2013 -
January
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 29.01.2013
Employee status has danced around the courts
The Court of Appeal has just considered a long-running argument over the employment status of a lap dancer. Interestingly, although it found sufficient “mutuality of obligation”, it ruled that she wasn’t an employee. Why?
ABSENTEEISM - 29.01.2013
Dealing with unauthorised absences
An employee has taken a number of unauthorised absences over the past few weeks. Each time they’ve trotted out a different, but plausible, excuse. However, you can’t let this situation continue, so what’s the answer?
PAY - 29.01.2013
Check what salary you’ve (contractually) offered!
In a recent case, the employer had told a successful job applicant that their starting salary would be £22,427 p.a. However, the formal job offer letter mistakenly stated £30,762 p.a. Which amount was it legally obliged to pay?
TRIBUNAL AWARDS - 29.01.2013
Banter: is it really a £292 billion risk?
According to one leading law firm, workplace banter could cost employers up to £292 billion in tribunal claims during 2013. But why should this prediction actually be ignored?
DISCRIMINATION - 29.01.2013
Disability: what will the tribunal focus on?
Only the tribunal can decide whether or not an employee is disabled. Whilst there’s no statutory test, an appeal ruling has confirmed how it must approach this thorny issue. So what is it expected to focus on?
DATA PROTECTION - 29.01.2013
CCTV: how to carry out an impact assessment
You’re thinking of introducing CCTV cameras into your workplace for the first time. However, you’ve been told that before you can go down this route an “impact assessment” is required. How exactly is this done?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 29.01.2013
“Please sponsor me for this charity event!”
If an employee decides to raise money for charity, they’ll probably ask their colleagues to sponsor them. Unfortunately, it’s quite possible that such a request could cause embarrassment or offence. So what can you do to avoid this?
H&S MANAGEMENT - 29.01.2013
Taking the workforce with you
With prosecutions frequently aimed at corporate bodies and senior personnel, it’s essential that directors and senior managers persuade their staff to take safety seriously. How can you do this?
CONSULTANTS - 29.01.2013
What’s happening with the consultants register?
Two years after its introduction, you’re still hearing criticism of the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register. What’s wrong with it and should you continue to use it?
LIFTING EQUIPMENT - 29.01.2013
Do your vehicles need lifting equipment inspections?
A client has asked to see copies of certificates which show that certain vehicles, such as those with tail lifts, have received a statutory test and examination. Is this strictly needed?
FIRE SAFETY - 29.01.2013
Fashion retailer fined for six fire safety offences
In a recent court case retailer Jack Wills Limited pleaded guilty to six fire offences. But the overriding lesson from the case was how easily the situation could have been avoided. What happened?
FIRST AID - 29.01.2013
What’s the latest on first aid kits?
In 2011 the British Standards Institute (BSI) introduced a new standard for first aid kits. These kits were supposed to replace those approved by the HSE. Has this happened and does this mean that you may need to buy new ones?
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - 29.01.2013
Revised guidance on toxic wood
The HSE has recently reissued its guidance on the subject of toxic wood. Which types of wood are regarded as a problem, what precautions are expected and are there any significant changes in the advice given?
ENFORCEMENT - 29.01.2013
Local authority inspections
The HSE is consulting on the National Local Authority Enforcement Code. What is this, and what impact might it have on your business?
ENERGY REDUCTION - 25.01.2013
Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) changed again
Some comentators are saying that the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme has been reduced to its “bare bones”. What do you need to know about the current state of the scheme and what else might change in the future?
RECYCLING - 25.01.2013
Schwopping clothing at M&S
Marks & Spencer has launched a new scheme to encourage everyone to recycle clothes through its stores. What’s in it for them and is it something that you should take advantage of?
VEHICLES - 25.01.2013
Dealing with redundant vehicles
You’re planning to get rid of some old company vehicles, including at least one which is only good for scrap. What are the considerations? For example, how long are you permitted to keep “waste” vehicles on site?
OFFICE COSTS - 25.01.2013
In-house printing
With better technology and cheaper products, more businesses are bringing their print jobs in-house. What can you do to make sure your printing activity is under control - environmentally and financially?
POLLUTION - 25.01.2013
Guidance on pollution prevention
The Environment Agency is once again promoting its basic guidance on what can cause pollution and how to prevent it on your site. What’s covered and is it worth looking into?
TAX - 25.01.2013
Chancellor’s Autumn Statement
There was positive news in the Autumn Statement for organisations considering ultra-low emission vehicles. But what else did the Chancellor announce and what should you be aware of ahead of March’s Budget?
INSURANCE - 25.01.2013
Prepare for more flooding
In recent months, prolonged heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding across much of the UK. Why should you prepare for more?
INTEREST - 22.01.2013
Rearrange your borrowing to qualify for tax relief
You’ve built up the value of your company over many years, meaning the shares you own in it are now worth a tidy sum. How can you use this capital to obtain some extra tax relief?
