an open letter to businesses about the resources available to help promote positive mental health in the workplace. Dear colleague, COVID-19 has affected all our lives and our livelihoods in profound ways over the last year. The nation has come together to keep ourselves and our loved ones … Continue reading Mental health in the workplace →

Further action to tackle HGV driver shortage

new comprehensive package to tackle HGV driver shortages50,000 more HGV driving tests available as legislation changed to streamline the processmove will accelerate entry of drivers into UK’s haulage industry, showing our leadership in helping tackle long-standing challenges faced by countries around the world Up to 50,000 more HGV driving tests will be made available each … Continue reading Further action to tackle HGV driver shortage →

Consultation on mandatory vaccination for frontline health and care staff

Consultation launched on making vaccination a condition of deployment for frontline workers in health and care settingsStaff may be required to have coronavirus (COVID-19) and flu vaccines to protect patients from infection, serious illness or death92% of NHS staff have had their first dose and 88% both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and ministers urge … Continue reading Consultation on mandatory vaccination for frontline health and care staff →

HMRC warns students of scams

HMRC is warning university students to be wary of potential scams, especially if they have a part-time job and are new to interacting with the department. University students taking part-time jobs are at increased risk of falling victim to scams, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning. Higher numbers of students going to university this … Continue reading HMRC warns students of scams →

Health and Social Care levy rates – National Insurance

From April 2022 the government we will create a new, UK-wide, 1.25 per cent Health and Social Care Levy on earned income, hypothecated in law to health and social care. The new levy will share the cost between individuals and businesses, and everyone is to contribute according to their means, including those above State Pension … Continue reading Health and Social Care levy rates – National Insurance →

Submit August claims, prepare for closure of the Job Retention Scheme and the latest on SEISS

Dear PAYadvice.UK , I’m writing to you with the latest information about the support schemes available to help your clients, as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. This includes a reminder of the 14‌‌th September 2021 deadline for submitting your clients’ August Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims, information to help you and your … Continue reading Submit August claims, prepare for closure of the Job Retention Scheme and the latest on SEISS →

Right to work virtual checks acceptability extended

The end date for the temporary adjusted checks has now been deferred to 5th April 2022 (inclusive). The Home Office have made the decision to defer the date following the positive feedback received about the ability to conduct checks remotely. They initiated a review of the availability of specialist technology to support a system of … Continue reading Right to work virtual checks acceptability extended →

Childcare cost help as children head back to school

Families may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare to help pay for breakfast and after school clubs as children go back to school. Eligible families can save money on their childcare and benefit from a government top-up worth up to £2,000 every year, or up to £4,000 a year if a child is disabled. In June … Continue reading Childcare cost help as children head back to school →

Holiday accrual, how does it work?

Holiday entitlements and pay are some of the most misunderstood and abused employment rights law in the UK. Statistics show that 1.8 million workers and employees are denied their holiday pay rights amounting to underpayments of £1.8 billion. A number of myths abound in UK employment practice, especially around the concept of Holiday Accrual, Holiday … Continue reading Holiday accrual, how does it work? →

Home Working impact on older workers

The Office for National Statistics report shows that the shift towards working from home seen during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have helped enable older workers to remain in the labour market for longer. The report shows: Early exit of older workers from the UK labour market, between the age of 50 years and prior … Continue reading Home Working impact on older workers →

Absurd excuses for not paying National Minimum Wage published

By law, workers must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age - the following are 10 outrageous excuses employers have used to try and flout the rules. While the majority of employers pay their employees at least the National Minimum Wage, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has released some of the absurd … Continue reading Absurd excuses for not paying National Minimum Wage published →

Events industry boost with Government-backed insurance scheme

As the economy reopens with the lifting of Covid restrictions, getting the right kind of insurance is acting as a barrier for some events organisers impacting jobs. So the government has partnered with Lloyd’s to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme as part of the Plan for Jobs. The scheme will see the government act … Continue reading Events industry boost with Government-backed insurance scheme →

Temporary protection for more applicants to the Settlement Scheme

EEA citizens and their family members who apply late to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will have their rights protected as the Home Office continues to support those wanting to stay in the UK. More than 6 million applications were made to EUSS before the 30th June 2021 deadline for those resident in the UK … Continue reading Temporary protection for more applicants to the Settlement Scheme →

New flexible approach to apprenticeships

Sectors including the creative, agriculture and construction industries can now bid for a share of a £7 million fund to support the creation of new flexible apprenticeships, unlocking more opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to get good jobs. Apprenticeships are at least 12 months long, so some sectors with flexible employment … Continue reading New flexible approach to apprenticeships →

