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2023 visa routes to the UK

There are various “work visa” categories in the UK, many of which require sponsoring by a business with a relevant sponsor licence. Since the sponsor licence system was first introduced in 2008, these visa categories have evolved. Some have been…
Posted on 17th March, 2023
, in UK 
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Expanding into the EEA or UK for the first time

What are the main considerations when expanding into the European Economic Area (EEA) or the UK for the first time? We have created a checklist of the top 10 considerations for a business taking its first steps in the EEA…
Posted on 13th December, 2022
, in UK 
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Delays to UK worker visas: what can employers do?

Many employers have struggled with the challenges caused by delayed VISA applications of their workers and a lack of priority appointments in all but a small number of visit visas. This has made it very difficult to reasonably plan when…
Posted on 21st August, 2022
, in UK 
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Right to Work Checks have changed from April 2022

In March 2020 Right to Work checks in the UK were temporarily adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was to make it easier for employers to carry out checks. Temporary changes The following temporary changes were made: checks could…
Posted on 24th May, 2022
, in UK 
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UK GDPR – A new UK personal data transfer mechanism

What’s new? Eight months after the EU released their new standard contractual clauses for personal data transfers outside of the EEA, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued its version of the new standard contractual clauses (SCCs). Why? Following Brexit,…
Posted on 3rd January, 2022
, in UK 
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UK – Investor route to a visa closed for those with £2m to invest – but alternatives remain for those wanting to invest in the UK

With the spotlight on wealthy Russians having used the Investor route as a quick path to settlement in the UK the Home Office closed this visa route to new applicants with immediate effect on 17 February 2022. Existing Investor migrants…
Posted on 3rd January, 2022
, in UK 
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Don’t Leave the UK if you have an Outstanding application

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on businesses throughout the last year and a half. Immigration, in particular, has been affected with a multitude of issues arising as a result of travel restrictions. In this case study,…
Posted on 8th January, 2021
, in UK 
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Abbiss Cadres Bolsters Data Protection Service With New Partner Hire

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new partner, Megan Shields, former Associate General Counsel of U.S. headquartered Webroot Inc, the global, anti-malware tech firm. Megan will spearhead the expansion of Abbiss Cadres’s data protection and privacy offering…
Posted on 8th January, 2021
, in UK 
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International Remote Working – A Multidisciplinary Perspective

Are you ready for increased employee choices and flexibility in the workplace? There is no doubt that we are all living through an exceptional period of time, as a result of the pandemic. We have seen a revolutionary and practically…
Posted on 4th January, 2021
, in UK 
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EU Commission Data Protection Adequacy Decision – One Step Closer to Approval

Another positive step towards data adequacy status was reached in February with the publication of the European Commission’s draft adequacy decision. Further progress was made towards UK data adequacy status with the publication of the European Data Protection Board’s (EDPB)…
Posted on 4th January, 2021
, in UK 
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The Post Brexit Immigration System

The UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020 the transition period maintaining free movement for EU citizens ran until 31 December 2020. As of now, the Post Brexit Immigration Rules apply to all migrants, including those arriving from the…
Posted on 2nd January, 2021
, in UK 
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Brexit Deal: What’s Changed?

Immigration: Although the transition period has ended, EU Citizens will be able to enter the UK just using their passports until the end of September 2021. Now the transition period has finished, the Frontier Worker system offers EU Citizens who…
Posted on 2nd January, 2021
, in UK 
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The Pension Schemes Act 2021 Receives Royal Assent

The Pension Schemes Act 2021 (the Act) has received Royal Assent on 11th February 2021. The Act may well have an effect on corporate transactions given that the Act extends the powers of the Pensions Regulator to include the creation…
Posted on 2nd January, 2021
, in UK 
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Bringing Certainty, 5 ways a Global Mobility Team can support businesses through uncertain times

Currently, it feels like we can’t turn on the news without being faced with yet another event rocking the global stage. From political changes like Brexit, the growing rhetoric between the US and China to the Coronavirus pandemic, the world…
Posted on 9th January, 2020
, in UK 
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Guide to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Updated 8th June 2020