VAT - 22.01.2013
New VAT campaign launched
HMRC is cracking down on those who are late with VAT returns or payments. If you’re struggling with a return or to pay your VAT, what steps should you take?
LOSSES - 22.01.2013
New business owners hit by tax relief cap
This government’s proposed cap on certain tax reliefs will soon be reality. One relief hit by the new rule is that for trading losses. How does this put new businesses at a disadvantage and what, if anything, can you do to counter this?
PROPERTY - 22.01.2013
Let property - tax deductions and personal use
Your rental property was vacant after the last tenant moved out. After a while you let your son move in as a temporary measure. How much, if any, of the running expenses must you disallow for tax purposes to account for personal use?
CHILD BENEFIT - 22.01.2013
Child Benefit - think before you disclaim
The Child Benefit tax has received a lot of press. But there’s one aspect that’s received little attention, namely the interplay with NI credits and the effect disclaiming Child Benefit can have on your state pension entitlement. What’s the full story?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 22.01.2013
What you need to know about the new AIA
The boosted annual investment allowance (AIA) now applies. Some businesses will find working out their entitlement a cinch while others will need to make fiddly calculations and might not get what they were expecting. What’s the full story?
GIFTS - 22.01.2013
A simpler and quicker way to claim tax relief for gifts
One of your staff has suggested setting up a payroll giving scheme. This sounds like extra work you can do without. But she says it’s simple to set up and can mean getting tax relief on charitable donations sooner. Is this right?
DEBT RECOVERY - 22.01.2013
Retention of title clause: can you still sue?
Many commercial contracts have a retention of title clause. These state that the directors can recover the goods supplied if an invoice goes unpaid. But, as a recent case shows, you must still ask one important question. What is it?
FIRE SAFETY - 22.01.2013
Fire alert: an alarming problem
To eliminate risks to the company’s premises, the directors want to install automatic fire detection (AFD). One provider says that its system “guarantees an emergency response within five minutes”. Why is this a load of hot air?
COMPANY TAX - 22.01.2013
Is a gift to you or your company taxable?
A loyal customer is moving away and won’t be using your company any longer. As a goodwill gesture she added a little extra when settling her final bill and asked you to share this with your fellow directors. Is this gift taxable?
COMPANY LAW - 22.01.2013
New relaxed rules for share buy-backs
From April 6 the government intends to make it easier for private companies to purchase their own shares. When might you want to use this type of arrangement and what changes are being made?
TAX - CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 22.01.2013
Maximising tax savings with the new AIA
On January 1 the annual investment allowance (AIA) for purchases of equipment was given a massive boost, but it’s only temporary. How should you plan to make the most of this limited tax break?
RAISING FINANCE - 22.01.2013
£60 million available (and no banks involved!)
The government has said that £60 million will soon be available to small and medium-sized companies via its Business Partnership Fund. Plus, the directors won’t need to go near a bank. What’s the story?
CULTURE & SCIENCE - ARTS & MUSEUMS - 17.01.2013
Some arty websites
Art is universal, so it’s not surprising that over the years it has found its way to the Internet as well. The World Wide Web hosts a large number of art sites. Here are some original ones.
COMPUTER - MOBILE - 17.01.2013
Your desktop on your smartphone or tablet
Did you know that there are several apps which allow you to make the content of your computer available on your mobile device? We tried out a popular app that does just that: PocketCloud.
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 17.01.2013
Customise your Windows 7 start menu and desktop
The new start screen in Windows 8 makes it easier to find and use applications. But in Windows 7 there are lots of ways of organising your Windows desktop as optimally as possible.
SECURITY - WINDOWS - 17.01.2013
Do you already have a Microsoft account?
Microsoft accounts have been around for a long time. However, with the advent of Windows 8 they are becoming increasingly important. What is such an account, what is the difference with Hotmail etc. and how can you use it?
SOFTWARE - MUSIC - 17.01.2013
iTunes: revamped at last!
After the iTunes software had become increasingly complex and slower over the past few years, the new version 11 can be called a success at last. What’s changed?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 17.01.2013
Create a web course using YouTube material
YouTube is crammed with informative videos. The free cloud tool Teachem lets you create web courses in which you can integrate all this YouTube video material. Useful?
E-MAIL - WEBMAIL - 17.01.2013
Gmail: hidden features
Gmail is not only a handy and highly accessible e-mail application, it also has a lot of hidden talents. The following tips will allow you to make even more efficient use of this popular webmail application.
INTERNET CONNECTION - CONNECTION - 17.01.2013
How fast is your connection to the digital “highway”?
Internet providers regularly propose higher connection speeds for the same price or even faster for a more expensive Internet subscription. Are you sure you can really download data and surf the web at these speeds?
ENTERTAINMENT - BOOKS - 17.01.2013
Are you ready to listen?
