2017 -
February
WORKPLACE - 27.02.2017
Check your window restrictors
The risks associated with unrestricted windows have long been known in sectors where there are vulnerable residents or building users. But as a recent case illustrates, you can’t just fit and forget. What happened?
METHOD STATEMENTS - 27.02.2017
Enough detail so “the cleaner can do the job”
You submitted a method statement and risk assessment to your client prior to starting on site. However, it was rejected as it didn’t contain enough detail about your proposed methods of work. How could you have avoided this?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 27.02.2017
Can you exit a MEWP basket at height?
You’re planning some minor repairs to your roof and the best way to access the area seems to be by using a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) and then climbing out of the basket. Is this an acceptable method of work?
STORAGE - 27.02.2017
Gassing risk in wood chip stores
Research carried out by the HSE has identified that there are significant risks associated with the storage of materials for wood-fired burners. What are they and how should they be managed?
MANUAL HANDLING - 27.02.2017
Firm fined for “incredibly manual” production line
A manufacturer in the automotive industry has been prosecuted for breaching manual handling legislation. What events led to the case and what actions has the company taken to turn its safety performance around?
ENFORCEMENT - 27.02.2017
Safety sentences - what’s happening?
A study has examined the impact of the sentencing guidelines on health and safety fines. What has been identified and how might you be affected?
RIDDOR - 27.02.2017
Are road accidents reportable?
One of your employees has been involved in a traffic collision. Is it reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013?
LATE PAYMENT - 27.02.2017
New late payment rules
In April 2017 new late payment regulations come into force for larger companies. How will these affect your business, if at all?
COMPANY SECRETARIAL - 27.02.2017
Allot to get right
Your company is looking for more investment and has decided to issue some new shares. There are several potential pitfalls when doing this - what do you need to watch out for?
SPREADSHEETS - 27.02.2017
How to convert dates to quarters
Excel can return the year, month number, month name, week number, day of the week or day from any cell that contains a date. But is there a way to get Excel to return a quarter number?
MANAGEMENT REPORTING - 27.02.2017
Dashboard design
You’ve decided to introduce dashboards to provide information to department heads and the board instead of the existing management reports. How can you make them really effective?
UTILITIES - 27.02.2017
More water savings
In April 2017 the water market is changing and this could mean lower prices for you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cut back on usage. Where should you start and what could you save?
FINANCE - 27.02.2017
Banking on a change?
Switching bank accounts should be fairly easy these days but many businesses just don’t bother. Why not and what could you save by taking the plunge and changing providers?
HEALTH & SAFETY - 27.02.2017
Savings on safety signs?
You’ve had a near miss with an accident involving a member of staff. In response you had a safety report carried out. But do you need to buy all the signs suggested?
FINANCE DEPARTMENT - 27.02.2017
Refreshing finance
The annual budget process and year end are now behind you and you’ve decided to take stock of what the finance function delivers the business. What should you be considering when undertaking your review?
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - 27.02.2017
Why is the business stalling?
Following a period of solid expansion, the company has barely grown over the last two years. The board is concerned and has asked you to find out why this has happened. What should you be looking for?
PRICES - 27.02.2017
Keeping a lid on supply prices
More companies have announced price rises on the back of the post-referendum slump in the value of the pound. What could you save by shopping around and negotiating?
PROPERTY INVESTING - 23.02.2017
Should properties be held personally or via a company?
One of your clients has recently come into a substantial amount of money via an inheritance. She is looking to build up a rental property portfolio, and wants to know whether to do this via a company. What should you advise?
PENSIONS - 23.02.2017
Advice allowance starts in April 2017
A new allowance that permits your clients to access pensions advice in a tax-efficient way will commence in April 2017. How can they take advantage?
COMPLIANCE - 23.02.2017
Dislodging an unnecessary return for your client
HMRC guidance says that if it sends your client a self-assessment tax return, it must be submitted. But this is incorrect. In fact, filing a return late where there is no liability can penalise clients. How do you counter this?
PENSION ALLOWANCES - 23.02.2017
How does the annual allowance restriction work?
Many of your clients choose to make pension contributions. However, exactly how much tax relief these attract is subject to an annual allowance. How does this allowance affect your clients with higher incomes?
