2014 -
January
WORKING HOURS - 31.01.2014
Is there a link between shift work and cancer?
Recent information published by the HSE implies a change of position on the subject of night working and breast cancer. So what’s the latest on this subject and what action should you be taking, if any?
MACHINERY - 31.01.2014
Maintaining your work equipment
During a health and safety assessment you were asked about your arrangements for maintaining tools and equipment. All you currently do is repair them if they stop working. Are you legally required to do more?
TRANSPORT - 31.01.2014
Fines and costs totalling £372,000 for traffic route errors
A court recently found that the operator of Luton Airport and its sub-contractor had fallen below the standards expected in the design of a roadway. Why were they so heavily penalised and what can you learn from this case?
CONFINED SPACES - 31.01.2014
Confined space dangers
As a recent case shows, working in cellars and similar locations can be fatal if not managed properly. What happened and how can you avoid making a similar mistake?
WORKPLACE - 31.01.2014
Managing play spaces
The Play Safety Forum has published its second edition of “Managing Risk in Play Provision”. If you manage playgrounds and other areas where children play, is there anything new to consider?
ENFORCEMENT - 31.01.2014
Beware the local authority inspector
“Be sensible, reasonable and pragmatic”; this is how local authority inspectors should be dealing with businesses. But are they toeing the line?
ASBESTOS - 31.01.2014
Managing asbestos
In an attempt to make your asbestos management duties clearer, the HSE has published a new Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and guidance material. What are the significant changes?
GREENHOUSE GASES - 31.01.2014
Air conditioning and refrigerant gases to be banned
European Union negotiators have finally reached a deal to partially ban a group of super-powerful greenhouse gases, known as F-gases, which are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. How might you be affected?
POLLUTION PREVENTION - 31.01.2014
Clearing paths and walkways
You’re worried about the environmental impact of putting down too much salt on your grounds. Are you right to be concerned and, if so, what options do you have that will still keep your insurer happy?
FUEL - 31.01.2014
Should you convert to Autogas?
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles have been around for a good few years. You’ve previously been put off by various issues, such as a lack of fuel suppliers. Has the situation changed and is there now an argument for switching?
WASTE - 31.01.2014
Reform of waste transfer notes
Defra has published plans to reform the waste transfer note (WTN) system. What changes are on the cards and when are they likely to take effect?
MICRO-GENERATION - 31.01.2014
“Free” electricity from solar panels
Because of the way the government’s domestic feed-in tariff (FIT) works, if you run your business from home, installing solar photovoltaic panels could prove to be a worthwhile option. What do you need to know?
INCIDENT INVESTIGATION - 31.01.2014
What did you see?
In the event of an environmental incident, for example a fuel or chemical spill, a first-hand account of what happened and when could prove invaluable. To record this vital information, use our witness statement document.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING - 31.01.2014
Environmental permitting: changes coming
In a bid to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, the government is pressing ahead with proposed amendments to the environmental permitting regime. What’s likely to happen and when?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 29.01.2014
Removing free tea and coffee
Many employees happily take free coffee and tea for granted but providing it costs their employers, on average, £300 per person, per year. If you want to make savings by removing this perk, what are your options?
FLEXIBLE WORKING - 29.01.2014
Flexible working extended to all employees
On 6 April 2014 the statutory right to request flexible working will be extended to all employees. Thankfully, this change isn’t as bad for employers as it first sounds. What do you need to know?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 29.01.2014
Health and Work Service update
For some time the government has been talking about introducing a national service to help employers tackle long-term sickness absence but, so far, it hasn’t actually materialised. What’s the latest?
DISMISSAL - 29.01.2014
Dismissal for fighting outside of work
Let’s suppose that two of your employees became involved in a fight outside of working hours and the matter has been brought to your attention. Would that give you grounds for dismissal?
RESIGNATIONS - 29.01.2014
One in five employees plans to resign in 2014?
Apparently, 19% of employees are planning to leave their jobs this year - a decision that could prove costly for their employers. How can you get a feel for what your own workforce is thinking?
PAY - 29.01.2014
Must you pay employees during travelling time?
In order to carry out their work, many employees have to travel from one location to another, e.g. to visit clients or attend meetings. Are you required to pay them during this travelling time or not?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 29.01.2014
The difference between employed and self-employed
Rather than hiring a temporary employee, you’ve opted to engage a self-employed worker. As well as having a written contract, in order to protect your position what must you insist that they do?
