HMRC has set up a specialist team to conduct employment status reviews. If someone's self-employment status is successfully challenged this can incur substantial costs for the engager.

It's important to make sure existing arrangements are robust, and that there's an effective policy to manage new engagements. Our specialist team has wide experience in this area.

Contractors who provide their services via a personal service company (PSC) or limited company should also be aware of their obligations. It can be expensive to rectify any mistakes later on.

Employment status is a complex and changeable area, and it is important to seek advice on an ongoing basis.

The Apprenticeship Levy is a government initiative to boost productivity by encouraging employers to invest in new apprenticeships. 

While many employers are entitled to an allowance that offsets some or all of the levy costs, connected employers, or group companies have limited claims to these allowances, which can be split between the employers.

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will have access to funding through the new Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) and will be able to spend the fund on approved training.

Get in touch to find out how to include the Apprenticeship Levy into your tax planning in the most effective way possible.

Some businesses which employ a care or support worker and some charities can claim up to £3,000 a year off their Class 1 National Insurance bill.

If you have more than one employer PAYE reference, you can only claim Employment Allowance against one of them, or if you are part of a group only one employer can claim the allowance.

We can help you find out if you are eligible for these benefits, whether you are subject to IR35, are a sole director or work in the public sector.

This is where an employee gives up part of their salary in return for benefits such as increased pension contributions or childcare vouchers, and so pays less tax and NIC.

The introduction of auto-enrolment onto pension schemes presents further opportunities, which we are able to advise on including the cycle-to-work scheme.

Changing legislation in this area is something we can help with, bringing benefits to both employees and employers.