YEAR-END TAX PLANNING - 23.02.2017
Tax-saving ideas to implement before 6 April 2017
The January tax filing season may seem far behind you, but now is the time to consider tax planning opportunities before the 2016/17 tax year ends on 5 April. How might you advise personal clients on ways of minimising tax?
EARN-OUT LOSSES - 23.02.2017
How to utilise a shortfall effectively
When a client sells their business, they might be partly paid by way of a performance related earn-out which has to be valued and taxed upfront. However, the amount eventually received might be less than the amount taxed. What can you do?
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION - 23.02.2017
Religious belief or a personal choice?
In Gareddu v London Underground Ltd 2016 the employee had asked for five weeks’ holiday to attend religious festivals. This request was denied but he lost his subsequent claim for religious discrimination. Why was this?
TIME OFF - 23.02.2017
Time off to undergo hypnotherapy
Whilst it doesn’t work for everyone, some medical practitioners recommend hypnotherapy. If one of your employees has been advised to undergo it by their GP, do they have a statutory right to time off work for this purpose?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 23.02.2017
Unfairly dismissed for using physical violence
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled that an employee who was sacked for grabbing a colleague around the throat was unfairly dismissed. Does this mean you can’t sack employees who use physical violence?
CONTRACTS - 23.02.2017
An unfair mobility clause
A well-drafted mobility clause gives you the right to relocate an employee. However, two employees who refused to comply with such a clause have successfully claimed unfair dismissal. What do you need to know?
DATA PROTECTION - 23.02.2017
Convicted for having CCTV
An employer who installed CCTV on business premises has been convicted of a criminal offence under the Data Protection Act 1998. You can have CCTV but what did this employer fail to do?
WORKING TIME - 23.02.2017
Employment contracts and opt-out agreements
Provided they’ve agreed to opt out, your employees may exceed the average weekly working limit of 48 hours per week. Can you automatically include an opt-out provision in your employment contracts?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 23.02.2017
Off sick but they won’t say why
An employee who’s been off sick for a few days is refusing to divulge the reason for their recent absence. They say that this information is confidential and they have a legal right to privacy. Is this true?
VAT - 20.02.2017
VAT, rented property and building improvements
You need to extend your business premises. The trouble is that while the landlord has granted permission you’ll actually pay for the work. As your business will benefit you’re okay with this, but can you recover the VAT on the cost?
BENEFITS - 20.02.2017
Salary sacrifice - new problems for employers
Existing salary sacrifice schemes have been given a stay of execution from the new anti-avoidance rules. However, events might trigger them sooner. As an employer what steps can you take to prevent this?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 20.02.2017
CGT on your home following separation?
Several years ago you separated from your spouse and moved into a new home. Your ex stayed in the former home, but it’s about to be sold and you’ll receive a share of the proceeds. How can you avoid paying capital gains tax (CGT) on it?
INHERITANCE TAX - 20.02.2017
Business property relief for cars and more
If you have the unenviable job of putting together a list of assets for someone who’s died, it’s important to identify those to which business property relief might apply. What sort of things should you be looking for?
ACCOUNTS - 20.02.2017
Cash basis extended and limits raised
HMRC has recently announced changes to the cash basis for accounting taxable profits. What are they and can you take advantage?
PENSIONS - 20.02.2017
Flexible pension hit by incorrect tax deductions
In 2016 over half a million individuals used the flexible pension rules to draw on their funds. However, for many of them there’s a tax sting in the tale. What is it and how can you avoid getting caught the same way?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 20.02.2017
Is a mobile home machinery?
The First-tier Tribunal recently had to decide if the cost of a caravan used by a site manager qualified for capital allowances. What was the outcome and what useful pointers does it give to employees who buy equipment for work?
TRAVEL - 20.02.2017
Letting the train take the strain
You’ve arranged an important business meeting and it’s some distance away. Rather than driving, you’ve decided to take the train. How can you secure the cheapest ticket available?
COMPANY LAW - 20.02.2017
Is a youngster allowed to run a company?
Your son wants to set up a company to run an online business. A friend tells you that because he’s just 17 you’ll have to be the director until he’s 18. Is he correct and might you be liable for any debts if the business fails?
TAX - LOSSES - 20.02.2017
Can you put losses to a new use?
If a business makes losses and there’s no prospect of future profits, the temptation is to shut it down and forget about it. But if the business idea still has legs can you turn losses into a financial gain?