LOANS - 17.01.2014
The new tax-free limit for company loans
From April the amount of tax and NI-free money a director can borrow from their company will double. How will the new higher limit apply and what steps can you take to secure the maximum advantage?
COMPANY LAW - 17.01.2014
Company records - what’s the bare minimum?
Keeping your company records in line with legal requirements can involve a great deal of red tape. But what’s actually needed and how can you keep time spent on admin to a minimum?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 17.01.2014
Self-assessment deadline looming
If you still need to file a self-assessment tax return it must be submitted online to HMRC by midnight on 31 January. What should you check right now?
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY - 17.01.2014
Exercising break clauses in commercial leases
The commercial property market remains in freefall in many parts of the country. As a tenant you’re looking to take advantage of this by exercising a break clause in your current lease and moving to cheaper premises. Any problems?
TAX - 17.01.2014
Can you use your company as an IHT shelter?
A friend says that on advice from his accountant he transferred most of his personal investments into his company to protect him from inheritance tax (IHT). Is this a potential tax-saving scheme worth considering?
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 17.01.2014
Multiple browser profiles: useful?
Do you find it annoying that you need to log out of your browser in order to switch between, for example, your business and private web service accounts (webmail, Twitter, etc.)? There is a solution: create “browser profiles”.
SEARCHING - IMAGES & AUDIO - 17.01.2014
Wanted: copyright-free images and music
Would you like to embellish your website, blog post or presentation with an appropriate photo? Or are you looking for suitable background music for your company video? Where can you find images and music which are really free?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 17.01.2014
Doing more with Google Drive
Thanks to the transformation of Google Docs into Google Drive, you now have a very handy online storage and office service at your disposal. Here are some tips and tools for extending its possibilities.
E-MAIL - SOCIAL NETWORKS - 17.01.2014
Keep e-mail traffic from social networks under control
Social networks typically send you e-mails to notify you of all kinds of events. Do you feel that you receive too many social updates via e-mail, or too few? How can you keep control of this e-mail traffic?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 17.01.2014
A chat helpdesk for your customers
You’re nothing without your customers. It’s therefore essential to give them all the attention they deserve. An online support system such as Casengo makes this task easier. We put it to the test.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 17.01.2014
Creating presentations with Bunkr
To create presentations, most people will almost automatically turn to Microsoft’s PowerPoint. However, there are lots of alternatives. Let’s put the newcomer Bunkr to the test.
CONSUMER - MISCELLANEOUS - 17.01.2014
Top sites in 2013
At end of the year there are a number of awards for the best websites in various categories. We look at some of those with a distinctly British flavour.
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONES - 17.01.2014
“Rooting” your Android telephone: why and how?
If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, it’s fairly easy to “root” it so as to gain greater control over the device. Why should you do this and how do you get started?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 17.01.2014
How to describe your website
The source code of your website contains so-called metatags, including the “description tag”. In the past, this tag was crucial for your Google ranking, but this is no longer the case. So why should you bother with it?
SOFTWARE - DVD - 17.01.2014
Back up your Blu-ray films on your computer
Do you have high-resolution Blu-ray discs? If you wish to rip them to your computer in order to make a backup copy, this is more complex than ripping ordinary DVDs. How do you do this and what software do you need?
SECURITY - PASSWORDS - 17.01.2014
Make your accounts safer in two steps
As we all know, passwords alone - even strong ones - don’t offer adequate protection. More and more services offer “two-step account verification” to increase security. What exactly is it, where can you use it, and how?
PAYE - 17.01.2014
RTI penalty let off for some employers
HMRC recently announced a limited relaxation of the key RTI rules. In effect it’s an exemption from the late reporting penalties which come into force in April. What’s the full story?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 17.01.2014
Saving NI on benefits in kind
As a general rule, the cost of NI on benefits in kind (BiKs) is less than that on salary etc. But in some situations the opposite is true. When can you take advantage of this?
VAT - 17.01.2014
Changes to VAT rates for EU sales
If you sell services to EU customers via the Internet, there are two important changes to watch out for later this year. What are they?
