Whatever investment you plan to make it is always wise to check the facts behind the proposal, particularly if the advice source is not regulated, and history shows that a failure to do so can be very expensive, particularly when it comes down to tax avoidance.

We are pleased to announce that a representative from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will be joining Lawspeed’s presentation on the tax and compliance issues arising from using off payroll staff on 14th July.

This seminar on 14th July in London will take place in conjunction with HMRC to explain the managed service company (MSC) rules, why hirers and employment businesses could be liable for unpaid levels of PAYE and NICs, and the steps to take to avoid that risk.

It has recently been widely reported that HMRC is pursuing numerous contractors serviced by the accountancy group Churchill Knight. See for example ‘Shock tax bills

The recent action of P&O, in dismissing hundreds of employees apparently without notice or consultation, has hit the headlines and caused much consternation including at government level.

Umbrella companies often play a key part in recruitment supply chains. Working with a non-compliant umbrella, as highlighted by the recent government call for evidence concerning the umbrella company market can expose a recruitment business to significant risk.

In April 2020, a key change was introduced affecting employment businesses supplying PAYE temps, which, due to the timing, in the midst of the first lockdown and introduction of furlough, may have slipped under the radar of many. However, it is important to check your compliance and take any required actions.

The Government has announced an extra bank holiday on Friday 3rd June in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee. In addition, the traditional late May bank holiday is being moved to Thursday 2nd June, providing for a four-day holiday weekend. What do businesses need

How to engage a contractor without IR35 risk One year on from the last controversial IR35 rule changes, Lawspeed announces webinar

April 2022 will see an increase in the National Minimum Wage (‘NMW’) combined with an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions (‘NICs’), these changes will have an impact on engagement and supply chain costs.

From 6th April 2022, regulations relating to the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (‘PPE’) will be extended to cover workers as well as employees, placing responsibility on agencies for ensuring that appropriate PPE is provided to workers free of charge.

Following, the introduction of the off-payroll rules (IR35) in 2021 Lawspeed advisers have seen an increase in queries relating to the engagement of contractors as self-employed sole traders, as an alternative to personal service company (PSC) engagements.

For the past two years, due to lockdowns and work from home guidance, employers have been able to carry out right to work checks remotely. These arrangements were due to end in April 2022

When agencies engage with umbrella companies, they rely on the umbrella making payments to contractors timeously and generally these arrangements work very smoothly, with payments being made either immediately, or very shortly after, receipt of funds from the agency.

Regulations have now been laid before parliament formally reinstating the SSP rebate scheme that came to an end on 30th September 2021.

Further to the government’s recent call for evidence (see our article on 14th December 2021) BEIS has now issued a short survey for completion by recruitment businesses.

The government has passed regulations which temporarily extend the period in which an individual can self-certify, before they get a doctor’s certificate, for the purposes of claiming statutory sick pay (SSP).

HMRC has refreshed its campaign to help contractors, who are self-employed or engaged through an agency or umbrella company, understand their pay arrangements. The intention being that individuals understand if they could be at risk, so they don’t get an unexpected tax bill. HMRC has asked that we share access to these resources with our readers. 

In addition to HMRC’s other actions, a call for evidence has been issued jointly by BEIS, HM Treasury and HMRC regarding umbrella companies.  The document indicates concerns regarding regulatory and tax non-compliance in the sector, as well as signalling a clear intent to legislate, however to get it right information and evidence is sought on current arrangements. 

The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier employment tribunal decision that a courier rider should be classed as a ‘worker’ irrespective that they could allocate work to other riders in a pool.

10 years after it was introduced, the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 have seemingly lain unmentioned. The few reported claims bely the drama that unfolded in 2010 when the regulations, in some people’s minds, threatened the very end of agency supply work.

The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier employment tribunal decision that a courier rider should be classed as a ‘worker’ irrespective that they could allocate work to other riders in a pool.

The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier employment tribunal decision that a courier rider should be classed as a ‘worker’ irrespective that they could allocate work to other riders in a pool.

Six months on from the new Off Payroll Rules there is still confusion over which assignments should fall inside or outside of IR35, with often differing opinions between contractors, recruiters, and clients.