LEGAL COMPLIANCE - 20.02.2017
Gender pay gap reporting
On 6 April 2017 the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 come into force. They require certain businesses to produce annual gender pay gap reports. Does this include you?
PROPERTY - 20.02.2017
Rent out your property and rent another
You would like to live closer to your business but don’t want to sell your current property and buy another. Can you rent somewhere to live and then rent out your home without telling your mortgage lender?
CONTRACTS - 20.02.2017
What does “by close of business” mean?
The phrase “by close of business” is routinely used in the commercial world, for example, in contracts and correspondence. But what does this really mean in legal terms?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 20.02.2017
Tax deductions for personally paid for equipment
Directors who incur job-related expenses can only claim a tax deduction where there’s absolutely no personal benefit for them. If they buy equipment the rules are less strict, but there are conditions. How can you ensure a tax deduction?
ENFORCEMENT - 15.02.2017
Record undertakings by the EA
Figures published by the Environment Agency identify that it’s making greater use of the enforcement undertakings scheme. What’s the story?
ENERGY - 15.02.2017
Heat incentive issues
The government in Northern Ireland set up a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme to increase consumption of heat from renewable sources. But it’s all gone wrong. What happened and is it the same story in the rest of the UK?
POLLUTION - 15.02.2017
Liquid liabilities
The agricultural business carries many responsibilities, including managing the liquid by-products that could lead to water pollution. Fines and clean-up costs can be high but some are still getting it wrong. How can you avoid the pitfalls?
WASTE - 15.02.2017
Mattress mountain
The operator of a bed and mattress recycling company has been found guilty of failing to comply with waste exemptions. What did he do wrong and what can be learned from this case?
WASTE - 15.02.2017
Controlling construction site waste
The Scottish government has created a new support programme for small construction businesses to help them reduce the amount of waste they generate. What help is on offer and what can businesses all over the UK learn from it?
ENERGY - 15.02.2017
Electricity wasted in cold appliances
A study has highlighted wasted electricity consumption in fridges and freezers which could be costing businesses hundreds of thousands of pounds per year. What can you do to keep your costs low for cold appliance use?
GREEN INITIATIVES - 15.02.2017
A good paint job
You’ve been told that environmentally friendly paints that have low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are something to consider. What are the benefits and are there cost implications of making this green move?
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK - 10.02.2017
KFC fined for gravy burns
Hot sauces are a significant scalding hazard in commercial kitchens, and as a case against KFC shows, catering businesses need robust procedures to protect their staff. What happened and what should the firm have done better?
RISK ASSESSMENT - 10.02.2017
Can the severity rating change?
A client has told you that you cannot change the severity rating when calculating the residual risks on a risk assessment. Does he have his facts right or can you ignore his (un)helpful review of your document?
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - 10.02.2017
Runaway vehicle kills four
Following the tragic deaths of four people, a company director and a mechanic have been found guilty of manslaughter. What can be learned from this case?
ASBESTOS - 10.02.2017
Planning for asbestos removal
You’ve had an asbestos survey carried out, through which you’ve identified materials which you want to have removed. How should you organise the work to ensure that the job is done safely?
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 10.02.2017
Guidance on mental health
Acas has published new research about mental health at work. The study concludes that leaders and line managers have a crucial role to play. What should you be doing?
AUTHORISED DRIVER DECLARATION - 10.02.2017
Confirmation that you’re safe to drive
As an employer you must make reasonable checks that anyone driving for you is fit to do so and is properly licensed. Use our driver declaration form to fulfil your legal obligations.
WORKPLACE - 10.02.2017
Are your solar panels firmly fixed?
An independent structural safety body says it has received reports that some solar panels may be dangerously installed. What’s the full story and if you already have some or are considering them, how should you respond?
student loans - 10.02.2017
How to manage student loan debt
Employers have been collecting student loan deductions since 2000, but the process became more complex in 2016 with devolution promising further change. What processes are impacted for employers like you?
rti - 10.02.2017
RTI: lessons learned and future plans
It’s nearly four years since RTI went live and now a new PAYE project will launch in April 2017. What key things have been learned about RTI and what does the future hold? What do you really need to know?
benefits in kind - 10.02.2017
And then there were 13 (sections of the P11D)
The layout of the P11D has been stable for some years. But in October 2016 HMRC suddenly announced that the 2016/17 form will change. What are the key things you need to know?
dispensations - 10.02.2017
Dispensations - is technology the answer?
