Category: Uncategorized

Podcast Episode: Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 – when are the Bank Holidays and what about pay

Pip: PAYadvice.UK — where the festive season preparation for payroll arrives in October, because payroll waits for no one. Mara: psimonparsons has been digging into the Christmas and New Year 2026 to 2027 bank holiday picture — when they fall, what employers owe, and how early payroll runs interact with Universal Credit. Pip: Let's start … Continue reading Podcast Episode: Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 – when are the Bank Holidays and what about pay →

Happy National Payroll Week – the 28th annual celebration

In the queue for NPW 2026 at Sky Gardens Monday 7th September saw the evening celebration of the National Payroll Week at the London Sky Gardens. The 28th annual celebration of the payroll industry. Sky Gardens view by PSP With spectacular view of the City of London and wider areas, the industries great and good … Continue reading Happy National Payroll Week – the 28th annual celebration →

Millions of working women set to benefit from landmark workplace health drive

Leading women’s health campaigner and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup has been appointed as the Government’s Women's Employment Ambassador, a newly created role to support working women across the country.   Mariella Frostrup has been appointed as the new Women’s Employment Ambassador to champion women’s health in the workplace. Appointment comes as businesses encouraged to publish voluntary action plans to better support employees experiencing menopause symptoms. Together these measures will work to address the near record … Continue reading Millions of working women set to benefit from landmark workplace health drive →

Get ‘Tax Confident’

HMRC launches Tax Confident, a new website to help people understand tax in plain, simple terms. HMRC launches ‘Tax Confident’ website designed to fill tax knowledge gaps. It covers tax essentials from setting up a business to retirement.  Improving customer experience is key to HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and supports the government’s Plan for Growth.  HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new ‘Tax Confident’ website and is encouraging people to use it to help fill their tax knowledge gaps.    It … Continue reading Get ‘Tax Confident’ →

Move to eVisas update

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing physical immigration documents with a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa eVisas will replace all visa stickers in 2026 From 12th January 2026, most people granted a visit visa, and some other visa types will be told that they will get an eVisa as well as a visa sticker.    Most people … Continue reading Move to eVisas update →

HMRC revises interest rates

HMRC interest rates for late payments will be revised following the Bank of England interest rate cut to 3.75% on 18th December 2025. The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee announced on 18th December 2025 to reduce the Bank of England base rate to 3.75% from 4.00%. HMRC interest rates are linked to the Bank of … Continue reading HMRC revises interest rates →

Young people to benefit from expanded support, new training, and work experience opportunities

Almost one million young people will benefit from learning or employment opportunities as a result of a major £820 million funding package. The funding will create 350,000 new workplace opportunities designed to support young people into employment. Hundreds of thousands more young people on Universal Credit to benefit from dedicated support. Guaranteed jobs scheme to … Continue reading Young people to benefit from expanded support, new training, and work experience opportunities →

UK recognises cryptocurrency as personal property

Owners of Bitcoin and other digital assets will benefit from greater legal protection thanks to an important clarification to the law. New law confirms digital assets like crypto tokens can be recognised as personal property Victims of digital theft and fraud gain stronger protections as legislation passes through the final stages of Parliament Part of Government’s Plan for Change for growth to boost the UK’s reputation as a global … Continue reading UK recognises cryptocurrency as personal property →

Tax on cancelled, moved or curtailed shifts

As a result of the Employment Rights Bill currently going through parliament and anticipated as something that will be passed, workers will receive the right to receive payment from their employers if shifts are cancelled, moved, or curtailed at short notice. As part of Budget 2025, the HMRC, In line with existing legislation relating to … Continue reading Tax on cancelled, moved or curtailed shifts →

Budget 2025 – Tax free allowance freeze extended 3 years

As part of the budget 2025, the £12,570 tax free allowance freeze has been extended from the current freeze until April 2028 to a new three year freeze extension to April 2031. This will see an increase in tax income as more individuals through fiscal drag are placed into higher and additional tax rates. The … Continue reading Budget 2025 – Tax free allowance freeze extended 3 years →

Update on the move to eVisas

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing physical immigration documents with a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. Moving to a digital immigration system UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means replacing physical documents with a digital record of identity and immigration status. This is known as an … Continue reading Update on the move to eVisas →