Audiobooks are popular and nowadays there are lots of ways to enjoy them, wherever you are. We look at the marketplace, prices and available options.
TRANSPORT - MAPS & ROUTES - 17.01.2013
At last: a Google Maps app on the iPhone again
With the launch of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6, Apple decided to replace the built-in Google Maps with its own Apple Maps app. But this app has major shortcomings, so everyone was waiting for a new Google Maps app. It’s now arrived.
E-MAIL - MAILING LISTS - 17.01.2013
How to create your own e-zine
Electronic newsletters are a convenient tool for informing customers about, new products, services, etc. The relatively new Sendicate can help you. How good is this webtool?
DATA PROTECTION - 16.01.2013
Are remote workers sharing your data?
These days, many employees work remotely on laptops, iPads and other mobile devices. Whilst this is convenient, it may lead to your confidential information being compromised. So what can you do to protect your business?
CONTRACTS - 16.01.2013
An oral promise trumps a contract
In a recent case, the employer was unable to recover a hefty golden handshake payment due to an oral promise it made before the written contract was signed. But this could all have been avoided; how?
DISMISSAL - 16.01.2013
Misconduct - but it was after hours!
The tribunal recently looked at a case where the employee had been sacked for punching a colleague after a works party. He claimed that this decision was unfair as their spat happened after hours. Did this get him off the hook?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 16.01.2013
Refusing to see your chosen medical advisor
You have the right to refer employees with high levels of sickness absence to an independent medical advisor. Whilst you can’t force them to attend an appointment, is there any way to reduce the risk of them refusing?
GRIEVANCES - 16.01.2013
How to handle a lengthy or muddled grievance
Dealing with grievances can be a time-consuming and tricky business at the best of times. But what if you receive one that’s badly written, excessively long or both? Where do you start?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 16.01.2013
Electronic cigarettes: a no smoking problem
One of your employees has made a New Year’s resolution to give up smoking. However, rather than going cold turkey they’ve taken to puffing on an electronic cigarette at work. Whilst commendable, is their new habit illegal?
PAY - 16.01.2013
Any guarantee payment for agreed reduction in work?
Let’s suppose that, in order to avoid redundancies, your employees have voluntarily agreed to a temporary reduction in hours. Are they entitled to receive guarantee payments for the first five workless days or not?
FIRE SAFETY - 16.01.2013
Waste disposal with a bang
As an employer recently found out, you can’t escape your responsibilities by simply leaving staff to make up their method of work. You’ll be to blame however ridiculous their actions might seem. What happened?
H&S LEGISLATION - 16.01.2013
Management Regulations ACoP to be updated?
HSE board members have agreed to delay the decision on what to do with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) which supports the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. What’s to know?
NOISE - 16.01.2013
“Buy Quiet” campaign
The HSE has launched a campaign focused on preventing exposure to harmful levels of noise. What’s it all about?
WORKPLACE - 16.01.2013
Safe working on fragile roofs
The HSE has updated its Information Sheet GEIS5 which covers the risks associated with fragile roof work. Who is it aimed at and will inspectors demand that its methods of work are followed?
TRAINING - 16.01.2013
Training for tower scaffolds
If you use tower scaffolds, staff need to be properly trained in how to erect and dismantle them. However, it seems that some training firms are faking membership of PASMA to generate more business. Should this worry you?
VIBRATION - 16.01.2013
Health surveillance for staff using vibrating tools
It’s thought that as few as 18% of employers who ought to be doing so are implementing health surveillance programmes for users of vibrating tools. If your staff are exposed to vibration risks, what should you be doing about it?
POLICIES & RECORDS - METHOD STATEMENT EVALUATION - 16.01.2013
How to check a method statement
You’ve made sure that contractors for all major works submit method statements. But when they’re received, how can you reassure yourself that everything is as it should be? Our new form will help.
CARS - 07.01.2013
VAT and pool cars
Many businesses take advantage of pool cars - but can you claim back the VAT on them? And what are the VAT consequences if there is occasional private use of a pool car?
OVERSEAS VAT - 07.01.2013
Obtain VAT savings with a Customs warehouse
If you import goods from outside the EU, you can defer or even avoid VAT altogether by setting up a Customs warehouse. But how do they work and how do you set one up?
VAT GROUPS - 07.01.2013
Holding companies success
The VATman has won the first round in a dispute with the European Commission over proposals to exclude holding companies from VAT groups. What does it mean?
OUTPUT TAX - FRAUD - 07.01.2013
VAT due when defrauded?
If your business has been defrauded by someone who obtained your goods or services with no intention of paying for them, you still have to pay VAT on the sale. What can you do to avoid having to account for this VAT?
REVERSE CHARGING - 07.01.2013
Chips and mobiles - the rules
If you deal in mobile phones and computer chips there are special rules that you must follow. There are also additional forms that must be completed at the same time as the VAT return. What’s to know?
