Day Out

After the rush of the Payroll Year End and preparations for the P11d returns, the Brecon Beacons countryside was a haven of quiet for those staff who went on the ponytrekking day. One of the most beautiful days in May started early as the minibus taking us to Wales left at 7am from Coventry.



We made our way up into the hillside, under a practically cloud free sky, with only the gentle baa-ing of sheep to break the quiet. Several hours of riding was rewarded by a stop at the pub for rest and refreshment (a well earned lager!). We somewhat warily mounted up again for the afternoons ride, but enjoyed our return to the hills.

In spite of various aches and pains on the following days, a great day out was had by all!

A trip well worth repeating.

BUDGET DAY ANNOUNCED

Tuesday 22 June 2010 will see the first Budget of the newly elected (or perhaps not elected as such) Coalition Government.

George Osborne will deliver his Emergency Budget to the nation with explanations as to how the Government will address the £6billion hole in the year one forecasts.

It is interesting to observe that the Chancellor has delegated responsibility for budgetary forecasts to a new "Quango" - "The Office for Budgetary Responsibility". It is less than 12 months since David Cameron stated that vast numbers of Quangos needed to be cut back in order to direct money to front line services.

We can expect austerity measures to be implemented which could bring higher taxes on some sectors with the potential for lower level earners to gain more from increased personal allowances.

It will be an interesting period leading up to the Budget given that the Lib Dems will be seeking to assert a level of influence over Mr Osborne.

On a side note:

HM Revenue and Customs have now introduced a scheme for those taxed under Self Assessment to pay their tax early by direct debit. This must be seen as a desperation measure and something designed to prop up the Payment Support Office which is extending credit to taxpayers worth millions of pounds. Given the choice, would you pay tax sooner than necessary? That we suggest would take all of one second to contemplate.

Stress At Work – Who are you kidding?

At this time of the year, employers of all sizes are engaged in the annual process of completing End of Year payroll returns as well as the normal day to day management of the business.

Compliance with the regulations is a stressful task, particularly given that we are in a period of transition between manual & electronic filing with HMRC.

The principal form P35 together with P14’s for each employee on the payroll and a form P38a for those on the payroll but where no Tax or NIC falls due, must be filed before 19 May 2010.

Soon after that filing deadline comes the deadline for forms P11d and P11d (b) relating to any Benefits in Kind met on behalf of employees.

As if this was not enough of course, Self Assessment Tax Returns have effectively been issued with effect from 6 April 2010 with yet more stringent deadline filing dates.

The key to dealing with all of these issues with the minimum of stress lies in being well prepared and methodical in approach; allowing sufficient time & especially having a back up plan in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Stress Management is itself not a legally enforceable requirement placed upon companies but it is an increasing issue within the Health & Safety at Work legislation. Good practice will inevitably mean less possibility of claims.

Health and Safety Executive
National Stress Awareness Day