Chancellor Rishi Sunak has just announced an extension to the Job Support Scheme, which is due to begin on 1 November 2020. Today’s announcement targets businesses who are required to shutdown due to local lockdowns and is in addition to the existing schemes announced. The final direction has still to be issued but the basics are set out below;
Last month, the government announced how the Job Support Scheme would contribute 1/3 of the shortfall of wages (capped at £697.72pm) for employees who were working reduced hours, but working at least 33% of their normal (pre-furlough) hours. The employer would contribute a further 1/3 of the shortfall, and the employee would forego the final third.
Category Archives: Business
What happens when you change accountants?
Many businesses and individuals change accountants. Maybe your needs have changed as you’ve grown and you want to work with an accountant offering multiple services. Or maybe working with an accountant based nearer to your offices will give you the benefit of a more personal service? Whatever the reason, once you know what you need, you can begin the search for a new partner. But what happens when you find the accountancy practice that’s right for you? And what do you do next? Here’s the answer.
Continue readingWhat the Chancellor’s ‘Winter Economy Plan’ actually means for your business
Rishi Sunak has unveiled his latest lockdown measures to help ease the financial burden on UK businesses during the Covid19 pandemic. Learn how the Job Support Scheme (which will sit alongside the Job Retention Bonus) may benefit your business after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends. Also find out about the latest Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, tax cuts, VAT and self-assessment payment deferrals plus the flexibility to pay back loans (Pay as You Grow).
Continue readingThe Cycle to Work Scheme – A healthy, green & tax-saving initiative
Are you keen to help your team be more fit and healthy?
Want to offer a very popular employee perk which provides the company with a 13.8% saving on class 1 national insurance contributions?
Is being green of important value to your business?
Continue readingClaim your £1,500 Kickstart Scheme grant
Have you heard about the Governments latest initiative to help unemployed 16-24 years olds? The Kickstart Scheme is here but is it right for you and your business? Here we explain how the scheme works, who is eligible and how to apply.
Continue readingShout out to Payroll!
It was estimated earlier this year that £4.46 billion* would be collected through income tax and National Insurance (pre-Covid, of course!). Payroll is integral to the workings of your business and the country. Last week was nominated National Payroll Week, and we’re giving a big shout out to all payroll managers, especially to our own, very special Payroll Jane.
*https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-march-2020
How can payroll help keep your employees happy & save your business money
Were you aware that payroll can play a strategic role in saving your business money? And it always helps you create happy and motivated employees. Yes, payroll. Many people are unaware that the payroll function is far greater than pushing a button to pay salaries or send information to HMRC: it also processes a whole host of very useful data and it supports your team.
Paying your employees on time and correctly is so important as it shows them that you value all that they do for you. There are a whole range of benefits that you can offer your team – from cycle-to-work schemes, salary sacrifice and eye test cover – most of which are monitored by HR and payroll, that will add to your employee proposition. When your payroll is managed by qualified professionals – either in-house or outsourced to experts – you can be assured that your most important assets are being paid correctly on time and you are complying with all relevant regulations.
How can payroll help with compliance in your business
Payroll also helps by ensuring compliance and managing reporting – so by including these as objectives and measuring their success within this department, you can carefully manage another important aspect of your business.
Strategically, your payroll can also help with strategic planning. Salaries and expenses are likely to be the largest combined costs faced by your business. They show leaders very quickly where their budget is being spent and understand how much money they have to invest in other areas. This is particularly important for companies with multiple departments or where employees are scattered across the country or even the world, operating in different time zones and subject to different tax regimes.
From happier employees who can enjoy a range of benefits that boost morale – to unique insights into your business expenditure that can be used as part of your strategic decision making, payroll clearly has a very important role to play in your business and it may be worth taking another look at what is currently in place.
Payroll: tax & legislative requirements
If payroll fills you with dread due to the ever-changing tax and legislative requirements, consider outsourcing your payroll for considerable cost savings, efficiency and enjoy happy loyal employees. It allows you to concentrate on your business without this additional administrative burden.
HB Accountants’ very own Payroll Manager Jane could be the answer to your problems – do get in touch to see how we can work with you – directors@hbaccountants.co.uk
Our Covid19 hub is still available to any business that needs accounting support and our team is on hand for bespoke consultations.
Visit our COVID19 Business Hub for more information
For financial and accounting guidance and support, please contact Keith or Karen. We’re still working hard to help you make the right decisions.
Or call 01992 444466 or email directors@hbaccountants.co.uk for help. We look forward to hearing from you.
Latest Blogs from HB Accountants
- The benefits of cloud-based accounting systems for SMEs
- Furlough (CJRS) is changing – Dates for Your Diary
- JUST ONE REASON – The Power of Professional Relationships
- Quarantine Team Members – Know the Facts
- Grants available for SMEs impacted by Covid pandemic
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above
How payroll can strategically boost business and help employees save money
It was estimated earlier this year that £4.46 billion* would be collected through income tax and National Insurance (pre-Covid, of course!). Payroll is integral to the workings of your business and the country. This week has been nominated National Payroll Week, and we’re giving a big shout out to all payroll managers, especially our own, very special, Payroll Jane. *https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-march-2020
Continue readingThe benefits of cloud-based accounting systems for SMEs
A cloud-based accounting system is a package of software that you purchase the right to use but it is stored off-site on a remote server – the cloud – rather than on your desktop. It’s cost-effective, can be simple to use, is secure, and provides all the relevant financial information you need at a click of a button. It has been said that small and medium-sized businesses are the biggest beneficiaries of cloud accounting for all of these reasons but cloud computing is not for every business. If you have minimal transactions, for example, or you are the type of person that just isn’t tech savvy, then we would strongly recommend retaining your manual spreadsheet as it is possible to get in an accounting pickle. However, if you’re a SME with manually intensive bookkeeping requirements, you can gain real benefits from implementing a cloud accounting system. Here are a few.
Continue readingFurlough (CJRS) is changing – Dates for Your Diary
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Furlough, a word you are used to hearing just recently, is changing and winding down over the next few months. The scheme is set to end on 31st October 2020. As an employer, you will have to start contributing towards the scheme from 1st September 2020. Here is your guide to the key dates to watch out for.
Continue readingJUST ONE REASON – The Power of Professional Relationships
Successful businesses depend upon strong relationships. Whether internally, with clients, investors, other stakeholders or even competitors, a network developed on deep relationships will open doors for you, refer you and will support you in whatever ways you need.
Continue reading