Last Updated 8th June 2020 Most Recent Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme About the Scheme FAQs   Most Recent Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The government has announced significant changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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Immigration in the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK

The UK’s Home Office are now regularly updating their guidance for immigrants in the UK and those wanting to make applications to come here. The latest position is set out in their guidance most recently updated on 26 May 2020…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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Coronavirus & Global Mobility – Back to Business, the ‘New Normal’

We are all in unprecedented times with changes to the way we live and work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), that no-one could have imagined just a few months ago. With many countries in lockdowns and nearly all international travel paused…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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Coronavirus Business Support for Employers and Workers

Last updated: 2nd June 2020 9:30 Every day, governments and central banks around the world are announcing new measures to support the economy through the COVID-19 crisis. Set out below is a summary of the UK measures which we will…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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HMRC 2020 UK Tax Deadlines amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis

Whilst companies are continuing to be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, either directly or indirectly, this time in the year is often a busy time with a number of key deadlines for businesses to consider.  HMRC understand some of the…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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Job Retention Scheme – deciding when to act

Last updated: 31th March 2020 15:45 Many employers will be considering whether and if so when to take advantage of the Job Retention Scheme announced by the Government on 23 March 2020. The main points of the Scheme are a…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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The UK Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Strategy – Coronavirus Lockdown

The UK Government has launched its COVID-19 recovery strategy – ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’ on 11th May 2020. The strategy was launched with the caveat that the timetable will be delayed if the Coronavirus is not successfully controlled and if…
Posted on 6th January, 2020
, in UK 
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Coronavirus FAQs

Last updated: 2nd June 2020 12:30 Here to help Effective, regular communication is key to the successful management of your workforce in this crisis.  This is particularly so where your workforce is mainly working remotely and where you are looking…
Posted on 4th January, 2020
, in UK 
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What is replacing the UK’s Tier 1 Entrepreneur visas? Part Two: Innovator Visas

International applicants wanting to start businesses in the UK must use the new Start-up or Innovator visa categories since the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa has been consigned to history. We looked previously at the Start-up category, how family members can…
Posted on 8th January, 2019
, in UK 
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What is replacing the UK’s Tier 1 Entrepreneur visas? Part One: Start-up Visas

As of March 2019, International applicants wanting to start or get involved in businesses in the UK must now use the new Start-up and Innovator categories as Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas have been consigned to history. There is a feeling…
Posted on 8th January, 2019
, in UK 
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Sending employees to the UK – six top tax tips

For those considering sending employees to the UK, there are several ways to reduce the employment costs with careful planning. Our multi-disciplinary team can help arrange UK assignments to allow employers to take maximum advantage of the key planning points…
Posted on 7th January, 2019
, in UK 
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Business Immigration: Opportunities for Overseas Businesses and those wanting to bring in talent to the UK

The UK Government has signalled its intention to make all inward migration to the UK subject to the same Rules. This is regardless of whether the applicants are coming from Europe or beyond, so it is a good time for…
Posted on 3rd January, 2019
, in UK 
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10 Considerations for employers ahead of Brexit

Unless there is an agreement to extend the two-year Article 50 period, the UK will be leaving the EU on 29 March 2019. If an agreement is reached before 29 March 2019 then there will a transition period during which…
Posted on 3rd January, 2019
, in UK 
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Immigration in the Brexit scenarios: What could happen?

In light of the UK Government’s recently published guidelines for EU citizens in the case of a no-deal Brexit, Senior Consultant at Abbiss Cadres Jonathan Martin takes a look at the possible options and how immigration may change under each…
Posted on 2nd January, 2019
, in UK 
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UK Budget – key takeaways for HR practitioners

On 29 October 2018, the Chancellor delivered the 2018 Budget. This article provides an overview of the key developments relevant to HR practitioners. Changes in tax rates and allowances Income tax The tax free personal allowance for income tax will…
Posted on 11th January, 2018
, in UK 
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Expansion into the UK – Immigration opportunities for overseas business, investors and entrepreneurs

