2013 -
November
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 29.11.2013
Time limit for unfair dismissal claims extended?
We recently advised you that unfair dismissal claims must be brought within three months of the termination of employment. However, one employee has just been given a six-week extension. Has the rule been changed?
MATERNITY PAY - 29.11.2013
Guess what? I’m pregnant again!
You’ve just been contacted by an employee who is currently on maternity leave. Rather than confirming her anticipated return-to-work date, she’s told you that she’s pregnant again. Will she be entitled to SMP next time around?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 29.11.2013
Must they tell you if they’ve been signed-off work?
Whilst some employees will do anything to get signed-off work by their GP, others are reluctant to reveal that this has happened (usually because of financial worries). Do you have the right to be told?
E-mail & Internet - 29.11.2013
eBaying their stuff in your time
It has come to your attention that one of your employees is selling numerous items on eBay. Trouble is, they’re constantly checking their eBay account for bids and queries during working time. How can you stop this?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 29.11.2013
Prepare now for winter weather (and skivers)
We may be in for some tough weather conditions over the forthcoming winter months. As this could easily mean severe disruption for employers, what can you do now to prepare?
ACAS CODE OF PRACTICE - 29.11.2013
Code of Practice to be amended
Acas has confirmed that it will amend its Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance Procedures because part of it is wrong. What do you need to know?
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION - 29.11.2013
Can a parking space be a reasonable adjustment?
When an employer refused to allocate a parking space to a disabled employee, she successfully argued that it had failed to make a reasonable adjustment for her. Does this case set a helpful precedent for all disabled employees?
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - 29.11.2013
Revised ISO 14001 on the horizon
The International Standards Organisation is about to launch a draft consultation on a new version of the environmental management standard 14001. What changes are planned and what do you need to be aware of?
FLOODING - 29.11.2013
Heightened risk of flooding this winter
The Environment Agency (EA) has urged businesses and homeowners to prepare for flooding this season as wet and windy weather looks set to continue. What should you be doing?
TRAINING - 29.11.2013
New environmental training courses available
City & Guilds and the Institute of Environment Management and Assessment have developed new training courses to help businesses cut their environmental impact and make their staff think “green”. Are they worth a look?
ENFORCEMENT - 29.11.2013
Job cuts at the Environment Agency
As a result of government-led budget cuts, the Environment Agency (EA) is shedding 1,700 jobs. How might you be affected by this?
WEEE - 29.11.2013
Recycling like rabbits
Environmental schemes can encourage loyalty from your customers, but one recent example shows you have to be careful what you commit to. What should you be aware of?
FLORA AND FAUNA - 29.11.2013
What to do with leaf litter
You may have heard that the Environment Agency (EA) has imposed strict rules on how leaf litter should be dealt with. Is this really the case and, if so, how might this apply to your business?
CARBON REDUCTION - 29.11.2013
CRC - second phase update
If you’re participating in the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme, you will need to take action to assess compliance requirements for the second phase. What else do you need to do?
VAT - 27.11.2013
VAT on fuel - all change for 2014
The VAT rules that apply where your business pays for fuel used for business and personal journeys are changing soon. Most businesses will need to revise their procedures; what will this involve?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 27.11.2013
Two possible NI breaks for employers
The final touches have only just been made to the NI employment allowance. Now there’s talk of another NI break for employers. What’s the full story?
INHERITANCE TAX - 27.11.2013
Record keeping - the vital element to saving IHT
Giving away your wealth is the simplest way to reduce the inheritance tax (IHT) bill on your estate. But what records should you keep now to ensure that when the time comes it’s easy for your executors to prove that the gifts are exempt?
SELLING A COMPANY - 27.11.2013
A slow, but tax-efficient, way to sell your shares
You’re retiring soon and your fellow shareholders want to buy you out. The trouble is they don’t have the cash and paying you in dribs and drabs will cost you extra tax. How can you get your money out tax efficiently?
PAYE - 27.11.2013
RTI - unexplained bills and overpayments
HMRC says that its RTI program is working well, yet many employers are reporting discrepancies in their PAYE account. If these aren’t resolved it might lead to penalties. What steps can you take to put matters right?
EXPENSES - 27.11.2013
Travel and meal expenses - how much can you pay?