Staff receive industry leading pay rise

Employment Rights Minister visits an Aldi supermarket in Watford following the retailer's decision to make its staff the best paid in the UK. Store assistants at Aldi to receive a big pay boost as the retailer becomes among the first to pay at least £13.02 per hour to all staff.  Minister visits store to celebrate … Continue reading Staff receive industry leading pay rise →

Boost for Britain’s electric vehicle revolution

Salary sacrifice EV schemes Electric Vehicles (EV) are an increasing Salary Sacrifice arrangement that works being offered by employers enabling the expansion EV usage across the UK. Unlike some salary sacrifice arrangements which may not work as stated such as childcare and groceries which may not meet exemption qualifying conditions, EVs are not captured by … Continue reading Boost for Britain’s electric vehicle revolution →

Nine million pensioners to receive Winter Fuel Payments

Everyone over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter. This increased threshold means no lower or middle-income pensioners will miss out, with the vast majority - over three quarters - of pensioners in England and Wales … Continue reading Nine million pensioners to receive Winter Fuel Payments →

Tax Update Spring 2025: Simplification, Administration, and Reform

On the afternoon of Monday 28th April 2025, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (XST) made a written ministerial statement to parliament with a package of measures aimed at simplifying the tax system. At Autumn Budget 2024 and Spring Statement 2025, the government committed to bring forward a package of measures in Spring 2025 aimed at simplifying … Continue reading Tax Update Spring 2025: Simplification, Administration, and Reform →

Good practice umbrella companies

Actions to take as an umbrella company to support compliance and best practice in the temporary labour market. Prior evidence has indicated that around 70% of umbrella organisations may have been involved in either promoting or operating tax avoidance schemes, some to public sector workforces in Health and Local Government. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) … Continue reading Good practice umbrella companies →

Simpler and more accessible justice in the workplace

Employment Tribunals play a vital role in the UK justice system, resolving disputes between employers and employees. The disputes handled by Employment Yribunaks (ET) may be on issues such as:  unfair dismissal  discrimination  redundancy  whistleblowing claims  breach of contract  ET hearings involve evidence, witness testimony and legal arguments and are decided upon by a judge … Continue reading Simpler and more accessible justice in the workplace →

Minimum Wage – CIPP South Live

Next up is the short update from Jenni Morris on National Minimum Wage. Increasingly employers are falling foul of NMW compliance with limited understanding of complex obligations. NMW is not about the pay rate, it’s about the rate of pay received. She went on to describe the risk areas and how salaried workers can be … Continue reading Minimum Wage – CIPP South Live →

£35 million added to State Pension pots

Only two months left to boost State Pension by filling gaps in National Insurance records from 2006 onwards Since the launch of the digital service April2024, 37,000 people have topped up more than 68,000 years, worth £35 million Those wanting to maximise their State Pension by plugging gaps in their National Insurance record have contributed … Continue reading £35 million added to State Pension pots →

DWP – Autumn Budget 2024 to drive up opportunity and drive down poverty

Millions of people, including families, pensioners, carers and those struggling to find work are set to benefit from Autumn Budget reforms to boost work and tackle poverty. Welfare safety net will be strengthened with a new Fair Repayment Rate, an increase to benefits and an extension of vital crisis support. Carers will also see a … Continue reading DWP – Autumn Budget 2024 to drive up opportunity and drive down poverty →

Payrolling of benefits mandated – April 2026

As part of the Autumn Budget 2024 information, the government have confirmed that from April 2026, it will be mandatory to payroll all benefits in kind except for: employment related loans and accommodation Payrolling for these two benefits will be introduced on a voluntary basis, also from April 2026, and the government will set out the … Continue reading Payrolling of benefits mandated – April 2026 →

My HMRC account does not balance – PAYE charge queries

As part of the October 2024 Employer Bulletin, the HMRC has provided information for employers where they may have a PAYE charge query. PAYadvice offers additional comments to aid clarification and guide employers on options for resolution. Although HMRC often blames the employer or their payroll for errors on employer PAYE accounts, there is a … Continue reading My HMRC account does not balance – PAYE charge queries →

UK Armed Forces Veterans, care givers and abuse victims given social housing exemption

Further support to house UK Armed Forces Veterans in housing need. Domestic abuse victims and care leavers under 25 to be exempt from any ‘local connection’ requirements. Government has pledged the biggest boost to affordable and social housing in a generation. All UK Armed Forces Veterans will be exempt from rules which require a connection … Continue reading UK Armed Forces Veterans, care givers and abuse victims given social housing exemption →