Minimum wage law breaker Employers ‘named and shamed’

Government names and shames 191 employers who have underpaid workers, including major household namesnamed firms have been fined for owing £2.1 million to over 34,000 workersBusiness Minister Paul Scully: “Employers that short-change workers won’t get off lightly” Thursday 5th August 2021 - 191 businesses are being named for breaking national minimum wage law. Following investigations … Continue reading Minimum wage law breaker Employers ‘named and shamed’ →

NICs Holiday for Employers of Veterans (NHEV)

HM Revenue & Customs Software Developers Support Team (SDST) has issued briefing notes for developers in relation to changes for National Insurance Contributions Holiday for Employers of Veterans abbreviated as NHEV. The relief applies from April 2021, however HMRC were unable to ready their systems in time for real time operations and employers will be … Continue reading NICs Holiday for Employers of Veterans (NHEV) →

TUC urges ban on umbrella companies – end exploitation of workers amid scandalous workplace practices which have “no place in modern Britain”

Union body warns use of umbrella companies could spiral post-pandemic New TUC research estimates that half of agency workers work for umbrella companies The TUC has called for umbrella companies to be banned. The union body says the scandalous workplace practices associated with umbrella companies have “no place in modern Britain”. An umbrella company is … Continue reading TUC urges ban on umbrella companies – end exploitation of workers amid scandalous workplace practices which have “no place in modern Britain” →

New National Disability Strategy launched

More accessible housing, easier commuting and better job prospects are set to become reality for millions of disabled people in the UK through actions set out in the government’s National Disability Strategy. Disabled people set to benefit from plans to upgrade job support and opportunities, housing and transport as part of a new National Disability … Continue reading New National Disability Strategy launched →

£375 million scheme to drive investment in innovative firms of the future opens for applications

£375 million Future Fund: Breakthrough opens for applications to help high-growth, R&D intensive companies bring game-changing technologies to marketThe government will co-invest with private investors to help scale-up innovations across UK industries including life sciences and clean technology – driving economy and creating jobsChancellor Rishi Sunak will convene a landmark Treasury Connect conference in London … Continue reading £375 million scheme to drive investment in innovative firms of the future opens for applications →

Cleaners targeted to check their wages

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are targeting contact with those employed in the cleaning sector making them aware of their employers National Minimum Wage obligations. ‘Are you, or someone you know, working in the cleaning sector on the National Minimum Wage?’ The HMRC are highlighting that ‘Unpaid working hours and workers having to pay for … Continue reading Cleaners targeted to check their wages →

Skills training boosted

Measures to boost the nation’s skills, level up opportunities and get more people into better paid jobs have been announced. The measures come after Prime Minister Johnson delivered the levelling up speech, underling the need to escalate the value of practical and vocational education through the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. The Government’s Skills Bootcamp training programmes … Continue reading Skills training boosted →

Insecure work

Special edition of the TUC’s Jobs and recovery monitor According to the TUC, The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the reality of insecure work in the UK. Care workers, delivery drivers and shopworkers played a crucial role in keeping society going. Meanwhile, in sectors like hospitality many insecure workers often found themselves without work. This TUC … Continue reading Insecure work →

Higher GCSE grades linked to lifetime earnings boost

New research shows the link between GCSE attainment and earnings over a person's lifetime. Those who perform just one GCSE grade better than their counterparts across nine subjects have been shown to earn on average over £200,000 more throughout their lives. Statisticians and economists at the Department for Education have established a direct link between … Continue reading Higher GCSE grades linked to lifetime earnings boost →

Summer job? Check: your hourly rate, any deductions or unpaid time.

Last year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) helped more than 150,000 workers who were paid under the minimum wage and is reminding seasonal summer staff to check their pay. HMRC are reminding Students and seasonal staff to check that they are being paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW). All workers are legally entitled … Continue reading Summer job? Check: your hourly rate, any deductions or unpaid time. →

UK secures the rights of millions of EU citizens

There were 6 million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30th June 2021, securing EU citizens’ rights in the UK. Statistics released Friday 2nd July 2021, show there were 6.02 million applications made to the scheme by 30th June, with 5.1 million grants of status. There have been more than 5.3 million applications from … Continue reading UK secures the rights of millions of EU citizens →