PENALTIES - 17.01.2014
Last minute ways to avoid a self-assessment penalty
If you’re one of the two million taxpayers who haven’t submitted their 2012/13 tax return, you have a little over a week to do so. But if you don’t have all the information to complete the form what steps can you take to ensure you meet the deadline?
PROPERTY - 17.01.2014
Negotiating a tax-efficient new lease
You need to renew your lease or relocate to new premises, either way you’re looking for a financial incentive from the landlord to sign on the dotted line. There are a couple of options on the table, but which offers the best tax advantage?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 17.01.2014
New rules for companies in partnership
From 6 April some partnerships which include individuals and companies will have to pay more tax. In what circumstances will the new regime apply and how much extra tax might you have to pay?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 17.01.2014
Selling your company - an income tax trap
When you sell your company capital gains tax at just 10% usually applies to any gain you make. However, one of our subscribers was instead hit with paying income tax at 45%. Why was this and how can you avoid the same trap?
AGENCY WORKERS - 13.01.2014
How to avoid the Agency Workers Regulations
Under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR), temporary agency workers are entitled to the same rate of pay as comparable permanent staff after twelve weeks in the same job. How can you get around this rule in a legally safe way?
REDUNDANCY - 13.01.2014
Enhanced redundancy payments for older workers
In a recent case the employer had offered its older workers enhanced severance payments if they took voluntary redundancy. A 26-year-old employee claimed this practice amounted to age discrimination. Why did she fail?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 13.01.2014
Employee’s right to postpone a disciplinary hearing
In certain circumstances an employee who is the subject of disciplinary proceedings has the right to postpone the hearing. When does this arise and how many postponements must you agree to?
DISMISSAL - 13.01.2014
Can you dismiss a terminally ill employee?
Whilst it’s a situation that no employer ever wants to face, you may have to deal with an employee who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Would this situation give you grounds for their dismissal?
RIGHT TO WORK - 13.01.2014
No evidence of right to work produced
You recently sent a job offer to an applicant which was conditional on them producing evidence of their right to work in the UK. They’ve accepted your offer but not supplied any documentation. Can you withdraw it?
TRIBUNALS - 13.01.2014
£5,000 penalties on the cards?
From 6 April 2014 any employer who breaches employment law rights could be hit with a financial penalty of up to £5,000. How will this new regime be enforced and should you be worried?
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION - 13.01.2014
Christians and Sunday working
The Court of Appeal recently ruled that a “refusal to work on Sundays for religious reasons” is capable of protection under discrimination laws. Does that mean all Christians can now refuse to work on Sundays?
HSE - 13.01.2014
The HSE’s plans for 2014
In a recent speech at the Westminster Legal Policy Forum the HSE’s chair, Judith Hackitt, outlined plans for the enforcement body in 2014. What should you expect and is there anything that you could be doing to prepare?
LIABILITY - 13.01.2014
Was it foreseeable?
A firework organiser was recently acquitted of a charge that he caused the deaths of seven members of the public in a multi-vehicle motorway accident. Why did the judge cut the case short?
DRIVING - 13.01.2014
Don’t turn a blind eye to unqualified drivers
Earlier this year the MoD appealed against a decision that it was liable for a Land Rover accident. Although it occurred in Afghanistan there are some useful lessons for those managing drivers in the UK. What’s the story?
INSURANCE - 13.01.2014
HSE fee reimbursement
You’re tempted to take on an H&S consultant as their package covers any costs incurred under the fee-for-intervention (FFI) scheme. Would this be a good move?
CONTRACTORS - 13.01.2014
Don’t upset the client
A client’s employee caused an accident which could have killed or seriously injured one of your workers. Given that the client relationship is already tense how should you respond?
CLIENT’S DEMOLITION AND DISMANTLING CHECKLIST - 13.01.2014
How to organise demolition work
You’re planning to have an old building demolished. A builder is lined up for the job and he says it should be straightforward. But is there anything you should be aware of? Our new document has the answers.
COSHH - 13.01.2014
New approved code on hazardous substances
The HSE has issued an updated version of its Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) which supports the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. What’s changed and is it something you need to purchase?
HEATING COSTS - 13.01.2014
Put a jumper on
During periods of cold weather you’re often forced to turn your heating up. But should you pander to staff or buy them a jumper to warm them up and cut your heating costs?
TAX - 13.01.2014
Cheap loans close to home
Although the interest rate charged on bank and other borrowings isn’t that high at the moment, could there be a way to save even more by getting the company to lend you the cash?