Dispensing with dispensations and liberating finance teams sounds great in principle, but how can you ensure expenses claims are processed in a simple, efficient and compliant manner? Could technology prove the best way forward?
tax year 2017/18 - 10.02.2017
Prepare for a busy payroll year!
The PM says she wants to focus on those who are “just about managing”. That’s an apt description for employers and payroll agents given the changes to payroll operations in April 2017. How should you prepare?
staff remuneration - 10.02.2017
Can’t afford a pay rise, but…
It’s pay review time again. But it’s tough out there and there’s precious little in the company’s coffers. Are there alternatives that you can suggest to employees which HMRC will fund?
MATERNITY - 09.02.2017
Maternity leave cover: applicant is pregnant
One of your employees is going on maternity leave and you need temporary maternity cover. An applicant you’ve called to interview is pregnant herself - surely you can reject her because she would be unable to fulfil the role?
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION - 09.02.2017
Is Type 2 diabetes a disability now?
Type 2 diabetes affects around 3.2 million people in the UK. The Employment Appeal Tribunal previously stated that the condition isn’t automatically a disability but has a new ruling changed this?
RECRUITMENT - 09.02.2017
Can we insist on a full driving licence?
You’re about to advertise a new job role and it would be really helpful if the post holder could drive. Is it okay to state that “all applicants must hold a full driving licence” or could such wording be discriminatory?
GROSS MISCONDUCT - 09.02.2017
Can doing nothing be gross misconduct?
Whilst there’s no legally defined list, many actions that employees take can be deemed gross misconduct. But what about inaction or doing nothing - can that also amount to gross misconduct?
RESIGNATIONS - 09.02.2017
Sickness absence during notice periods
An employee has just resigned giving you one month’s contractual notice. In addition, they’ve been signed off sick for six weeks. What are they entitled to be paid during their notice period - full pay or sick pay, e.g. SSP only?
DRESS AND APPEARANCE - 09.02.2017
A new law on dress codes?
In January 2017 the Women and Equalities Commission recommended that a specific law should be introduced which spells out what employers can and can’t have in their dress codes. Is this going to happen?
SOCIAL MEDIA - 09.02.2017
Fairly dismissed for three-year old tweets
When one employer discovered that an employee had made derogatory comments on a personal Twitter account three years previously, it dismissed him for gross misconduct. Why didn’t the age of the tweets matter?
E-MAIL - WEBMAIL - 06.02.2017
Clash of the Titans: Gmail vs Outlook.com
Gmail and Outlook.com are undoubtedly the two most popular e-mail services. Let’s have their latest versions battle it out in four rounds.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 06.02.2017
Do more with your slideshows
PowerPoint remains the “go to” in the field of presentations, but there are many alternatives on the web. We have again tested two promising webtools for you: Projeqt and Zentation.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 06.02.2017
Manage all your social posts
You will probably want to reach your customers through as many different social channels as possible. How can you schedule your posts on multiple networks and manage all of them?
SOFTWARE - FILE MANAGEMENT - 06.02.2017
Better file management in Windows
Windows Explorer is a tool that allows you to copy files, create folders, etc. But there are several alternative programs which allow you to add more file-management functions and thus increase efficiency. Which ones are useful?
LEISURE - BOOKS - 06.02.2017
The advantages and disadvantages of e-books
E-books are becoming increasingly popular. Not surprising as they offer numerous advantages, not least that they are generally cheaper than their printed counterparts. Are you tempted?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 06.02.2017
Do more with your PDFs
PDF is a very handy universal file format, especially because all files look exactly the same on any device or platform. Here are some tools which offer extra functions to manage your PDFs.
SOCIAL MEDIA - BUSINESS - 06.02.2017
Social media strategies for SMEs
SMEs must have an effective online marketing strategy. As the use of social media is de rigueur, we’ve checked out the options and top tips.
SECURITY - PARENTAL CONTROL - 06.02.2017
Multiple accounts for your family
Like its predecessors, Windows 10 lets you create extra accounts. This is ideal when sharing a family computer with children, you can fine-tune and manage these extra accounts. How does it work?
