October 2009

Here’s what’s been hitting the headlines over recent weeks:

FEATURE ARTICLE

Industry split over PAYE plan: The plans to switch 300,000 construction workers from self-employed to PAYE have created a split in the construction industry. MORE...

NEWS ROUND-UP

Shard project forges ahead despite rumours: The Shard, the iconic skyscraper set in the heart of London, has been dogged by speculation that its construction could fall victim to the recession. However, the project managing director has quelled the rumours by insisting that by Christmas the Shard will be visible above ground. MORE...

Contractors warned of new HMRC powers: Contractors now face escalated IR35 threat, as HMRC begins to use new Schedule 36 powers. MORE...

Olympics news: Nick Raynsford, the former construction minister has said that he would like to see all contractors across the construction industry striving to match the standards of the Olympics build. MORE...

Concern over HMRC’s tax intentions: An article in the Daily Telegraph claims that umbrella contractors could be scrutinised by HMRC tax inspectors, even if they have not broken the law. MORE...

OFT fines may be just the start for companies: Contractors who have recently been fined by the Office of Fair Trading after an investigation that saw the organisation handing out fines totalling £130 million, could face further action from angry clients demanding damages or blacklisting the firms. MORE...

Pay freezes for employees: New research has shown that one third of British companies have introduced pay freezes for their employees this year, with construction companies featuring prominently. MORE...

Forged CSCS cards: It has been revealed that industry experts cannot say how many fake CSCS cards are in circulation, because many of the forgeries are so good that they are almost impossible to spot. MORE...

HMRC calls for tax cheats to be reported online: HMRC has set up a new internet service which can be used to report businesses or individuals who have been evading their tax. MORE...

Bogus companies used to steal plant: The Met Police’s Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) has issued a warning to companies that hire out plant following a sharp increase in the number of thefts of high value equipment. MORE...

Isle of Dogs tower given go-ahead by London Mayor: The Columbus Tower on the Isle of Dogs has been given the go-ahead by the London Mayor despite the fact that planning permission had been previously refused by Tower Hamlets council. MORE...

Tax holiday for new firms planned by Tories: The Shadow Chancellor, George Osborne, speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, claimed that the Tories’ plans for a National Insurance tax holiday for new start-ups could help to create 60,000 jobs. MORE...

Call for new Crossrail stations: Crossrail has been in negotiations with councils from across London over calls to add new stations to the route that could threaten the scheme’s £15.9 billion budget. MORE...

Tories Plan to Privatise HSE Inspections: The Tories have unveiled new plans that could see companies securing immunity from HSE inspections. MORE...

Electronic P60s: The Institute of Payroll Professionals has called on HMRC to allow employers to issue P60s to their employees electronically. MORE...

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