OFFICE COSTS - 13.01.2014
Learn from government mistakes
Given the current austerity drive, you would think the government and councils would be doing their best to cut costs in their departments. What can you learn and save from new revelations about their penchant for wasting money?
TELEPHONE CALLS - 13.01.2014
Charge for cold calls?
Cold calls waste you and your business time and money, and new research suggests the Telephone Preference Service is not fit for purpose. Is that correct or could signing up to it still save you money?
PAYROLL - 13.01.2014
2014/15 (and beyond) payroll changes
Last month’s Autumn Statement announced changes to tax and NI limits. What do you need to know to prepare for the 2014/15 (and 2015/16) payroll year?
RAISING FINANCE - 13.01.2014
Personal guarantees - worth the risk?
Your company is in the process of negotiating a new loan and the bank has asked the directors for personal guarantees. You’ve been asked to advise the board on the potential consequences - what should you tell them?
RAISING FINANCE - 13.01.2014
Preference shares
Your company wants to borrow in order to fund growth but the bank has refused to lend. The shareholders are sympathetic to putting more money in but don’t want more ordinary shares. Are there alternatives you can offer them?
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS - 13.01.2014
Working efficiently
The company’s sales are growing and a new production line has been established. The production manager wants to be sure that staff efficiency on the new line is as good as it is on existing lines. Can you help?
FINANCIAL REPORTING - 13.01.2014
How do the new accounting rules affect the FRSSE?
If, like most companies in the UK, yours applies the financial reporting standard for smaller entities when preparing its accounts, how will the new set of standards affect what needs to be disclosed?
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING - 13.01.2014
When should you recognise revenue?
Your software is set up to account for a sale in the management P&L account when a sales invoice is raised. However, the operations director doesn’t agree with this treatment. Is he right to query it?
SPREADSHEETS - 13.01.2014
Year-on-year analysis
It’s New Year and you would like to do a year-on-year analysis showing if each customer bought more or less in 2013 than in 2012. How can you use Excel to build the report?
CARS - 10.01.2014
New rules on company cars
Two new rules have been created to counter certain company car and van schemes that HMRC considers unfair tax avoidance. When will they take effect and what action should you be taking before then?
PAYMENTS - 10.01.2014
Is your tax money going to the right place?
A recent tribunal considered the rights that a taxpayer had to decide how payments he made to HMRC should be allocated against the tax he owed. HMRC usually does this automatically, but what can you do if you think it’s wrong?
CORPORATION TAX - 10.01.2014
Company profit shifting
Last year showed a decent profit for which a sizeable tax bill will be due. However, the current year is expected to present a loss and this might leave you short of cash. What steps can you take to help fund the tax payable for last year?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 10.01.2014
Have you paid too much CGT on your inheritance?
The executors of your father’s estate sold several of his assets before sharing what was left between you and your sisters. As a result they paid several thousand pounds in capital gains tax (CGT), but could this have been avoided?
VAT - 10.01.2014
VAT on road fuel - the new flat rate option
We recently told you about changes to the VAT fuel scale charge for non-business journeys which take effect next month. There have now been further developments. What are they and how will they apply?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 10.01.2014
Should you always pay dividends if you can?
Your company started small but is now making fair profits. However, you don’t need to draw this out as you have enough other income. So is it better to take out the profit now or leave it to accumulate?
AUTUMN STATEMENT - 10.01.2014
NI and tax breaks for businesses
The Autumn Statement included one or two surprises for businesses, plus a possible time bomb for homeowners. What’s the full story on these?
EXPENSES - 10.01.2014
Cut your admin and save tax on foreign trips
HMRC recently updated its benchmark allowances that apply when directors or employees travel abroad on business. In what circumstances can you pay these and how can they reduce your and your company’s tax and NI bills?
CONTRACTS - 10.01.2014
Contracts: do you need a signature in ink?
Despite increasing pressure to go paperless, many smaller companies still print out documents in order to obtain a customer’s signature in ink. Do you really need to do this or is there an easier way?
DEBT MANAGEMENT - 10.01.2014
Tougher rules for your slow paying customers
Last year the rules that allow businesses to charge their customers interest for late payments were amended. Changes were made to the date interest can run from and how much you can charge. What’s the full story?