Currently there are three key immigration routes for businesses and investors looking to expand into the UK. Post the decision to leave the EU, the UK Government is keen to grow its non-EU trade relationships. Given that UK sterling has been trading…
Posted on 11th January, 2017
, in UK 
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The moving target of UK immigration policy: practical steps for workforce planning

UK immigration policy is a constantly moving target, amid the cut and thrust of the UK’s negotiations to leave the EU.  So where are we now, and how can employers in the UK do the right thing by their EEA…
Posted on 7th January, 2017
, in UK 
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BREXIT: a brief timeline

On 29th March, the United Kingdom government triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, following a swift approval process through the UK legislature.  This kick-started the two-year notice period for the UK’s official exit from the European Union.  Here’s a…
Posted on 3rd January, 2017
, in UK 
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Brexit: practical steps to plan ahead and keep your workforce happy

Much remains unclear about the future of the UK labour market following its formal exit from the EU, likely to be in March 2019 under the emerging Brexit timetable. However the UK government’s position, set out in its formal White…
Posted on 3rd January, 2017
, in UK 
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Investing in the UK: immigration routes to expansion

The UK’s decision to leave the EU has created uncertainty for businesses in the UK, and those considering a move to the UK.    However, the recent growth figures for the UK economy in Q4 2016 demonstrate that this is…
Posted on 3rd January, 2017
, in UK 
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Brexit – EU Nationals in the U.K.

  It is now nearly six months since the U.K. referendum voting for Britain to leave the EU.  The U.K. government is still arguing that it should not have to ask the U.K. Parliament to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty…
Posted on 12th January, 2016
, in UK 
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Brexit: Landmark High Court Ruling that Parliamentary Approval is Required to Trigger Article 50

The Summary Claimants, including a group known as "The People's Challenge to Article 50", have succeeded in obtaining a declaration from the High Court that the Government does not have the legal power to notify its intention to leave the…
Posted on 11th January, 2016
, in UK 
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Don’t overlook your UK obligations on Modern Day Slavery

Prime Minister, Teresa May, recently announced that the UK will lead the way in the battle against Modern Day Slavery, estimated to affect 20.9 million people worldwide. What many businesses may not realise is that they could have a responsibility under…
Posted on 9th January, 2016
, in UK 
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The UK votes to leave the European Union – What does it mean for Employers?

After months of debate the wait is over.  Although the UK might feel like a very different place today, in reality very little will change immediately. With no precedent, and after 40 years of integration, there is much left to…
Posted on 6th January, 2016
, in UK 
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Modern day slavery reporting obligations kick in for businesses in the UK

The UK government has taken an increasingly proactive stance to try and address the global issue of human trafficking, slavery, servitude or forced or compulsory labour which is estimated to affect 20.9 million people worldwide.  Improved knowledge of the size…
Posted on 3rd January, 2016
, in UK 
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Court confirms decision to include commission in holiday pay

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that an employee’s holiday pay should take into account the contractual commission they would have received had the employee been able to work during their holiday period. The history        The ongoing saga of whether…
Posted on 3rd January, 2016
, in UK 
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UK tax authorities crackdown on remuneration tax avoidance

In February 2016, the UK tax authorities (HMRC) announced that they will be cracking down on certain types of remuneration arrangements which seek to convert what would otherwise be taxable employment income into capital gains.   Taxation of employment income UK…
Posted on 2nd January, 2016
, in UK 
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Major employment changes: 2015’s changes and what to expect in 2016

2015 saw many legislative changes and announcements for 2016 that impacted not only UK resident companies and their employees, but also international businesses with a presence in the UK.  In this article we review what happened in 2015, and what…
Posted on 1st January, 2016
, in UK 
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ECHR finds surveillance of private communications at work does not infringe human rights

The much litigated issue of employers’ rights to review employees’ private communications during working hours, using company equipment, has come before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).  The case, originating between a Romanian worker and his employer, concerned a…
Posted on 1st January, 2016
, in UK 
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UK Government update on economic progress: changes impacting HR professionals

