Pub industry warns Boris Johnson that lockdown measures put ‘hundreds and thousands of jobs’ at risk March 16, 2020 The UK pub industry has tonight written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning him that the government’s guidance that members of the public should avoid going to bars and pubs presents the sector with an “existential crisis”. In a letter from British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin, the industry warned that “thousands [...]
Railway industry in talks with government over emergency coronavirus measures March 15, 2020 The government is in talks with the rail industry over a range of steps to protect franchises against falling passenger numbers due to the coronavirus outbreak. According to the BBC, at a meeting of industry figures last week it was revealed that numbers had fallen by up to 18 per cent on certain lines, although [...]
Fury as IR35 is confirmed in 2020 Budget March 11, 2020 The business community hit back at Chancellor Rishi Sunak after he confirmed that reforms to IR35 were going ahead in today’s Budget. IR35 is a change to Britain’s tax laws that will clamp down on avoidance by targeting contractors for companies who are, in practice, providing the same service as employees. The change is likely [...]
HMRC doubles down on undeclared foreign income crackdown March 7, 2020 HM Revenue & Customs has doubled down on its campaign against taxpayers with undeclared foreign income. Thousands of UK taxpayers have received letters in the last fortnight urging them to review foreign assets and bank accounts, and warning false declarations could lead to prosecution. It follows a trend that started last year as thousands of [...]
Flybe collapse: Virgin Atlantic refused to put more cash into beleaguered airline March 5, 2020 Virgin Atlantic refused to put any more money into collapsed regional airline Flybe due to the effect of the coronavirus outbreak on its own bookings. In a witness statement filed by Mark Anderson, chief executive of Flybe owner Connect Airways, first reported by Sky News, Virgin Atlantic had told the airline on Tuesday evening that [...]
EY strengthens tax controversy and risk management team with five key appointments March 3, 2020 EY has announced the arrival of five key appointments to its tax controversy and risk management team, expanding its tax litigation and corporate crime service offerings to clients. The new arrivals are all practicing solicitors. James Wilson, EY Partner and head of the Tax Controversy and Risk Management team comments: “We’re delighted to welcome these [...]
Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to step back and rethink IR35 February 27, 2020 When Philip Hammond announced in 2018 that IR35 would be extended to the private sector, he heralded it as a move that would “open a new chapter in our country’s economic future”. But fast-forward two years, and the new chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is still facing a huge headache over the tax legislation changes, effective from [...]
IR35: Government confirms ‘light touch’ tax rollout February 27, 2020 People will not have to pay penalties for IR35 errors in the first year of the tax changes, as the government confirmed a “light touch” approach today. The government has published its review into the tax changes after announcing it would look into IR35 following concerns from business. HMRC said: “Customers will not have to [...]
Internet research boosts pay as Londoners turn to online learning February 26, 2020 Internet research drives as much as 10 per cent of the UK’s economic output, new figures have revealed, as proactive Londoners use online resources to learn new skills and boost their efficiency. More than 80 per cent of the capital’s workforce use online learning to help with work at least once a month, while 70 [...]
This Morning star Eamonn Holmes faces hefty bill after losing IR35 tax case February 25, 2020 Veteran TV presenter Eamonn Holmes could be facing a hefty tax bill after losing a case against HMRC over his employment status. Holmes, who hosts ITV’s This Morning, had argued he was a freelancer as he received payments from the broadcaster through his company Red, White and Green Limited. However, a judge ruled that the [...]