Right to Work Checklist changed 1st July 2021

Not before but on 1st July with little to no preparation time for U.K. employers, the Home Office have issued a revised Right To Work checklist for employers. Revised guidance for the changes required from 1st July were only issued late on Friday 18th June 2021 with employers only having less than 13 days to … Continue reading Right to Work Checklist changed 1st July 2021 →

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from July 2021

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was extended until 30th September 2021 and the level of grant available to employers under the scheme stayed the same until 30 June 2021. Claims must be made by 14th July 2021. Changes to the level of grant from 1st July 2021 From 1st July 2021, the level of grant … Continue reading Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from July 2021 →

One in 12 key workers do not qualify for statutory sick pay

A third of key workers (33%) say they do not get full sick payA quarter of key workers (24%) say they get only £96pw statutory sick payExtending sick pay protection to all workers would cost the same as just 1% of the test and trace budget Analysis published by the TUC shows that one in … Continue reading One in 12 key workers do not qualify for statutory sick pay →

Let footie fans work flexibly to watch Euro 2020

As Euro 2020 approaches its last games, the TUC has published advice for bosses whose staff want to watch games during their normal working hours. The TUC suggests that bosses:   · talk to their employees in advance about arrangements for key games · arrange for their staff to watch the game somewhere on the company’s … Continue reading Let footie fans work flexibly to watch Euro 2020 →

How are you managing childcare provisions and support?

The TUC working in collaboration with Mother Pukka, would like to hear from parents about childcare and the upcoming summer holidays. The pandemic has had a significant impact on parents and the childcare sector. With the six weeks holidays approaching the TUC want to hear from parents about what childcare provision and support is available, … Continue reading How are you managing childcare provisions and support? →

EU, EEA or Swiss citizen in the UK – have you applied for EU settlement? Time is running out!

There are just 7 days until the EU #SettlementScheme deadline of 30th June 2021. Apply TODAY if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen or their family member (and resident in the UK on 31st December 2020). To continue to receive benefits you need to apply. Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme PAYadvice.UK 25/6/2021

Updated ID checking guidelines in line with new right to work rules

From 1st July 2021, new rules for right to work checks will apply. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens will need to provide evidence of a lawful immigration status in the UK. In response to these changes, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has updated the ID checking guidelines for: Basic DBS checks, submitted through a … Continue reading Updated ID checking guidelines in line with new right to work rules →

Home Office issues revised Right To Work guidance for 1st July 2021 and onwards

At the eleventh hour, the Home Office have, at last, issued revised guidance (18th June 2021) on the changes required by UK employers in conducting right to work checks on new employees. Employers will need to ensure that their on boarding processes are reviewed and revised. The most significant updates contained in this updated guidance … Continue reading Home Office issues revised Right To Work guidance for 1st July 2021 and onwards →

Returning to work – Flexible season tickets

New national rail flexible season tickets and online season ticket calculator launch. #TheFutureIsFlexible as 2 and 3 day-a-week passengers given control over their commute, with potential savings of hundreds of pounds against daily and season ticketsonline ‘season ticket calculator’ will help passengers find the cheapest option as flexible season tickets go on sale from 21st … Continue reading Returning to work – Flexible season tickets →

TUC research reveals “emerging class divide” in who gets flexible working

Working-class jobs have less access to homeworking, and flexible hours are more likely to be refusedHomeworking is not the only form of flexible working – wider forms of flexible working should be on offer for all workers, says union bodyTUC challenges ministers to ‘make Britain a world leader for flexible working rights’ New polling in … Continue reading TUC research reveals “emerging class divide” in who gets flexible working →

New online tool to help working families make the most of shared parental leave

New online tool will make it easier for expectant parents to access and understand Shared Parental Leave and Payworking families can check their eligibility for the scheme in 5 minutes, check what pay they’d be entitled to, and notify their employer using the toolscheme supports mums aiming to return to work and dads and partners … Continue reading New online tool to help working families make the most of shared parental leave →

Earnings and employment from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information, UK: June 2021

The ONS analyses of HMRC RTI data shows a recovery in both employment and wages; Early estimates for May 2021 indicate that the number of payrolled employees rose by 0.5% compared with May 2020, which is a rise of 141,000 employees; the number of payrolled employees is down by 1.9% since February 2020, a fall … Continue reading Earnings and employment from Pay As You Earn Real Time Information, UK: June 2021 →

Care homes workers to be fully vaccinated to protect residents

People working in CQC-registered care homes will need to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with both doses. Decision follows a public consultation with staff, providers, residents and familiesFurther consultation will be launched on whether to extend to other health and social care settings Care home residents will be better protected from death and serious illness, following … Continue reading Care homes workers to be fully vaccinated to protect residents →

