With recent headlines, there is a need for Preferred Supplier Lists (PSL's) but at what cost?A contractor could demand that they continue to be paid through an umbrella that is not on an agencies PSL and that umbrella might not be compliant. The contractor may want to continue to use them as their take home pay is 85%+. In this instance, why should an agency want to use them?There is also additional administration in setting them up, if they have not worked with them previously. Due … [Read more...]
HMRC names avoidance scheme promoters for first time
All legitimate umbrella companies have been calling for the regulation of the sector for a long time.We are pleased to announce that Tax avoidance schemes have been named for the first time by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as users are warned they could face large tax bills.HMRC has today advised anyone involved in Absolute Outsourcing’s or Purple Pay Limited’s Equity Participation Scheme to withdraw from them as soon as possible to prevent building up a large tax bill.This is the … [Read more...]
Changes to RTW checks in the UK – April 2022
As of 6 April 2022, Biometric Residence Card (BRXC), Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and Frontier Worker Permit (FWP) holders will no longer be able to present physical BRPs, BRCs or FWPs in order to evidence their right to work in the UK. Instead, these individuals must evidence their right to work via the Home Office's online service.What does this mean for recruitment agencies?Employers should review internal right to work check processes, procedures and communications in light of … [Read more...]
Will the proposed increase to National Insurance, to cover the social care levy, have a drastic impact on the economy?
The plan is to increase National Insurance by 1.25% for employers and the same percentage for employees totaling an increase of 2.5%.With the cost of living rising since early 2021, December reached the highest recorded level in decades this is not a welcomed increase.Yesterday, The House of Commons called for the Government to replace the proposed National Insurance increase with taxes on the wealth of the richest. This motion has been signed by 21 members and no amendments have been … [Read more...]
Crown Commercial Services for Supply Teachers Framework announcement
The following is a copy of an email sent to Recruitment Agencies that are working within the Supply Teacher Framework explaining that they are to confirm that they are not using Joint Employment models to pay their Supply Teachers.Yet more proof that the government and governing bodies are clamping down on services that they deem unsuitable for workers to be paid under.“We have recently been made aware of an emerging ‘joint employment model’ whereby the employment business and an … [Read more...]
All you need to know about supply chain compliance
5 months into the IR35 Off-Payroll Legislation, and companies are still facing the effects of these changes. It is now more important than ever to have a good understanding of who you’re working with.Due to the changes, the responsibility of assessing a contractors IR35 status is now down to the end hirer. Making an accurate assessment as part of the compliance process will help avoid any liabilities that could arise from not carrying out this check.The new legislation has meant that … [Read more...]
HMRC update: New proposal to clamp down on promoters of tax avoidance
HMRC have published further updates on the proposal to clamp down on tax avoidance schemes.The measure is targeted at the most persistent and determined promoters and enablers of tax avoidance.The proposed legislative changes are designed to clamp down on the supply of tax avoidance arrangements and include:a new power for HMRC to seek freezing orders that would prevent promoters from dissipating or hiding their assets before paying the penalties that are charged as a result of … [Read more...]
HMRC fails to convince Lords on legal justification for Loan Charge
In a widely anticipated follow-up session on the Loan Charge by the Lords Economic Affairs Committee, HMRC failed to convince the Committees members on the legal justification for it’s highly controversial retrospective tax that has resulted in thousands of freelancers being pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. The members also poured scorn on HMRC’s poor record of cracking down on rogue umbrella companies which are, according to the BBC, still promoting schemes.The Committee directed … [Read more...]
Right to work in the UK changes for EEA Citizens
With less than two weeks until the right to work checks change for EU residence whom are continuing to live and work in the UK, the employer’s right to work guidance has now been updated.From 1 July 2021, EEA citizens and their family members require immigration status in the UK. They can no longer rely on an EEA passport or national identity card, which only confirms their nationality, to prove their right to work. They will be required to provide evidence of lawful immigration status in … [Read more...]
Employee Experience the focus of Post-Covid Business: How prepared is your business?
Many employers are making sincere changes to their businesses in order to incorporate the increasingly popular Hybrid Working Model and prioritise Employee Mental Wellbeing. The UK Government's initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic was to impose a countrywide lockdown, enforcing workers to work remotely from home where possible. Businesses as a result, had to adjust and comply with new regulations for the safety of its workers.Subsequently, the effects of lockdown has now … [Read more...]