Proposals to introduce six months’ paid paternity leave for new fathers have been put on hold by the government in the light of the current economic climate. The plans would have seen parents being able to share the 12 months maternity leave between them. Plans to extend the current statutory paid maternity pay from nine […]

HMRC are warning that an email is currently being sent to some taxpayers advising them that HMRC have “approved them to receive monies”. Apparently the email states that this is as a result of an HMRC program on 15 June 2009. HMRC are advising that this is not a genuine email and taxpayers should not […]

The ability of UK employers to allow employees to opt out from the European Working Time Directive is set to continue. This means that, where employees wish, they will still be able to work more than 48 hours a week. The European Parliament had wanted to scrap the opt out. Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden […]

The vehicle scrappage or discount scheme is a voluntary scheme for motor dealers. Participating dealers will give buyers a £2,000 discount off the purchase price of a new car or small van in exchange for scrapping their old qualifying vehicle which must, amongst other criteria, be registered on or before 31 August 1999. The scheme […]

HMRC have won their case in the Court of Appeal as to the treatment of tips and service charges for bar and restaurant workers. The court ruled in favour of HMRC in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) legislation case relating to tips, gratuities and discretionary service charges. The case concerned Annabel’s restaurant and night club […]

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) have provided a table listing the largest UK deposit takers. The list shows how the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limits would apply for most customers but is not a complete list of deposit takers covered by the FSCS. If a bank or building society authorised by the FSA is […]

HMRC are warning that they have become aware that a large number of individuals are receiving emails offering tax rebates. These emails, which are being sent from HMRC Tax Refunds Online and HMRC Tax Refunds On-line, are not genuine. HMRC are stressing that individuals should not visit the website contained within the email or disclose […]

Landlords letting property equipped with gas appliances need to ensure that they comply with the law relating to gas safety. As a landlord it is their responsibility to ensure that any pipe work, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition. The landlord must now ensure that a gas safety check […]

As exclusive members of the national organisation, The Corporate Finance Network, we have been given access to a detailed & unique scorecard which allows us to review the likelihood that your bank manager will be approaching you with some bad news when your overdraft renewal date comes around. Over last few months, we have been […]

The adult rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will rise to £5.80 (£5.73) an hour in October 2009. This is payable to those age 22 and over. The hourly youth development rate will increase to £4.83 (£4.77) and for 16 and 17 year olds to £3.57 (£3.53) an hour. Penalties for non compliance HMRC […]