Office 33 Apollo Business Village, Heol Persondy
Aberkenfig, Bridgend, CF32 9TF
01656 729488
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/870782828713010689?source=Mar-HMRC-DCS-Agents-2
THIS WEDNESDAY – APRIL 1. Register for your allowed time here:
This webinar provides an overview of the support available to help employers and their staff in addressing Coronavirus (COVID-19) – including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, refunding eligible Statutory Sick Pay costs, furloughed employees and more.
This webinar is offered several times. Select the date and time that works best for you.
Guidance for employers on the coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is a temporary scheme open to all UK employers for at least three months starting from 1 March 2020. We expect the scheme to be up and running by the end of April. It is designed to support employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Employers can use a portal to claim for 80% of furloughed employees’ (employees on a leave of absence) usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions on that wage. Employers can use this scheme anytime during this period.
The scheme is open to all UK employers that had created and started a PAYEpayroll scheme on 28 February 2020.
Businesses will be given an additional 3 months to file accounts with Companies House to help companies avoid penalties as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.
From today (25 March 2020), businesses will be able to apply for a 3-month extension for filing their accounts.
This joint initiative between the government and Companies House will mean businesses can prioritise managing the impact of Coronavirus.
There are approximately 4.3 million businesses on the Companies House register, and all companies must submit their accounts and reports each year. Under normal circumstances, companies that file accounts late are issued with an automatic penalty.
As part of the agreed measures, while companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues around COVID-19will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which will take just 15 minutes to complete.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:
We have outlined a business support package on an unprecedented scale, backing companies and their employees through these challenging times.
But it is important that our support is not limited to financial assistance. We are determined to help businesses in any way we can, so that they can focus all their efforts on dealing with the impact of Coronavirus, and this new offer of a 3 month extension for filing accounts is part of that.
Companies House Chief Executive, Louise Smyth said:
We recognise that these are uncertain times for businesses and that’s why we’re doing all we can to help.
By easing the burden, we can help businesses through this period and enable them to thrive in the future. I would encourage companies who believe they would benefit from this new flexibility to make an application in good time.
Head of Corporate Governance, Institute of Directors, Roger Barker said:
These measures will be welcomed by directors impacted by COVID-19. Our members will be pleased to see government taking proactive steps to support them through this difficult time. By easing the administrative burden that comes with running a business, the government is supporting businesses to focus on the fundamentals during this exceptional period.
The government is also in close consultation with company representative bodies, legal practitioners and others, to look at solutions for the impact COVID-19 may have on companies’ ability to hold Annual General Meetings. Updated guidance on this matter will be published in due course.
HMRC has a set up a phone helpline to support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you run a business or are self-employed and are concerned about paying your tax due to coronavirus, you can call HMRC’s helpline for help and advice: 0800 0159 559.
The helpline number is 0800 0159 559 – and is an addition to other HMRC phone contact numbers.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 4pm. The helpline will not be available on Bank Holidays.
For further information please visit the GOV.UK website.
Other questions and information needed can be found at :
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/
There’s no denying that the UK’s departure from the European Union continues to create uncertainty, at least in the short term. However, this does reinforce the need to build and protect your own financial future and the importance of investing for the long term.
And making maximum use of all available tax allowances and reliefs is often fundamental to helping you achieve your financial objectives.
We are therefore pleased to provide this complimentary report summarising the main changes and key facts and figures set out in the 2020 Budget – we hope you will find this a useful guide.
Please get in contact with us via our Contact Us section if you have any queries – we’re here to help you!
Please find full downloadable guide below – thanks from all the team at CC Associates!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/o8a9dt47e0kxrgh/Budget2020CC.pdf?dl=0
In case coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads more widely in our area, here at Paymaster HQ we are keeping track of, and following, the latest advice for your staff members… we hope this helps.
Firstly, as events change, make sure to keep a close eye on updates from the Welsh Government here: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19
Sick pay… Your usual sick leave and pay entitlements will apply if you have coronavirus, and you should let your employer know ASAP if you’re not able to attend work.
Self-isolation… The government’s advice so far states that if NHS 111 or a doctor advises an employee or worker to self-isolate, they should receive Statutory Sick
Pay due to them. If your company offers contractual sick pay, it would be good practice for them to pay this. You must inform your designated line manager ASAP if you’re not able to work. You should tell your manager the reason and how long you’re likely to be off for. Should self-isolation become an issue you need to deal with, there is all the information you need here, via Public Health Matters: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/02/20/what-is-self-isolation-and-why-is-it-important/
Dependents… You are entitled to time off work to help someone who depends on you in an unexpected event or emergency. This applies to situations surrounding the coronavirus, eg. looking after children or at-risk family member, aging or sick parents. There’s no statutory right to pay for this time off, but some employers may offer pay depending on the contract or workplace policy, and there’s always the option of using your holiday days.
Afraid… We understand if you’re afraid – some people might feel they do not want to go to work if they’re afraid of catching coronavirus – or indeed spreading it to high-risk family members and friends… Your employer should listen to any concerns you have, and must try to resolve them to protect your health and safety above all. For example, if possible, they could offer flexible working, if that’s at all possible. If you still really do not want to go in, you may be able to arrange with your line manager to take the time off as holiday or unpaid leave. However, bear in mind that your employer does not have to agree to this. If any employee refuses to attend work, it could result in disciplinary action. Whatever happens, make sure to follow the hygiene steps, and most importantly, please stay safe – from Nicola and the team.
In case coronavirus spreads more widely in the Bridgend and wider South Wales areas, here at CC Associates HQ we are keeping track of, and following, the latest advice.
We thought it may help some of you if we shared some simple steps, so you can help protect the health and safety of your staff too…
Firstly, as things change, make sure to keep a close eye on updates from the Welsh Government here: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19
We’re making to sure to follow the good practice guidelines recommended, such as keeping staff updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure; making sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date.
Office managers will need to know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes: eg. making sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly; providing hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them; considering if protective face masks might help for people working in vulnerable situations, and additionally considering if any travel planned to affected areas is essential.
Employees unwell at the office? If this should occur, the affected staff member should get at least 2 metres (7 feet) away from other people; go to a room or area behind a closed door, such as a sick bay or staff office; avoid touching anything; cough or sneeze into a tissue and put it in a bin, or if they do not have tissues, cough and sneeze into the crook of their elbow, and use a separate bathroom from others, if possible.
The unwell staff member should use their own mobile phone to call either 111, for NHS advice (information here – https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/nhs-111/) – or 999, if they’re seriously ill, injured, or life is at risk.
Should self-isolation become an issue you need to deal with, there is all the information you need here, via Public Health Matters: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/02/20/what-is-self-isolation-and-why-is-it-important/
Most importantly, make sure everyone follows the hygiene advice. And please stay safe – from Nicola and the team.
