The full details of which organisations are required to report on gender pay gap data are published by the Government Equalities Office. The latest statutory guidance was updated 9 January 2024. An abstract of the definitions of who needs to report is set out in statutory guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gender-pay-gap-reporting-guidance-for-employers/who-needs-to-report. The opening summary is reproduced below: “Any employer with 250 or more employees on...
Muras Matters: Employment Related Securities – Annual Reporting
Background Where an individual acquires or receives a security in a company, either in the form of shares or other type of security, by virtue of their employment then it falls under the legislation of Employment Related Securities (“ERS”). Companies have a requirement to report to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in respect of almost all share and securities acquisitions in any circumstances by a director, company...
Competitive disadvantages
The new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act mandates that small companies and micro-entities will have to file at Companies House accounts, that for the first time, will need to include a profit and loss account. Apparently, there is concern that a registered, smaller concern has not previously been required to file reports that disclose its turnover. The form and detail of...
Providing living accommodation to employees
If you provide free accommodation to employees the deemed benefit is taxable, and you will have to pay Class 1A NIC based on the value of the benefit provided. What’s exempt? You will not have to report the cost to HMRC if any of the following apply: If it is domestic or personal. Accommodation is exempt if you are an employer who is...
Muras Matters: Investors’ Relief
Background Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief, is an often utilised capital gains tax (CGT) relief enabling investors to pay the lower rate of 10% tax, subject to a lifetime limit of £1 million, on gains from the disposal of shares in their business. However, Investors’ Relief is a similar CGT relief which is often overlooked, and has a...
Consumers have new online protection
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act has become law after receiving Royal Assent. The Act paves the way to give consumers rights across the UK, with greater control and clarity over online purchases. It does this by requiring businesses to provide clearer information to consumers before they enter a subscription contract, remind consumers that their free trial or low-cost trial is...
Out of interest
Usury is defined as the practice of making loans that are unfairly enriching the lender. And we must take comfort that most lenders in the UK are limited by legislation to keep rates charged at a reasonable level; unless, of course, you are a loan shark. Banks are the biggest lenders, and you may have noticed that they always charge more...
New law on tipping
Millions of UK workers will take home an estimated £200 million more of their hard-earned cash, as employers are banned from withholding tips under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. The act received Royal Assent 2 May 2023. Many hospitality workers rely on tips to top up their pay and are often left powerless if businesses don’t pass on service...
Time to renew tax credits
HMRC is currently sending the annual tax credit renewal packs to the 730,000 tax credit claimants and is encouraging recipients to renew their tax credits claim online. HMRC started writing to taxpayers on 2 May and expects all packs to be with recipients by the 19 June 2024. Renewal packs with a black stripe across the front page are automatically renewed....
Register an overseas company
An overseas company must register with Companies House if they want to set up a place of business in the UK. This would mean that the overseas company has a physical presence in the UK through which it carries on business. If an overseas company does not have a physical presence in the UK, they are not usually required to register...