The 9.7% uplift to the National Living Wage from April 2023 should be welcome news for lower-paid workers, but could present problems if their employer simply cannot afford the increased cost of employing them. The…
Dividends vs remuneration: the corporation tax quandary
For owner-managed companies, bonuses, dividends and remuneration will become yet more complex in the new tax year. With the corporation tax increase and dividend rates now confirmed by the Government, the dividend vs remuneration decision…
Over-65s set new employment record
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that more people than ever are working beyond age 65. One of the stranger economic statistics of recent times has been the strength of employment…
The rise of mini umbrella company fraud
The rise of mini umbrella company fraud continues to concern HRMC which has recently updated its guidance for businesses that either place or use temporary labour. Mini umbrella companies can be used to abuse the…
Getting in touch: HMRC’s new email facility
Although there is no general facility to contact HMRC by email, it is slowly moving into the 21st century by providing the option to receive an email response. But of course, this comes with a…
Planes, trains and automobiles – managing employees’ transport challenges
With strikes and cancellations affecting trains, the underground and flights, employers need to decide how they are going to treat employees who cannot get into work or are stuck overseas. Commuting Although inconvenient, there is…
Keeping it in the family – tax saving salary strategies
An easy way to reduce a business’s tax bill – and also increase the amount of funds withdrawn from the business – is to put a family member on the payroll. Of course, the salary…
Sick pay rebate returns to help relieve pressure on businesses
The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS), which ended on 30 September 2021, was reintroduced from 21 December 2021, with employers able to make retrospective claims from mid-January. The scheme’s return is in response to…