Your employees’ subsistence expenses claims have been getting out of hand so you want to set a fixed rate. The figure you have in mind is higher than HMRC’s suggested amount; does this mean PAYE tax and NI are due on the excess?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 27.11.2013
The problem with CAs and rented business premises
A tax inspector refused one of our subscribers a deduction for the cost of equipment in their premises. He said because the property was rented the assets belonged to the landlord so the tenant couldn’t claim for them. Was he correct?
PROPERTY - 27.11.2013
Property: can you rely on the seller’s say-so?
You have found some premises for sale that, with a few alterations, would meet your company’s needs perfectly. The seller has given a verbal assurance that it already has the required planning permission. Can you rely on this?
PERSONNEL - 27.11.2013
Alcohol misuse: is it grounds for dismissal?
It’s come to your attention that a member of your team has been “hitting the bottle” and they are now struggling to control their alcohol consumption. Does this fact alone give the company grounds for dismissal?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 27.11.2013
Tax-efficient joint ventures with your company
You’ve spotted a one-off business opportunity that could make you a decent profit. The trouble is you don’t have the resources to take advantage of it, but your company does. How can you structure the deal tax efficiently?
DIRECTORS’ DUTIES - 27.11.2013
Shadow directors: their duties and obligations
If an individual, such as your spouse or a consultant, regularly helps out with the running of the company, they may be held to be a shadow director. If this happens, just how far do their legal duties and obligations extend?
COMPANY LAW - 27.11.2013
Do you have enough profit to pay dividends?
Dividends are the most tax and NI-efficient way to take income from your company. The trouble is they can only be paid when your company has sufficient profits. But how do you work this out?
BENEFITS IN KIND - 27.11.2013
A Christmas present from HMRC
You and some of your staff have received early Christmas presents from clients; one or two of them look quite expensive. A colleague says that you might need to declare the gifts as income on your tax return, are they correct?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 22.11.2013
Are your e-mails read?
Since it was revealed that the US is intercepting e-mails in large numbers, you may be wondering what is happening with your e-mails. To what extent can “e-mail tracking tools” tell you whether your e-mails are read?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE STORAGE - 22.11.2013
Google Drive on your smartphone
On your smartphone, you can access Google Drive through the official app, but there are lots of other apps offering this facility. Which ones can we recommend?
COMPUTER - MONITOR - 22.11.2013
Improve the image quality of your screen
You are probably spending several hours in front of your computer or laptop monitor every day. Which tools can you use to adjust the brightness, contrast and colours of your screen?
SEARCHING - INTERNET - 22.11.2013
Searching more efficiently with Google
When you want to find something on the web, you probably turn to Google. Here are some additional tips and tricks which will make your searches even more efficient.
SECURITY - BACKUP - 22.11.2013
Your smartphone also deserves a backup
Your smartphone might contain loads of photos, music and (sensitive) personal information which you don’t want to lose. How do you make a backup of your device?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 22.11.2013
Reduce consumption, save money
The Streetbank community site has been revamped and such sites are thriving. It’s just one example where collaboration can save money.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 22.11.2013
Alternative e-mail programs
Many people are using webmail services these days, but there are still excellent e-mail applications for the desktop. We put two less well-known programs to the test.
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 22.11.2013
Chat with your customers
If you aim to give your customers maximum support, why not offer a chat function in addition to traditional contact methods? The cloud tool Olark can help you. We put it to the test.
WEB SERVICES - VIDEO - 22.11.2013
Watching videos more efficiently in YouTube
If you regularly use YouTube for watching videos, here are some simple tricks which let you do this even more efficiently. And you don’t even need to install anything!
SOFTWARE - APPS - 22.11.2013
Microsoft apps for iOS and Android
Although Microsoft has introduced its own Windows Phone system, it also offers a number of free apps for iOS and Android devices. Here are some of the most useful ones.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 22.11.2013
Create interactive intranet pages
The web service Papyrs helps you and your colleagues to create interactive webpages for internal use in your business. We tested all the possibilities this service offers.
CONSTRUCTION - 22.11.2013
Client shared blame for trench collapse death
In September 2010 a construction worker was killed when the side of an excavation collapsed. At the recent trial, why were the owners of the development implicated alongside the construction contractor?
CDM - 22.11.2013
How the construction industry will be regulated
Reports based on the HSE’s September board meeting provide an insight into how the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) will look and when they will come into force. What is likely to change?
WORKPLACE - 22.11.2013
School sued by boy hurt in fight
The Court of Appeal recently considered whether a child was due compensation for an injury sustained while trying to punch his brother. Did common sense prevail?