New government – First steps for change

The following has been issued by the Primeminister office: We’ll make an immediate impact on people’s lives with our six first steps for change. This Government will deliver fundamental change.     Alongside our five national missions, which are long-term objectives providing a driving sense of purpose for the country, we’ll make an immediate impact on people’s … Continue reading New government – First steps for change →

Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP) is on its way – April 2025

The new statutory allowance (SNCP) is planned to be introduced in April 2025; this is for parents who have a child that requires neonatal care in the first 28 days following birth. Payment is made for a maximum of 12 weeks. This statutory payment is expected to follow the same administration process as other statutory … Continue reading Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP) is on its way – April 2025 →

Football agent fees – avoiding penalties

HMRC have published updated guidance on their view on dual representation, and the approaches to take to lower the risk of tax non-compliance. These will help football agents avoid penalties! These Guidelines for Compliance (GfC) are for football agents and football clubs. They focus on: HMRC’s view on dual representation contracts Employer Duty and VAT compliance risks … Continue reading Football agent fees – avoiding penalties →

2024/2025 P60 design

HMRC have issued the RD1 Specification for employers substitute forms P60 for the new 2024/2025 tax year. The RD1 guide gives information on how to design substitute forms P60, ‘End of Year Certificate’ which employers may use at the end of the tax year. It also includes information on how to adapt the substitute form … Continue reading 2024/2025 P60 design →

Food delivery account sharing concern

Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat urged to end unchecked account sharing to protect the public. Food delivery firms have been urged to conduct checks on all delivery drivers, to protect the British public and prevent illegal working. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has demanded Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat end the practice of unchecked … Continue reading Food delivery account sharing concern →

The Payroll Services Summit – Part 2 – Leveraging payroll data to drive value

The second session at the PayDashboard/Experian event was presented by BDO. The session looked at leveraging payroll data. With increasing legislative requirements being placed by government on data requirements, the information held within payroll has increased. The payroll industry has been driven to be more dynamic with change. So key data is now held in … Continue reading The Payroll Services Summit – Part 2 – Leveraging payroll data to drive value →

New crackdown on parents who refuse to pay child maintenance launched

Parents who refuse to pay child maintenance will face accelerated sanctions as Ministers announce the introduction of new powers to speed up strong enforcement action and other reforms to make the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) fairer. Introducing long-term changes to make the system fairer for children and parents Enforcement process to be made almost four … Continue reading New crackdown on parents who refuse to pay child maintenance launched →

Ban and tagging for those who abused Bounce Back Loan

Bounce Back Loans were a government scheme in which active businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic could take out interest-free, taxpayer-backed loans of up to £50,000. Loans were for the economic support of the business. Three businessmen from southeast England each claimed the maximum £50k Bounce Back Loan and one dissolved his company to avoid … Continue reading Ban and tagging for those who abused Bounce Back Loan →

HMRC professional standards for compliance

HMRC’s Customer Compliance Group (CCG) have introduced a set of Compliance Professional Standards. The Standards set out how HMRC should apply the HMRC Charter and Civil Service values in their compliance activity. They are being shared to be open and transparent with about how they aim to work. The main objective of the Standards is … Continue reading HMRC professional standards for compliance →

New information hub for company directors launched to help make the right decisions at the right time

The Insolvency Service has launched a new online information hub to support company directors on Monday 10th July 2023. The hub hosts guidance and information on a range of business themes commonly faced by companies and aims to help company directors to push their business forward by being more aware of potential pitfalls. It is specifically … Continue reading New information hub for company directors launched to help make the right decisions at the right time →

Free flu vaccine for secondary school pupils

All secondary school pupils eligible for free flu vaccine as government expands vaccination programme. Over 3 million secondary school pupils to be offered nasal spray vaccine from 1 September Expansion provides direct protection to pupils and indirect protection to wider community Getting flu vaccine helps protect you and your loved ones, while reducing pressure on … Continue reading Free flu vaccine for secondary school pupils →

Support measures for mortgage holders

An increasing number of homeowners will be worried about rising interest rates & the impact on mortgages. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met mortgage lenders to agree a package of commitments to support households through thdifficult time. the Chancellor met the UK's principal mortgage lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to agree support for people struggling … Continue reading Support measures for mortgage holders →

