News

The government has announced legislation in response to the current strike action by rail workers and the threat of industrial action from other sectors. The legislation will allow the supply of agency workers to replace workers taking part in industrial action.

Is this something that should be welcomed by the industry? Or is it likely to cause more problems and are there more important areas surrounding compliance that should be addressed.

In this country we have the belief, encouraged by successive administrations, that it’s ok to be self employed or work via a company. After all, you can buy a company off the shelf at the click of a few buttons for less than £25. Once set up you are entitled to a host of business tax reliefs whilst at the same time saving anyone you work for the trouble of paying out employer NICs. What could be better?

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.