STATISTICS - 22.11.2013
What do the numbers say?
The HSE has published its latest statistics on accidents at work, cases of ill health/disease and enforcement activities. How do the numbers stack up and how might you be affected by them?
RISK ASSESSMENT - 22.11.2013
How to complete a risk assessment
You’ve been given the job of completing risk assessments for your business. However, you have no idea where to start or what you should be writing down. Is there a standard method?
PPE - 22.11.2013
Do your staff need ballistic trousers?
One of your workers has said that because he handles bags of waste you should provide him with ballistic trousers to reduce the risk of injury. What are these trousers and are they a necessary precaution?
ENFORCEMENT - 22.11.2013
Paying for inspections
The HSE’s fee for intervention (FFI) charging scheme has been in place for just over a year. How has it been used and are there ways of avoiding a large bill?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 19.11.2013
Dress and appearance: one important rule
One major employer recently came under fire for issuing a five-page list of guidelines to its female employees on its standards of dress and behaviour. There’s nothing wrong with having rules, but where did it go wrong?
IMMIGRATION CHECKS - 19.11.2013
Hello to Bulgaria and Romania
On 1 January 2014, the work restrictions currently imposed on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals will be lifted. How can you be sure that a job applicant from one of those countries has the right to work here?
RECRUITMENT - 19.11.2013
Can you reject a job applicant if they smoke?
Apparently, many employers regret hiring an employee who is a smoker and wish they had known about their habit in advance. Can you ask for this information during recruitment and refuse employment on these grounds?
BONUSES - 19.11.2013
A discretionary Christmas bonus
Let’s suppose that you want to pay a small Christmas bonus to thank employees for all their hard work this year. Even though it’s intended to be a one-off discretionary payment, what must you do to protect yourself?
CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL - 19.11.2013
Constructive dismissal: what’s the correct test?
If an employer commits a serious breach of contract, the employee can resign and claim constructive dismissal. However, in order to succeed at the tribunal, must that breach be the root cause of the employee’s resignation?
RESIGNATIONS - 19.11.2013
Dithering over a resignation
An employee has been talking about resigning for a couple of months now but has yet to take the plunge. Apart from the fact it’s unsettling for the team, you want to know where you stand. How should you play it?
RACE DISCRIMINATION - 19.11.2013
Please speak English only!
A Polish employee, who was told by her employer not to speak using her first language, has just been awarded £7,000 by the tribunal. Does this ruling mean you can’t insist on English-only in your workplace?
TAX RETURNS - 13.11.2013
When should you use the tax return white space?
The final deadline for completing your 2012/13 tax return is approaching and you have most of the figures ready. But one transaction is giving you trouble and you’re not sure what to declare. What should you tell HMRC?
INVESTIGATIONS - 13.11.2013
HMRC’s new approach to record checks
HMRC says it’s scaling down business record checks in the North. But if you’re outside this area, how can you avoid a visit from the Taxman?
VAT - 13.11.2013
New companies - maximising your VAT claim
You’re transferring your business to your new company which will then register for VAT. The company will take over the current business lock, stock and barrel, but does that entitle it to reclaim VAT on purchases made by the old business?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 13.11.2013
Is sharing income with your spouse tax abuse?
The tax general anti-abuse rule (GAAR) became law this summer, and there have been rumblings that HMRC will use this to attack income shifting between spouses. Should you be concerned about this?
INVESTMENTS - 13.11.2013
Mortgage or ISA - which can save you more tax?
ISAs are the UK’s most popular way to save tax free. They are simple to set up and provide easy access to your money. But if you also have a home loan, can you use this to obtain greater tax savings?
PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS - 13.11.2013
Dodging pension contribution limits
You want to pay a sizeable amount into your pension, but the rules say you’re only allowed to contribute up to the level of your earnings. As you take most of your income as dividends, how will this limit your pension contributions?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 13.11.2013
Can you claim capital allowances for a building?
Last year you spent over £2,000 on an outside shelter for employees who smoke. However, your accountant is reluctant to claim a tax deduction for this. Why, and what can you do to change his mind?
CORPORATION TAX - 13.11.2013
Tax-efficient charity donations for the company
The directors have heard that, if they get things right, the company can offset any financial support given to a charity against its corporation tax bill. What’s the most efficient way to do this?
