The guidance on employee registration dates has been updated with greater detail as to when an employee is eligible for furlough payments. You need to identify the employee’s reference date to know which calculation rules you should use and because some calculations use the employee’s reference date in the calculation steps. The key points are:...
The Government has announced that it is expanding the workplace testing regime so that businesses with more than 10 staff can order free testing kits for employees to use at home. To get the free tests, you must register interest by 12 April. The tests will be sent to employers to distribute to their staff...
The guidance to employers on how to claim back statutory sick pay for employees with coronavirus under the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rebate Scheme has been updated. There is a change to the weekly rate – from 6 April the new rate is £96.35, up from £95.85 previously. Read the SSP guidance on what you...
HMRC has announced that any payments that an employer makes to an employee to reimburse them for the cost of a relevant coronavirus antigen test will be disregarded for the purposes of calculating National Insurance (NI) contributions. As such, there will be no NI contributions liability for the employee or employer provided that the test...
HMRC has updated the guidance for businesses on the treatment of businesses expenses by adding a new section related to paying or refunding transport costs. If you provide transport to your employee for travel between their workplace and home because of coronavirus, this is considered to be a benefit in kind – journeys between...
The law says you must consult with your workers about reducing risks from coronavirus in your workplace. HSE has updated its guidance to “help you have conversations with your workforce about providing support and keeping control measures in place.” It says that talking to your workers means you can explain changes you’re making to keep...
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is encouraging food, drink and environmental services industries to test their staff for coronavirus by registering for free testing kits provided by the Government in a letter to “businesses keeping the nation safe and fed”. The programme of free tests is open to all employers of...
Whether you are a business recruiting or making the difficult decision to reduce the workforce, information and support is available to you and your employees on the .gov website. If your business has been affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) you can find out about the business support that has been set up to help you. If your...
The Pension Schemes Act will, Government says, bolster protections for savers. Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said: “This Act makes our pensions safer, better and greener, as we look to build back better from the pandemic. The Act will strengthen protections for pension savers by extending the powers of the Pensions Regulator, introducing the power...
New government drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown, to detect coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who are not showing symptoms. Government departments tasked with ensuring targeted, rapid testing is set up in all key workplaces to ensure vital public and economic services can continue Criteria for joining the workplace testing programme is...