Auto-enrolment pensions spot checks are on the increase
The Pensions Regulator is increasing the amount of auto-enrolment spot checks it carries out, looking across Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Over the last 12 months it has concentrated its efforts in the larger cities of London,…
The number of sick people going into work is on the increase
According to new research from Reuters, people are going to work even if they’re sick, and it’s on the increase. The number of working days lost due to illness has fallen to it’s lowest ever rate, but that…
New Xero Expenses is coming
Xero is changing how it’s expenses module works We love Xero at Flamingo Accounting and make no secret of it. Now they are giving their Expense module an overhaul and introducing great new features. Changes to improve the…
A Contractor group has called on HMRC to open a ‘suicide hotline’ in response to the new loan charge
Volunteer support group – the Loan Charge Action Group (LCAG) – which represents contractors and freelance workers, has called on HMRC to set up a 24 hour ‘Suicide Hotline’ to deal with the increasing number of people concerned…
Small businesses feel penalised by HMRC investigations
HMRC has commissioned and released research into it’s own investigations and the impact on small businesses. Over half of those questioned said that they felt the HMRC investigations were too intensive and disruptive. 52% of the business stated…
Non taxable benefits and payments to employees
Not many people realise but there is an extensive list of benefits and payments that an employer can give to an employee without having to pay income tax or national insurance on and they do not have to…
Sole trader vs Company: Benefits and Drawbacks
Should I be a sole trader or a company? We are often asked that question when people are setting up in business, and the truth is it depends on the individual scenario and what you are looking to…
50% of employers in the UK expect to struggle to find staff
A survey by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has revealed that half of employers in the UK believe that they will struggle to find the permanent members of staff that they need. 600 employers were polled between…
Are you a worker or a contractor?
It was hard to miss the news last week that Pimlico Plumbers lost their case in the High Court against former employee Gary Smith. Smith argued that despite being VAT registered and paying self-employment income tax, he was…
Greater delay in HMRC answering calls
It will come as little surprise to most to discover that HMRC are taking longer than ever to answer telephone calls, and more than ever are going totally unanswered. Recent information released by HMRC shows that more than…