Non-compete clauses to be limited

As part of the governments BREXIT reforms and the ‘Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy’ published 10th May 2023, new measures are being proposed to limit non-compete clauses Reform non-compete clauses to boost competition and innovation Non-compete clauses are often included in employment contracts to restrict an individual’s ability to work for or establish a … Continue reading Non-compete clauses to be limited →

UK-wide Emergency Alert test

A new system will give the Government and emergency services the capability to send an alert directly to mobiles phones when there is a risk to life has been launched The IK government has confirmed that a UK-wide emergency alerts test will take place on Sunday 23rd April 2023 which will see people receive a … Continue reading UK-wide Emergency Alert test →

Spring Budget 2023

The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented his Spring Budget 2023 to Parliament on Wednesday 15th March 2023. For the full speech: Spring Budget 2023 speech as delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. My budget… sets out the next stage of the Government’s plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt. Building on the stability … Continue reading Spring Budget 2023 →

Coronation weekend celebrations that will bring communities together

Millions of people across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events. The Nation and the Commonwealth will have the opportunity to join a weekend of celebrations to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and … Continue reading Coronation weekend celebrations that will bring communities together →

Five more tax avoidance schemes named

HMRC names 5 more tax avoidance schemes, as part of their crack-down on tax avoidance promoters. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published the details of 5 further tax avoidance schemes, including three promoted by AML Tax (UK) Limited. Last year, Doug Barrowman firm AML Tax (UK) Ltd was fined £150,000 for failing to provide HMRC … Continue reading Five more tax avoidance schemes named →

Holiday activity clubs to continue in 2023

Government confirms funding for holiday activities and food programme for 2023, supporting hundreds of thousands of children from low-income families. Hundreds of thousands of children across England will continue to access free, nutritious food and engaging activities over the school holidays, as the government confirms £200 million to fund the holiday activities and food programme … Continue reading Holiday activity clubs to continue in 2023 →

Welsh Income Tax April 2023

Welsh Rates of Income Tax (WRIT) The process for Wales involves the UK Government reducing each of the three income tax rates for Welsh taxpayers by 10p. The Welsh Government then decides whether to set the Welsh rates at 10p, thereby retaining parity between Welsh and English taxpayers or to set different rates. Proposed WRIT … Continue reading Welsh Income Tax April 2023 →

Nation falls silent on Remembrance Sunday

National two-minute silence takes place to remember those who died in conflict Members of the Royal Family and senior politicians will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph Around 10,000 Royal British Legion veterans will march past the Cenotaph to pay tribute to their fallen comrades A national two-minute silence led by His Majesty The King will … Continue reading Nation falls silent on Remembrance Sunday →

Chancellor Statement – 17th October 2022

Speech to the House of Commons as delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Mr Speaker, The central responsibility of any government is to do what is necessary for economic stability. Behind the decisions we take and the issues on which we vote are jobs families depend on, mortgages that have to be paid, savings for pensioners, … Continue reading Chancellor Statement – 17th October 2022 →

Employment boost for people receiving mental health support

£122 million boost to service will give those receiving mental health support the opportunity to speak to employment advisers Employment advisers and therapists will work together so that a person can return to or find work easier and faster – driving economic growth Across England, people with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and … Continue reading Employment boost for people receiving mental health support →

£150 Disability Cost of Living Payments begin

Six million people who are paid certain disability benefits will begin to receive a one-off payment of £150 from Tuesday 20th September 2020 Payments are part of the government’s wider £37 billion support package, including the Energy Price Guarantee and cost of living payments totalling £650 Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit … Continue reading £150 Disability Cost of Living Payments begin →

Parents and carers of 16 to 19-year-olds have less than one week left to confirm whether their teenager is staying in full-time education or approved training.

While young people are considering their future beyond their GCSE or Scottish National Certificate results, HMRC is asking parents and carers to make sure they update their Child Benefit records by 31st August 2022, or risk seeing their payments end. HMRC has written to 1.3 million parents and carers of children, who are in the … Continue reading Parents and carers of 16 to 19-year-olds have less than one week left to confirm whether their teenager is staying in full-time education or approved training. →

Heat-health advice issued

With temperatures rising to forecasted record levels this weekend, UKHSA and the Met Office is reminding people to take precautions to stay safe through the hot weather. The hottest temperatures are expected on Monday and Tuesday (18th/19th July 2022) with highs of 40°C possible. A Level 4 alert has been issued for the first time … Continue reading Heat-health advice issued →

