Experts in Business

New HMRC penalties…

There is a significant change in the approach which HMRC will be taking in dealing with tax returns relating to periods starting on or after 1 April 2008, where the return is due to be submitted on or after 1 April 2009. HMRC have the legal right to enquire into any return and if they find [...]

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Employers beware – the real potential impact of the new disciplinary and grievance procedures

It would seem common sense has prevailed and we can stop trying to determine the correct meaning of the 3 step disciplinary and dismissal procedure – or can we? After April 6th 2009 the statutory dispute resolution procedures will be repealed and at the same time replaced by the new ACAS Code of Practice. Whilst [...]

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Increase in Compensation Limits…

The annual increase in compensation limits has just been published (for dismissals and other trigger events occurring after 1st February 2009). The key increases are: • compensatory award: £63,000 to £66,200 • a ‘week’s pay’: £330 to £350 • maximum redundancy payment: £9,900 to £10,500 This Order increases the limits applying to certain awards of employment tribunals, and [...]

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Fit note to replace sick note

To decrease absenteeism in the workplace the government have developed a new fit note which will focus on what tasks workers can perform as opposed to the traditional sick note which concentrates on the tasks employees cannot do. The note, which is expected to be introduced by 2010, allows GPs to say whether patients are [...]

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A clear vision for driving business forward

An EU directive is looking into harmonising rules concerning driving licences. In addition to ensuring an HGV driver in Spain is not too young to drive his lorry legally in Germany, the directive is focusing on safety issues such as eyesight tests. Specialist HR advisor,Sheila Hudson, from the HR Dept looks at how such issues [...]

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Start of the Year and a Time for a Shake Up

As we head back to work today, it is THE best time to get your business in shape, and give it a rather, thorough shake. And if you say to me, it doesn’t need anything changing you are lying, and most worryingly, lying to yourself. Yes, the economy is not in the best of shape, but [...]

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Bank of England and Libor Rates

Following the recent 1.5% base rate cut by the Bank of England, the cost of inter-bank lending also decreased quite dramatically by falling over 1% to 4.49%. The LIBOR rate is the rate at which the banks lend to each other is related to the cost of mortgages to customers, and we are hoping that this [...]

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‘Paper’ tax return deadline 31 October

This snippet of information will not make you an overnight success in business thats for sure, but one things for certain, not upsetting the Revenue will stand you in good stead for the future. HMRC have been reminding taxpayers to complete paper self assessment tax returns by the new deadline of 31 October 2008.  Well that deadline has now passed.  [...]

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