Introduction The UK Government revealed its plans for the British economy in the Autumn Statement on 25 November 2015, which included some key tax announcements that will impact HR practitioners and companies with employees in the UK. In this article…
Posted on 11th January, 2015
, in UK 
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Market value of shares subject to restriction on sale

The First-tier Tax Tribunal has ruled that the valuation of shares acquired by an employee, which were subject to a restriction on sale, should be reduced to take that restriction into account for the purposes of calculating the employee’s income…
Posted on 10th January, 2015
, in UK 
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Summer Budget 2015 – Key announcements relevant to UK Employers

The second budget of 2015 in many ways continues previous trends as the UK government looks to incentivise people into work, reduce state benefit and deficit bills and promote the UK as “open for business”. However there was one major…
Posted on 7th January, 2015
, in UK 
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Pensions auto enrolment is starting to hit small and medium-sized employers in the UK

In October 2012 pension changes were introduced in the UK requiring all employers to automatically enrol their employees in a pension scheme.  The changes are being phased in and until now have only affected large employers.  However, with most large…
Posted on 7th January, 2015
, in UK 
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Mandatory gender pay reporting to be introduced in the UK

Mandatory gender pay reporting to be introduced in the UK Just before the UK parliament was dissolved for the forthcoming general election, the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill received Royal Assent.  One element of this new Act is to introduce…
Posted on 4th January, 2015
, in UK 
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UK – HMRC annual share plan returns – 5 top tips to ensure you are ready for 6 July 2015

A new online registration and filing regime for share plans came into force on 6 April 2014; the first annual filing deadline under the new regime will be 6 July 2015.  Set out below are 5 top tips for companies…
Posted on 1st January, 2015
, in UK 
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New rules for holiday pay in the UK could cost employers more

Changes to the way in which holiday pay is calculated in the UK will bring additional expense to many employers in 2015. Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, all UK employees are entitled to 28 days’ paid holiday per annum,…
Posted on 1st January, 2015
, in UK 
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UK Finance Bill 2015 to simplify taxation of benefits and expenses for employers

The UK Government has published the first draft of the Finance Bill 2015, which includes most of the legislative changes announced by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement. Building on the previous recommendations of the Office of Tax Simplification, the…
Posted on 1st January, 2015
, in UK 
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Shared parental leave brings new complications for employers

From 1 December 2014 (and not 1 October as originally anticipated), the new Shared Parental Leave (SPL) regulations will come into force in England and Wales. These will be provided alongside the current Maternity and Parental Leave regulations 1999, giving…
Posted on 10th January, 2014
, in UK 
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Share plans – new registration and online filing regime in the UK

Key points A new registration and filing regime for share plans came into force on 6 April 2014. In summary: All companies that grant share options or other share incentives to their UK employees will need to register their plans…
Posted on 7th January, 2014
, in UK 
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Paying commission during holiday

The recent case of Lock v British Gas Trading Limited has caused concern amongst employers. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided that Mr Lock's holiday pay should include a sum in lieu of the commission that he might have…
Posted on 7th January, 2014
, in UK 
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Collective redundancies and transfer of undertakings in the UK – what has change

On 31 January 2014 changes were made to the UK legislation which implements the European Acquired Rights and Collective Redundancies Directives. The new Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (unattractively shortened to CRATUPEAR) state:…
Posted on 3rd January, 2014
, in UK 
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Important change to collective consultation required on redundancy

Two important decisions from the UK Employment Appeals Tribunal and from an Employment Tribunal in Northern Ireland have had a significant impact on the law relating to collective redundancies in the UK. The cases On the insolvency of the Woolworths…
Posted on 12th January, 2013
, in UK 
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Far-reaching reforms to directors’ pay in the UK

From 1 October 2013, UK listed companies will be subject to new rules concerning the approval and disclosure of directors' pay. The changes are in part a reaction to the massive increases in directors' pay over the last decade and…
Posted on 9th January, 2013
, in UK 
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Transferees not bound by collective agreements – the UK perspective

The Court of Justice of the European Union ('CJEU') has determined that changes to a collective agreement do not bind a transferee if the collective agreement is negotiated and amended after the transfer and the transferee had not been able…
Posted on 9th January, 2013
, in UK 
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All change for collective redundancy rules