CJRS guidance updated 16th June 2021

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance has been further updated on Wednesday 16th June 2021 to include the introduction of tapering from 1st July 2021, and as the claim window for May has closed, so the deadlines for May claims have been changed to the new deadlines for June claims. Page titleChangesAll Pages with a … Continue reading CJRS guidance updated 16th June 2021 →

Attitudes towards the future of homeworking

The Office for National Statistics (ONS)@ONS has published new research on homeworking, showing that most people (61%) want to spend at least half of their time working from home post-pandemic. The proportion of working adults who did any work from home in 2020 increased to 37% on average from 27% in 2019 with workers living … Continue reading Attitudes towards the future of homeworking →

Plans to modernise the trade unions regulator

Government confirms plans to modernise the trade unions regulator to boost transparency and provide reassurance to workers that high standards will be maintainednew enforcement powers and levy mechanism will bring the Certification Officer into line with other regulatorschanges to the regulator, previously approved by Parliament, do not affect unions’ rights to campaign on public policy … Continue reading Plans to modernise the trade unions regulator →

Government to protect workers’ rights and clamp down on workplace abuse with powerful new body

New workers’ watchdog to take over responsibility for tackling modern slavery, enforcing minimum wage, and moreone-stop shop will improve enforcement and ensure employees and businesses know where to go for help on workers’ rightsBusiness Minister Paul Scully: We will take action against big brands that turn a blind eye to abuses A powerful new workers’ … Continue reading Government to protect workers’ rights and clamp down on workplace abuse with powerful new body →

Cash boost for apprenticeships launched

Businesses can claim £3000 for each new apprentice they take on. From 1st June 2021, employers of all sizes in England can now apply for extra funding to help them take on new apprentices, in the latest drive to revolutionise the skills and training offer across the country. The boost to the apprenticeship incentive scheme … Continue reading Cash boost for apprenticeships launched →

Low Pay and ethnicity – LPC call for evidence

The LPC is seeking evidence on the experiences of low-paid workers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Alongside the usual work of monitoring the minimum wage and recommending next year’s rates, the Government’s 2021 remit letter to the LPC made a new request, not included in recent years. This was to gather evidence specifically on the impacts … Continue reading Low Pay and ethnicity – LPC call for evidence →

TUC – Uber recognition agreement is “just the start”

Commenting on Wednesday 26th May 2021 “landmark” trade union recognition agreement between Uber and the GMB, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: “Gig economy workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This landmark agreement is a huge breakthrough and will give Uber drivers a real voice at work. “The GMB deserve massive credit … Continue reading TUC – Uber recognition agreement is “just the start” →

Employers eligible for £1000 cash boost for every T Level student placement

Employers will be able to claim a £1,000 cash boost for every T Level student they host on a high-quality industry placement, as part of a new incentive scheme launched 27th May 2021. The new technical qualifications - co-created with over 250 employers including Fujitsu and Amazon – are equivalent to three A Levels and … Continue reading Employers eligible for £1000 cash boost for every T Level student placement →

Consultation launched to waive visa fees for non-UK military personnel

Service personnel from non-UK nations could be offered indefinite leave to remain in the UK for free under a new public consultation launched today by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel. Service personnel from non-UK nations who have served in the British Armed Forces could be offered indefinite leave to remain in … Continue reading Consultation launched to waive visa fees for non-UK military personnel →

DWP and Google join forces to grow jobseekers’ digital skills

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has partnered with Google to provide 9,000 jobseekers across the UK with scholarships to gain a Google Career Certificate. The scholarship will let jobseekers access courses to grow the necessary skills for a career in technology and IT, with Universal Credit claimants being referred to the scholarships by … Continue reading DWP and Google join forces to grow jobseekers’ digital skills →

JETS job scheme relaunching 100,000 careers

Around 100,000 people who lost jobs in the pandemic are on the road back to work due to a government programme providing targeted support to relaunch their careers. On average, nearly 500 jobseekers have started on the £238 million JETS – Job Entry Targeted Support – scheme over the last seven months. And just under … Continue reading JETS job scheme relaunching 100,000 careers →

Statutory Payments from the deemed employees intermediaries

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have published new guidance on Monday 24th May 2021 which explains how intermediaries can calculate statutory payments for their workers where the off-payroll working rules (IR35) apply. Some payroll software and service solutions may have incorporated automated calculations to facilitate automated statutory payment calculations whereas others may require manual adjustments. … Continue reading Statutory Payments from the deemed employees intermediaries →

New format NINOs? No they’re Temporary Reference Numbers (TRNs) – do not use!