Resignations and appointments

Nadhim Zahawi appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer The Queen has approve the appointments of the Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP to be Chancellor of the Exchequer. Resignation of Rishi Sunak The appointment follows the resignation of the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak. His letter to the Prime Minister follows: And the Prime Minister's response: PAYadvice.UK 5/7/2022

Help with Easter childcare costs

Working parents can get up to £2,000 a year to pay for regulated childcare, including holiday clubs and out-of-school activities in the Easter holidays. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding working parents in the UK to not miss out on the opportunity to get up to £2,000 a year to pay for regulated childcare, … Continue reading Help with Easter childcare costs →

Intrusive worker surveillance “spiralling out of control”

Latest TUC polling by Britain Thinks reveals majority of workers say they have experienced surveillance in the past year Overwhelming support for stronger regulation to protect workers from punitive use of AI and surveillance tech Post Office scandal must be a turning point on uncritical use of worker monitoring tech. Intrusive worker surveillance tech and … Continue reading Intrusive worker surveillance “spiralling out of control” →

Student Loan Plan 2 and Post-Graduate loan thresholds frozen

The Plan 2 and PGL thresholds for 2022/2023 have been confirmed. Statement - Higher Education update Both thresholds remain at their tax year 2021/2022 levels, i.e.: Plan 2 - £27,295 per year (£2,274 per month, or £524 per week) Post-Graduate - £21,000 per year (£1,750 per month or £404 per week) So the confirmed Student … Continue reading Student Loan Plan 2 and Post-Graduate loan thresholds frozen →

HMRC responds to claims

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

Health and Care Visa scheme expanded

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

That was the Autumn budget 2021 – the Payroll impacts

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

Millions of the UK’s most vulnerable are to be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine

Millions are to be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine from as the government confirms it has accepted the final advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The programme will be rolled out to the same priority groups as previously. This means care home residents, health and social care workers, people aged … Continue reading Millions of the UK’s most vulnerable are to be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine →

Targeted training for staff to teach early language and numeracy skills

Funding for training to help two to four year-olds with language and mathematic skills, as part of early years recovery investment. Thousands of pre-school children will benefit from improved language, numeracy and personal, social and emotional skills, due to a programme of training and professional development support for early years staff. The Early Years Professional … Continue reading Targeted training for staff to teach early language and numeracy skills →

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 →

Action required – upcoming deadline for furloughing employees and the latest on SEISS

Dear Payadvice.UK , I’m writing to you with the latest information about the financial support schemes available to help your clients, as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. This includes the latest on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and upcoming changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). To find out what … Continue reading Action required – upcoming deadline for furloughing employees and the latest on SEISS →

Job Retention Scheme July update

Submit your CJRS claims for June If you haven’t submitted your June claim, employers must do so by We‌dn‌esd‌ay 14th J‌ul‌y. For June employers can claim 80% of their furloughed employees’ usual wages (based on an historic snapshot point) for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month. What you or … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme July update →

Job Retention Scheme updates 1st July 2021

Only one update to the guidance this past week - employees will be able to view the claims made by their employer for the claim periods from Dec 2020 to Apr 2021 on 29th July 2021 Page titleChangesCheck if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Employee Page)To include: Claim periods from December … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme updates 1st July 2021 →

Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 3rd June 2021

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance has had further updates applied on Thursday 3rd June 2021. Although there are a number of updates, in the main these are to; publish the employer claims for periods from December 2020 to March 2021  remove deadlines prior to 1st May (e.g. periods from 1st November to 30th April, etc.)organise … Continue reading Job Retention Scheme guidance updates 3rd June 2021 →

Extended opening hours to continue when non-essential retail returns

Longer opening hours in England will help people return to the high streets safely when non-essential shops re-open from 12th April 2021. Temporary measures to make socially distanced shopping easier to continueLonger opening hours for retail to give shoppers more flexibility and ease transport pressuresFlexible working hours for construction also to continue, helping industry continue … Continue reading Extended opening hours to continue when non-essential retail returns →

IR35/Off-Payroll Working – Umbrellas and Agencies

This article is based on HMRC information ESM2390. What is an ‘umbrella company‘? There is no statutory definition of an ‘umbrella company’. It is generally accepted that an umbrella company is a company that employs temporary workers who work for different end clients’. Typically they enter into a contract with a recruitment agency who will … Continue reading IR35/Off-Payroll Working – Umbrellas and Agencies →

