21-05-2018
New guidance published for employers on setting dress codes and sex discrimination

Following a joint report ("High heels and workplace dress codes") published by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee and Petitions Committee in January 2017, the Government Equalities Office has finally published promised new guidance ... read more

16-05-2018
Responding to a County Court claim

It is important that any correspondence received from the County Court is dealt with promptly. This should include taking proper legal advice when appropriate. Usually, a creditor asks the County Court to make a county court judgment (CCJ) against ... read more

16-05-2018
When might you be due a tax refund?

HMRC has issued helpful guidance that explains when you might be due a tax refund and how to make a claim. According to HMRC you may be able to claim a refund if you: are employed and had too much tax taken from your pay; have stopped ... read more

16-05-2018
NMW and LW enforcement measures

A new press release has revealed that in 2017-18, HMRC investigators identified £15.6 million in back pay that is owed to over 200,000 of the UK’s lowest paid workers. This was an increase from £10.9 million for over 98,000 workers in the previous ... read more

16-05-2018
More warnings to beware of bogus tax refund scams

Fraudsters are taking advantage of taxpayers who may be due a tax refund following the end of the 2017-18 tax year. HMRC is currently processing tax refunds, but the fraudsters are trying to get one step ahead. They do this by sending out scam emails ... read more

16-05-2018
Pay and expenses for volunteers

There are many rewarding opportunities for volunteering available across the UK. It is a popular misconception that only young people volunteer, however, people of all ages volunteer for numerous roles in a wide range of charitable and other sectors. ... read more

16-05-2018
Can a builder charge 5% VAT for their services?

Whilst the majority of businesses charge VAT at the standard rate of 20% there are a number of different VAT rates and exemptions that businesses should be aware. There are actually three separate VAT rates, the standard rate of 20%, the reduced rate ... read more

14-05-2018
Pensions Regulator to seize assets

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has announced that employers who refuse to pay workplace pension fines could have their assets seized to pay their debts. TPR can issue fines to employers who fail to meet their automatic enrolment duties and can secure ... read more

09-05-2018
Advance assurance for R&D tax claims

Advance Assurance for small companies that claim Research and Development (R&D) tax relief was introduced in November 2015. This measure makes it easier for small businesses investing in research and development to claim tax relief. Advance ... read more

09-05-2018
Are you making money from a hobby?

The 'badges of trade' tests whilst not conclusive are used by HMRC to help determine whether an activity is a proper economic / business activity or merely a money-making side line to a hobby. However, there is a point where careful consideration ... read more