There have been a number of questions circulating about new format National Insurance Numbers identified as such on letters to individuals from HM Revenue and Customs and also on P2 tax code notifications to individuals. These ‘new numbers’ are in a different format to the traditional NINO. Have NINOs changed? Should employers use these new … Continue reading New format NINOs? No they’re Temporary Reference Numbers (TRNs) – do not use! →

Employers: Your business might have changed, but your workplace pension duties haven’t.

The Pensions Regulator is reminding employers that while the workplace has changed due to the pandemic, their workplace pensions duties have not. All employers have a legal duty to automatically enrol eligible staff into a workplace pension and pay in the correct contributions for them. While these are uncertain times for all employers, they must … Continue reading Employers: Your business might have changed, but your workplace pension duties haven’t. →

BME unemployment is rising

The unemployment rate for Black and minority ethnic (BME) workers has risen at three times the speed of the unemployment rate for white workers, according to TUC analysis of new ONS employment figures published Tuesday 18th May 2021. TUC analysis of the ONS figures show BME unemployment rate has increased by 41% to 8.9% over … Continue reading BME unemployment is rising →

Supply chain due diligence to assure labour supply chains

HMRC have issued guidance (13th May 2021) to both and help warn business to be aware of risks within Labour supply chains. Why assure the labour supply chain Failing to take reasonable action to make sure that the supply of labour is legitimate can lead to significant legal, financial and reputational risks, liability for unpaid … Continue reading Supply chain due diligence to assure labour supply chains →

Work from Home Day: new laws needed to make flexible working patterns available for all workers after pandemic – TUC

Prime minister signals that the work from home order will be lifted on 21 JuneRise of homeworking for office workers must not lead to “new inequalities”, warns TUCLack of employment bill in Queen’s Speech a ‘colossal failure’ to address changed expectations of flexibility at work following the pandemic Friday 14th May 2021 is the 16th … Continue reading Work from Home Day: new laws needed to make flexible working patterns available for all workers after pandemic – TUC →

Non-compliance with basic employment rights in the labour market highlights the need for reform – TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) have published a research paper outlining an action plan to reform labour market enforcement. TUC action plan to reform labour market enforcement They claim that ‘significant reforms are needed to make sure that all workers (and especially low paid, insecure workers) have a viable route to enforce their basic workplace … Continue reading Non-compliance with basic employment rights in the labour market highlights the need for reform – TUC →

New ‘We Offer Testing to our Staff’ scheme launched

New sticker scheme launched allowing UK businesses to display their offer of free testing for staff alongside materials promoting use of the NHS COVID-19 app to check in customers and visitorsAlongside the vaccine rollout and checking in with the NHS COVID-19 app, regular testing is at the heart of plans to reopen society and the … Continue reading New ‘We Offer Testing to our Staff’ scheme launched →

Low Pay Commission publish their report on National Minimum Wage enforcement

The Covid-19 pandemic has left low-paid workers more vulnerable and businesses under greater pressure than ever before. This increases the risk of minimum wage underpayment and demands a proactive and strategic response from the Government. These are the conclusions of a report into compliance and enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), published 11th May … Continue reading Low Pay Commission publish their report on National Minimum Wage enforcement →

Raising awareness of job scams

Our aim is to raise awareness of scams and employment fraud among job seekers. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is running a campaign to raise awareness of job scams and employment fraud among job seekers. DBS is working alongside JobsAware, Disclosure Scotland and AccessNI. JobsAware is a non-profit organisation, with cross-government support, that informs people … Continue reading Raising awareness of job scams →

HMRC publish guidance for those employed by umbrellas

HMRC have published further guidance (29th April 2021) to clarify the position on agency and contractors who are employees of umbrella organisations. Working through an umbrella company Those employed by umbrellas can find out about how and what they will be paid if they are an agency worker or contractor and work through an umbrella … Continue reading HMRC publish guidance for those employed by umbrellas →

The key steps Government has taken to support workers

The UK has one of the best workers’ rights records in the world. Following the 1st May International Workers’ Day 2021, the UK reflects on some of the key steps the Government has taken to support workers since last year. Looking to the future, the government is bringing forward plans to crack down on workplace … Continue reading The key steps Government has taken to support workers →