DIRECTORS’ EXPENSES - 13.11.2013
Time your expenses right or pay extra tax and NI
You might not think twice about paying company expenses from your own pocket and claiming a tax deduction for these. But, if you want reimbursing, it could land your company with extra tax. Is there a more tax-efficient alternative?
COST CUTTING - 13.11.2013
Low cost business meetings on the move
Getting key employees in one place for a business meeting, or finding a suitable spot to meet clients while on the move, can be tricky to organise and expensive. Could the nearest local motorway service area be the answer?
SELLING YOUR COMPANY - 13.11.2013
Share your shares to save some tax
If you’re selling your company, the tax rate you’ll pay on the gain will be at the special rate of 10%. But, if you’re feeling generous, by including other family members in the deal you can cut the tax bill. How is it done?
INVOICING - 13.11.2013
Raising “forgotten” invoices
According to new research, many smaller companies have forgotten to submit an invoice on at least one occasion. If the directors discover this has happened, what’s the cut-off date for presenting bills?
DIRECTORS’ PAY AND BENEFITS - 13.11.2013
A two-tier sick pay system
Many companies pay employees statutory sick pay only during periods of sickness absence. But could you opt to pay directors and managers who are incapacitated their full salary instead, or would that be a no-no?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 08.11.2013
Online reservations to make life easier
Is your work often interrupted by customers calling or e-mailing you to make an appointment? Why not use a web-based module which allows them to fix a meeting themselves via the Internet?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 08.11.2013
Give your VIPs a VIP treatment
You definitely don’t want to overlook e-mails from important contacts. How do you make sure that these messages aren’t swamped by other, less important, e-mails in your inbox?
SOFTWARE - UPDATES - 08.11.2013
Keep your Windows programs up to date
It’s always best to use the newest versions of all your programs. However, it’s not easy to keep track of the latest updates. Here are some tools that can help you.
E-MAIL - MISCELLANEOUS - 08.11.2013
The dos and don’ts of e-mailings
Various factors determine the success of your commercial e-mailings and newsletters, but there are also some pitfalls. Here are the dos and don’ts of e-mailings.
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONES - 08.11.2013
Sharing files between mobile devices
Sharing a photo or file between your own smartphone and those of your friends and colleagues should be simple, but this often isn’t the case at all. What are the solutions?
COMPUTER - HARDWARE - 08.11.2013
Is my computer or smartphone ready to be sold?
Has the time come to buy a new computer, smartphone or tablet? How do you prepare your old device for the second-hand market, in its original state and without your personal data?
INTERNET - CONNECTION - 08.11.2013
Surfing faster through alternative DNS servers?
If you use a public DNS service, such as OpenDNS or Public DNS, you don’t have to use your own provider’s DNS server. How do you use an alternative, and is it always better or faster?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE BOOKMARKS - 08.11.2013
Sync your favourites
People generally store interesting websites as bookmarks or favourites in their browser. The new web-based tool FavSync aims to help you organise these bookmarks.
TELEPHONY - TEXT MESSAGES - 08.11.2013
Texting… the cheap way
Do you send dozens of text messages via your smartphone every day? There are lots of methods and apps that mean you pay (almost) nothing for your messages, even to contacts abroad. How?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 08.11.2013
A visual timeline for your project
Are you planning an open house, the redecoration of your business or the launch of new product? In all these cases, it can be useful to chart such a “project” on a timeline. That’s exactly what the new Brevado intends to do.
BUSINESS - CONSUMER - 08.11.2013
Gifts for everyone
With Christmas just over five weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Whether it’s for corporate clients, your loved ones or friends, there’s a site for you.
HMRC POWERS - 08.11.2013
Can the VATman tell you what records to keep?
If the VATman thinks your record keeping is poor he can direct you to keep exactly what he wants, but how likely is this to happen and what does he have to make you do?
DISPUTE RESOLUTION - 08.11.2013
ADR starts - worth a try?
After two years of trials the VATman has now introduced his alternative dispute resolution system nationwide. But could it help you?
INPUT VAT - TABLET COMPUTERS - 08.11.2013
Claim the VAT back on your iPad?
Many businesses and individuals buy tablet computers such as iPads for work purposes. But can you claim the VAT back and what do you have to do to keep the VATman happy?
VAT RETURNS - ERRORS - 08.11.2013
How VAT errors affect other taxes
If your business makes an error in its VAT accounting, did you know that this can have a knock-on effect on other taxes, meaning that they have to be adjusted as well? When could this arise?