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage – pay reference periods commencing Thursday 1st April 2021

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage uplift for 2021/2022 applies for pay periods starting 1st April 2021. Along with the increase to minimum pay rates there are two significant additional changes: The dropping of the National Living Wage qualifying age from 25 to 23 yearsThe extension of record keeping from 3 years to … Continue reading National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage – pay reference periods commencing Thursday 1st April 2021 →

COVID-19 support – latest information

Dear @PAYadvice, I’m writing to you with the latest information about the financial support schemes available to help your clients. This includes updates on the VAT deferral new payment scheme, the latest on the Self- Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). VAT deferral – apply now to spread your … Continue reading COVID-19 support – latest information →

48,000 businesses already registered to offer workplace testing

Workplace testing programme ramps up as 48,000 businesses register for free, regular and rapid tests for their employees. Regular, rapid testing will be a crucial tool to prevent outbreaks in the workplace as we cautiously ease restrictions, keeping employees safe and businesses openA major expansion of the free programme now means all businesses can access … Continue reading 48,000 businesses already registered to offer workplace testing →

February 2021 Employer Bulletin published

HMRC have published their new format web delivered Employer Bulletin. It’s absolutely packed with important information which will aid payroll professionals in obtaining vital information and guidance. There are a plethora of important topics: Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeVAT deferral new payment scheme – opt-in from the end of February 2021VAT reverse charge for construction and … Continue reading February 2021 Employer Bulletin published →

HMRC – a word about scams

306,000 reports of phone scams HMRC indicate that they have received more than 306,000 reports about phone scams in the last year, up 47%. The department responded to over 846,000 public referrals of suspicious HMRC contact in total. Nearly 496,000 of these offered bogus tax rebates, as a way of stealing personal data. 496,000 reported … Continue reading HMRC – a word about scams →

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) →

Revised New Starter Checklist for April 2021 proposed – Student and Postgraduate Loan questions simplified

April 2021 sees the introduction of the Scottish Student Loan deduction with the new Student Loan Plan 4. As a result the New Starter Checklist (historically known as form P46) is being revised with easier and more straightforward and combined Student Loan and Postgraduate Loan questions referenced as Question 9 and 10. The New Starter … Continue reading Revised New Starter Checklist for April 2021 proposed – Student and Postgraduate Loan questions simplified →

Statement: Tax exemptions: Employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests and easement for employer-provided cycles exemption

Employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests: Exemption from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions On 9 July 2020, the Government agreed to introduce an income tax exemption and National Insurance contributions (NICs) disregard to ensure that Coronavirus antigen testing provided to employees outside the Government’s national testing scheme will not attract tax and NICs liabilities. The Government … Continue reading Statement: Tax exemptions: Employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests and easement for employer-provided cycles exemption →

PAYadvice.UK reaches 500 posts with over 400 followers

WordPress has congratulated PAYadvice.UK on reaching 500 posts since the first post on 19th April 2019. In 2020 there have so far been over 40,000 clicks for information by 22,000 plus visitors. There are now over 400 followers. Articles are shared on LinkedIn (there is a PAYadvice group) and on Facebook and Twitter. PAYadvice.UK provides … Continue reading PAYadvice.UK reaches 500 posts with over 400 followers →

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 →

REAL LIVING WAGE INCREASES TO £9.50 IN UK AND £10.85 IN LONDON AS COST OF LIVING RISES

Living Wage Week, from 9-15 November 2020, is a UK-wide celebration of the almost 7,000 employers that have voluntarily committed to ensure employees and sub-contracted staff earn a real Living Wage. This includes more than two-fifths of the FTSE 100 and major household names such as Brewdog, Everton FC, Aviva, Burberry, and Nationwide. The real … Continue reading REAL LIVING WAGE INCREASES TO £9.50 IN UK AND £10.85 IN LONDON AS COST OF LIVING RISES →

No National Insurance number? So what!

National Insurance Number delays The October 2020 HMRC bulletin provides additional guidance on National Insurance requirements.Due to COVID-19, the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) is only able to offer a National Insurance Number (NINO) service to a limited number of applicants. In order to allocate a NINO for employment purposes DWP has a legal … Continue reading No National Insurance number? So what! →

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 →

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 →

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? →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →