2016 -
March
MATERNITY - 24.03.2016
Childcare vouchers during maternity leave
Many employees receive childcare vouchers via a salary sacrifice arrangement. But what happens if one of these employees goes on maternity leave? Must you continue to provide her with the childcare vouchers?
RECRUITMENT - 24.03.2016
Withdrawing a job offer
You recently made a job offer but now wish to withdraw it. The prospective employee hasn’t done anything wrong but since the offer was made, your business needs have changed. What’s the legal position?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 24.03.2016
Don’t identify us on social media
Those who are active on social media often say what they do for a job or specifically name their employer. From your perspective, this is risky. So can you ban an employee from naming or identifying you online?
AGE DISCRIMINATION - 24.03.2016
£63,000 for being called “Gramps”
A male employee who was called “Gramps” by his colleagues for a number of years has been awarded over £63,000 by the tribunal. Why did this nickname end up costing the employer so much money?
TIME OFF - 24.03.2016
A right to paid menstrual leave?
When a Bristol-based employer granted its female employees paid menstrual leave, it was suggested that the government should introduce this as a new statutory right. How likely is this to happen?
EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY - 24.03.2016
Supreme Court’s ruling on vicarious liability
In 2014 the Court of Appeal held that an employer wasn’t legally responsible for a violent assault carried out by an employee on a customer. The Supreme Court has now overturned that ruling. What does this mean for you?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 24.03.2016
How to deal with a disciplinary drama queen
When faced with a disciplinary hearing many employees will try to derail the proceedings. One common tactic is to attend but then become totally distraught. What’s the best way to handle this type of drama?
CORPORATION TAX - 24.03.2016
What is our annual investment allowance?
The annual investment allowance (AIA) changed from 1 January 2016. Companies which have accounting periods straddling this date may wonder how the old £500,000 limit and new £200,000 limit apply. How is this worked out, and are there any traps to watch for?
EMPLOYMENT TAX - 24.03.2016
Employment allowance - the changes and restrictions
The employment allowance is increasing from £2,000 to £3,000 from 6 April 2016. However, restrictions are being placed on its availability. Who will this affect, and is there any advice you can give your clients so they don’t miss out?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 24.03.2016
Advising clients on the risks of going self-employed
A client has just told you that he has agreed with his company to work as a consultant on a freelance basis. Naturally you’re concerned about a possible challenge to his employment status by HMRC. What tactics can you use to protect him from this?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 24.03.2016
Clampdown on capital treatment of distributions
From 6 April 2016, changes to the transactions in securities rules and new anti-avoidance provisions make it harder for certain company owners to extract funds as capital rather than income. How will these changes affect your advice on distributions?
TAX COMPLIANCE - 24.03.2016
HMRC renews focus on using cash to hide profits
It’s estimated that £60 billion in notes and coins is in circulation in the UK. But HMRC reckons much of it is hidden. With its attention shifting to cash-based transactions, should your clients be worried?
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER ASSISTANCE - 21.03.2016
Where do things go wrong?
When there’s something wrong with your computer and you can’t find the solution yourself, it may be helpful to be able to show someone else exactly what is going wrong. How do you do so in Windows without installing extra software?
BUSINESS - FINANCIAL - 21.03.2016
Real-time stock prices in your spreadsheet
We previously told you that the new Stock Analysis template in Excel 2016 is a missed opportunity. We will now detail how you can monitor your investments in real time in a spreadsheet.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 21.03.2016
Add-ons for more efficient e-mailing
Gmail is one of the most popular webmail services, while Mozilla Thunderbird remains an excellent free e-mail client for desktop computers. Which add-ons make both e-mail tools even more efficient?
SOFTWARE - SECURITY - 21.03.2016
Indispensable protection tools
Have you bought a new computer, (re)installed Windows or do you just want to make your computer safer? Install the following tools and programs to prevent malware and viruses from causing harm.
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 21.03.2016
A good HTML editor for your website
To create a simple website, you don’t really need an advanced program based on a database or scripting language. A good WYSIWYG program will do. Which ones are left?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 21.03.2016
Sorting your e-mail as a pro
Sorting your messages is the first logical step towards gaining greater control of your congested mailbox. How do you best tackle this and which tools can help you?
TRANSPORT - CYCLING - 21.03.2016
Getting on your bike
With spring around the corner it’s time to look at the benefits of cycling, which bike to buy, how to get the most from your bike and family cycling.
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 21.03.2016
A mobile time clock for your colleagues
Are you on the road a lot or do your colleagues work outside the office most of the time? The new Staffometer offers them a mobile time clock on their smartphone. Is it useful?
SECURITY - ANTI-MALWARE - 21.03.2016
Mind your clicks!
Hyperlinks connect the different webpages on the Internet with each other. However, some hyperlinks may surreptitiously point to malicious sites or malware. How do you find this out before clicking on them?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 21.03.2016
What’s the buzz?
The Internet is an excellent showcase for your business. However, you have little control over what is said about your services or products. By using a monitoring tool you can keep track of the buzz about your business.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 21.03.2016
Steal the show with Zoho Show
You’re probably familiar with Zoho Show, the free online presentations tool. But there’s also Zoho ShowTime, which allows you to make live presentations more interactive. We’ve tried the free tool and mobile app for you.
SUSTAINABILITY - 18.03.2016
Is it time to go circular?
Many small businesses are beginning to adopt circular business models to boost green credentials, help save costs and set themselves apart from the competition. What does this mean and what are some companies doing?
TECHNOLOGY - 18.03.2016
Time’s up for short-lived machines
Have you ever wondered why some electrical appliances seem to last five minutes and are impossible to get fixed? What’s going on and is this situation likely to change?
VEHICLES - 18.03.2016
New green car tax levels
On 1 March 2016 the government changed the levels of the plug-in car grant. What’s different, which vehicles are affected by this move and does it make green cars a more appealing option?
LEGISLATION - 18.03.2016
Green regulations on the TTIP
The introduction of a European Union/United States of America trade deal could have serious implications for environmental legislation. What is the aim of the agreement and what changes could it introduce?
HAZARDOUS WASTE - 18.03.2016
Hazardous waste registration
On 1 April 2016 changes to hazardous waste registration and consignment notes come into effect. What do you need to know?
GOVERNMENT POLICY - 18.03.2016
Government plans for the environment
A high-level policy plan setting out the government’s environmental priorities up to 2020 has been published. What does it say and are there any clues as to what regulation you can expect in the next few years?
MARKETING - 18.03.2016
All change and no change for energy labels
Energy efficiency labels on electrical goods and some apparently crazy rules from Europe have been hitting the headlines. What’s actually going on and how might it affect your business?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 18.03.2016
Avoiding the NI trap on tips and gratuities
Following a PAYE inspection one of our subscribers was hit with a massive bill for NI relating to tips paid to her employees. Why, and what steps can you take to avoid the same trap?
BENEFITS - 18.03.2016
Can I borrow that (tax free) please?
In April 2016 the rules on benefits in kind will change so that low value perks will be tax and NI exempt. How will this apply to perks in the form of personal use of equipment owned by your company?
INSURANCE - 18.03.2016
Pre-owned asset tax and life insurance
As a director shareholder it’s sensible for your company to insure your life to compensate fellow directors in the event the worst happens, but it can result in an income tax bill for you. Why, and what steps can you take to avoid it?
CARS - 18.03.2016
Are you missing out on tax-free mileage allowances?
You use your own car for business journeys for both your self-employed consultancy and the company of which you’re a director. What’s the maximum tax and NI-free mileage allowance you can claim?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 18.03.2016
Entrepreneurs’ relief needs perfect timing
A Tribunal recently considered a disputed claim for entrepreneurs’ relief (ER) by a former director in respect of shares sold in a company which he helped establish. The case centred on the timing of the sale. What’s the full story?
HMRC - 18.03.2016
Digital records will be compulsory
The government intends to force all businesses, large and small, to keep records electronically. When will this happen and how should you prepare for it?
EXPENSES - 18.03.2016
Tax-free meals for you and your employees
From 6 April 2016 flat rate subsistence expenses will be tax and NI free in some situations. What are the conditions and how can setting a flat rate allowance save your business time and money?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 18.03.2016
Trouble with company accounts
One of our subscribers fell out with his fellow directors over their company’s finances and refused to approve the annual accounts. Was this the right step to take or might he still be held responsible for any problems that arise?
PENSIONS - 18.03.2016
Set your salary to maximise your new state pension
To qualify for the full new state pension you’ll need 35 years of earnings on record. Even then by continuing to take a salary from your company you might increase the pension you’ll receive. What’s the full story?
LEGAL COMPLIANCE - 18.03.2016
Sunday trading and employee rights
Despite its assurances, the government has failed to change Sunday trading laws in England and Wales. However, there’s often confusion about employees’ rights where they are required to work Sundays. What does the law say here?
NATIONAL INSURANCE - 18.03.2016
The new employment allowance rules
From 6 April 2016 one-man companies will cease to qualify for the employment allowance (EA). Adding your spouse to the payroll has been suggested as a way around this. Is it that simple?
PERSONNEL - 18.03.2016
Questioning CV claims during interviews
A candidate who looks great on paper has been invited for a job interview. How can you check whether the claims made on their CV stack up and why is it so important that you do this?
COMPANY LAW - 18.03.2016
Contracts: signed then the director resigned
As part of their duties directors will sign many contracts on the company’s behalf. But what happens if the director resigns before a contract comes into force? Does another director need to sign that contract or not?
WORK EQUIPMENT - 14.03.2016
Drones - understand the risks
Many businesses are turning to drones to undertake photography and survey work. But when using this equipment are you aware of the rules for its safe use? Are your actions a danger to aircraft and pedestrians?
WORKPLACE - 14.03.2016
Woman’s leg was trapped in escalator
A case heard in February 2016 concerned a serious accident to a member of the public who was injured on an escalator. How did the accident happen and what measures could have been taken to prevent it?
HOUSEKEEPING - 14.03.2016
Strains and sprains in the cleaning industry
The HSE has highlighted new guidance added to its website to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries to cleaners. Is this information of use and what are the issues to address if you manage cleaning staff?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 14.03.2016
How to store your chemicals
Like many businesses you have a few pots of paint, supplies of cleaning materials and some aerosol cans tucked away. To deal with these properly what practical arrangements should you put in place?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 14.03.2016
“Smiler” case going to court
Following an accident on a rollercoaster, the HSE has confirmed that Alton Towers’ management company is to be prosecuted. What can be learned from this?
COMPLIANCE AUDIT - 14.03.2016
Is everything as it should be?
Many businesses are caught out when it’s shown that their paperwork doesn’t reflect what’s actually happening in the workplace. To prevent this, use our new compliance audit.
WORKPLACE TRANSPORT - 14.03.2016
CCTV recording used against firm
In February 2016 a waste firm was prosecuted in relation to a fatal accident involving a plant driver. How was CCTV evidence used against the company and what can you do to avoid a similar occurance?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 10.03.2016
Get on your feet Britain!
On 29 April 2016, to tackle the serious health problems caused by prolonged periods of sitting, employers are being urged to participate in “On your feet Britain”. Should you get involved?
HOLIDAYS - 10.03.2016
Converting sickness absence to holiday
An employee who recently took a day’s sickness absence has now requested to have that day classed as annual leave. Is this possible or should their reason for absence be recorded accurately?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 10.03.2016
Disciplinary investigations: a right to be accompanied?
You need to hold an investigatory meeting with an employee to determine whether formal disciplinary proceedings are appropriate. Does the employee have the right to be accompanied during this investigatory meeting?
CONTRACTS - 10.03.2016
Can you impose new contracts?
In February 2016 the government announced that it would impose new contracts on junior doctors without their consent. Does that mean you can force new contracts on your employees without their consent too?
RESIGNATIONS - 10.03.2016
Keeping hold of key staff
A key employee has just resigned out of the blue and you would like to see if you can persuade them to change their mind. What are the options in this situation and how far should you go in your attempts?
STAFF HANDBOOKS - 10.03.2016
No EU debates in the workplace
An employee is telling anyone who will listen how he intends to vote in the EU Referendum. He’s fully entitled to his political opinion but you don’t want any controversial debates in your workplace. What’s the answer?
FLEXIBLE WORKING - 10.03.2016
£11,000 for refusing flexible working?
When the tribunal awarded a female police officer just over £11,000 media reports gave the impression that this was because her flexible working request was denied. What’s the real story?
COMPANY CARS - 07.03.2016
Avoiding car fuel benefit the easy way
For most people with company cars it’s not tax efficient for the business to pay for private fuel as it results in a fixed and hefty tax bill. However, avoiding the tax charge can be more tricky than you might think. What are your options?
VAT - 07.03.2016
Is self-billing the answer to a tardy supplier?
One of our subscribers uses a supplier who’s often late in sending its invoices. This sometimes results in a delay of nearly three months before they can reclaim the VAT. Can self-billing solve the problem?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 07.03.2016
Supporting a loss-making company tax efficiently
If you put money into your company and its value falls to nothing, you might be entitled to a tax break to reduce your overall loss. The timing of your investment can determine whether or not you qualify. How can you avoid losing out?
INHERITANCE TAX - 07.03.2016
Transferring your company - when is BPR lost?
You’ve built up a business from scratch and now it’s time for the family to take over the reins. Business property relief (BPR) usually prevents IHT from being payable on the transfer, but it’s easily lost. How can you avoid this trap?
BENEFITS - 07.03.2016
Tax free and subsidised childcare - what’s the latest?
Tax free childcare has been delayed by court action and amended in the Autumn Statement. It’s now scheduled to be introduced in 2017. When it arrives how and when will it affect employer childcare schemes?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 07.03.2016
Tax planning for company owner managers
Tax on dividends is increasing from April 2016 and the government is attacking the sheltering of income through companies. A safe, tax-efficient profit extraction method is needed, but is there anything that fits the bill?
TAX - 07.03.2016
When to include a perk in your payroll calculation
In April 2016 a new method for taxing job-related perks through the payroll takes effect. The trouble, especially for directors, is that the value of perks can change over the course of a tax year. How will the new system work in this situation?
COMPANY LAW - 07.03.2016
Making sure your company’s transactions are valid
Your company is transferring one of its investments to you. A colleague has told you that unless this is done formally, by deed or sealed document, it won’t be valid. Is this right and why should you bother with such formalities?
PERSONNEL - 07.03.2016
Director who resigned awarded £76,000
The employment tribunal has awarded a director who voluntarily resigned his position £76,000. Why has the company he previously worked for been ordered to pay out such an amount in compensation?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 07.03.2016
Would you have to pay the company’s legal costs?
A director whose company unsuccessfully took legal action against a third party has been ordered to cover its legal costs personally. Would you have to cover the other side’s costs if your company lost a court case?
BRIBERY - 07.03.2016
£1.4 million fine for bribery by associated person
In what’s believed to be the first case of its kind, a company has been hit with a £1.4 million fine for “failing to prevent bribery by an associated person”. Who is an associated person for the purposes of the Bribery Act 2010?
EXPENSES - 07.03.2016
Are meals on the company ever tax deductible?
These days business lunches etc. are a common expense for most companies. The tax deductibility depends on who’s being fed and why. What are the rules and how can you work with them to maximise tax efficiency?
REGULATION - 07.03.2016
Brexit and small businesses
It’s been confirmed that the long-awaited EU Referendum will be held on 23 June 2016. If the majority vote for “Brexit”, what will be the immediate impact on small businesses?
COMPUTER - MOBILE - 07.03.2016
What’s the best size for your new tablet?
Both iPads and Android tablets come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging between 7 and 13 inches. How do you determine the tablet size that best meets your specific needs?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 07.03.2016
Your employees: a danger on Facebook?
Your employees are the ambassadors of your enterprise. When they post negative comments about you on Facebook or Twitter, this may have dire consequences. A good social media policy is therefore a must.
WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 07.03.2016
How to transfer large files
There are various services to transfer files that are several megabytes or gigabytes large - e.g. videos or high-resolution photos. We’ve put some of these services to the test.
ENTERTAINMENT - MUSIC - 07.03.2016
Music for every occasion
Are you planning a company do or a family activity? How do you search for appropriate music and choose the best genre for your event? Here are some of your options.
COMPUTER - PRINTER - 07.03.2016
Help… my printer is stalling again
This will probably sound familiar: you need to print an important document urgently and your printer says no. What steps can you take to try to resolve the issue?
CONSUMER - TRAVEL - 07.03.2016
All about the rail services
Over half of rail passengers are unhappy with the service provided. We look at what’s available - and what’s new - in terms of sites and apps.
SOFTWARE & SERVICES - OFFICE - 07.03.2016
Google Docs or Office 2016?
Microsoft Office 2016 has been around for a while now, while Google Docs is becoming increasingly better. What are the differences between both office suites, and is it worthwhile paying for Office?
BUSINESS - FINANCIAL - 07.03.2016
Monitor your finances in Excel
In Microsoft Office 365 two financial templates have been added to the Excel program: one for analysing your cash flow, one for your shares. How good are they?
COMPUTER - SMARTPHONE - 07.03.2016
Recycle your (old) smartphone
Smartphones are highly flexible devices which you can use for a wide variety of activities. But did you know that you can also use your (old) device for other tasks?