In this article, we analyse recent changes to the law on collective redundancies and explain how we can help organisations going through restructures. The facts The law on collective redundancies changed in April 2013: in the event 100 or more…
Posted on 4th January, 2013
, in UK 
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New tax approach to share-based employment income for globally mobile employees

The UK Tax Authority has changed its stance on National Insurance contributions (NICs) on share-based income of employees moving between the UK and countries with which the UK has a social security agreement. Background A liability to UK income tax…
Posted on 3rd January, 2013
, in UK 
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Employee voice and sustaining business success

A recent report by Involvement and Participation Agency (IPA) and Tomorrow's Company1 indicates that organisations that help their employees speak up are more able to create conditions for sustained business success. We look at the key findings of the report…
Posted on 1st January, 2013
, in UK 
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Tax relief for overseas workdays is extended

The UK Government has announced that overseas workdays relief will be available to all non-UK domiciled new arrivals in the UK. Background Historically, certain non-UK domiciled employees coming to the UK could remove from the scope of UK taxation the…
Posted on 1st January, 2013
, in UK 
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NIC not due where employee meets cost of benefit in kind

The First-tier Tribunal has determined that employer-only NIC (Class 1A) is not payable on benefits in kind where the cost to the employer of providing the benefit is made good by the employee. Background Class 1A National Insurance Contributions are…
Posted on 11th January, 2012
, in UK 
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Flexible working to be extended to all employees

The UK Government has announced its plans to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees from 2014. Legal issues This table sets out the current legal position and the changes to come into force in 2014. Flexible…
Posted on 11th January, 2012
, in UK 
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HMRC issues guidance on share-based payments made after the cessation of employment

This guidance sets out answers to frequently asked questions concerning the application of the '0T' tax code to share-based payments made following the cessation of employment. From 6 April 2012 the 0T tax code must be applied to share-based payments…
Posted on 7th January, 2012
, in UK 
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UK immigration – changes to applications from overstayers

From 1 October 2012 migrants who have overstayed their leave for a period exceeding 28 days will have any application for further leave automatically refused. On 29 June 2012 the UK Border Agency ("UKBA") announced that this change would affect…
Posted on 7th January, 2012
, in UK 
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Employees who are sick during their holiday can take that holiday entitlement at a later date

The European Court of Justice ("ECJ") has confirmed that an employee who falls ill during a period of paid annual leave is entitled to take the affected days as paid annual leave at a later date. Background The ECJ had…
Posted on 7th January, 2012
, in UK 
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Deadline for filing annual return forms for approved and unapproved share plans

The annual return forms must be filed by the relevant deadline or a penalty may be imposed by HMRC. Annual Return forms The following annual return forms for the year ended 5 April 2012 are now available on HMRC’s website. …
Posted on 2nd January, 2012
, in UK 
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Increase in employment tribunal award limits and statutory payments

From 1 February 2012 there will be an increase in the amounts payable on certain employment tribunal awards and other amounts payable under employment legislation.  These increases only apply where the effective date of termination of employment occurs on or…
Posted on 2nd January, 2012
, in UK 
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Pensions update – auto-enrolment

A delay in the roll out of auto-enrolment into pension schemes for firms with fewer than 250 employees has been announced, along with a delay in the increase of employer contribution rates. What is auto-enrolment? From October 2012 employers will…
Posted on 2nd January, 2012
, in UK 
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Employment aspects of the revised City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Takeover Code”)

Following a review of the Takeover Code a number of changes were made.  Provisions affected by these changes include those relating to employee information rights and buyer intention statements. Background The Takeover Code governs the terms and conduct of offers…
Posted on 2nd January, 2012
, in UK 
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New arrivals and failure to notify UK tax liability

Until 1 June 2010, foreign nationals or returning UK nationals were required to file a form (P86) informing HMRC of their arrival in the UK and, among other things, their intention with regard to the duration of their stay here.…
Posted on 2nd January, 2012
, in UK 
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