If a worker's chosen companion will not be available at the time proposed for the hearing by the employer, the employer must postpone the hearing to a time proposed by the worker provided that the alternative time is both reasonable and not more than five working days after the date originally proposed.
Whistleblowing: list of prescribed people and bodies
23 February 2015
If an individual wants to report malpractice to someone other than their employer, there is a prescribed list to ensure the correct person or body receives the issue.
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) has published an up to date whistleblowing list which details prescribed people and bodies that individuals can report malpractice to, other than their employer.
The whistleblowing list also includes a brief description about the matters that can be reported to each prescribed person or body.
What is whistle blowing? ‘Whistleblowing’ is when a worker reports suspected wrongdoing at work. Officially this is called ‘making a disclosure in the public interest’. A worker can report things that aren’t right, are illegal or if anyone at work is neglecting their duties, including:
someone’s health and safety is in danger damage to the environment a criminal offence the company isn’t obeying the law (like not having the right insurance) covering up wrongdoing
Visit GOV.UK for further details on whistle blowing.
Proposals to simplify tax complexities of employment status
5 March 2015
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has published its report into simplifying the difficult issue of how to determine whether a worker is employed or self-employed for tax purposes.
The report lays bare the complexity of the current system with different tests for employment used for tax, employment law and pensions auto-enrolment.
There is no definition of self-employment in law leaving businesses, individuals and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to wade through case law to establish employment status. Special categorisation rules and practices help some but can create anomalies. The consequences to employers of an incorrect decision can be significant tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) bills, leading many to hire contractors only through intermediaries.
John Whiting, Tax Director of the Office of Tax Simplification, said:
“The tax system is stuck in an out-of-date mindset. In the 1950s and 1960s the distinction between employees and the classic self-employed jobbing plumber was clear and easy. Nowadays working patterns are hugely varied, freelancing is a way of life for many and that simple split doesn’t work often enough.
CIPP Policy News Journal
08/04/2015, Page 82 of 521
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