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Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19: Job Retention Scheme FAQs
On Friday 20th March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out some guidance covering that scheme in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format. On 26th March 2020, further details were released by the government and those can be found here. Below is based on the latest information we have about the scheme, we will continue to update this document as necessary. Q: What is the COVID19 Job Retention Scheme? A: It is a scheme that will…
Guides
March 1, 2020Employment Law Guide
Do you know when the latest complex legislation changes come into effect? And are you aware of the work required to ensure your business is fully compliant? This guide includes advice on employment law updates as they happen, with month-by-month advice on all updates in an easy-to-read format.
Blog
March 25, 2020A Message from Anthony Vollmer (Managing Director)
CONTINUING TO PROVIDE EXPERT PAYROLL & HR I know that COVID-19 will be posing many challenges for you and your business and I would like to reassure you that supporting our customers through this turbulent time is our highest priority. Below you’ll find a quick summary of the steps that we are taking to ensure your people are paid on-time and in line with all legislative changes including the recent emergency changes, delivering on our commitment to #keepingtheUKpaid. All our colleagues are currently homeworking securely via our cloud-based payroll & HR solutions We use resilient communication systems that are VOIP / cloud enabled meaning we will always be there to support you Our dedicated business continuity team meet daily to ensure the services you receive will not be…
Guides
March 13, 2020Tax Fact Card 2020 / 2021
Download your FREE Tax Fact Card to find out the latest changes to payroll tax & legislation from April 2020.
Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 6)
Tuesday 7 April | 10am We invite you to join part six of our live webinar series with Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager, for our live session.
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: How we are supporting businesses (Part 5)
March 2020 Following on from the huge success of our recent webinars on Coronavirus, and the questions we received, we invite you to watch part five of our webinar series. Moorepay are supporting businesses with a range of payroll & HR software and services. We provide an overview of how Moorepay can help during these uncertain and difficult times. During this webinar we provide updates on government advice on isolation of employees and any further legislation updates. We will also summarise any updates from the World Health Organisation and Public Health UK, Scotland and Wales guidance. Join Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager, for our recorded session.
Guides
March 1, 2020Payroll Legislation Guide
Do you know the dates of all the complex payroll legislation changes? Are you aware of what you need to do to ensure your business is compliant? Many UK businesses aren’t aware of the payroll legislative changes that are due on a quarterly basis and the tasks they entail. This FREE seasonal guide includes advice on payroll legislative updates as they happen – quarterly advice on all updates in an easy-to-read format.
Blog
April 3, 2020Four Key Questions about Furloughed Leave
More and more employers are using the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme and putting their employees on furloughed leave. We've already shared some helpful FAQs to help you with implementing the scheme. In this blog post, we'll delve into what's known so far and provide an insight into the four key areas we're currently advising our customers on. What is it and who does it apply to? The scheme (which is currently set to last for three months from 1 March 2020) will allow all UK employers to access financial support to continue paying part of their workers’ wages for those that would have otherwise been laid off, placed on short-time working or made redundant during the COVID-19 outbreak. All UK…
Guides
April 3, 20205 Key Risks: Furloughing Employees
With vast swathes of the working population being furloughed, HR professionals are quickly getting their heads around this new initiative, and they’re having to act fast! It’s a simple enough process – in theory – but it’s important to be aware of the risks. To help you, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you reduce or eliminate five of the key risks associated with putting employees on furloughed leave.
Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 6)
Tuesday 7 April | 10am We invite you to join part six of our live webinar series with Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager, for our live session.
Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19: Job Retention Scheme FAQs
On Friday 20th March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out some guidance covering that scheme in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format. On 26th March 2020, further details were released by the government and those can be found here. Below is based on the latest information we have about the scheme, we will continue to update this document as necessary. Q: What is the COVID19 Job Retention Scheme? A: It is a scheme that will…
Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19 School Closures | Key issues for Employers
Schools (including sixth form colleges and pre-school settings) are closed for the foreseeable future for 90% of pupils. Schools were becoming a major conduit for the coronavirus and now only children of key workers, or children deemed ‘vulnerable’ are to attend. The closures also apply to much pre-school provision. Pressure is on to minimise children in these categories as much as possible and many settings are reporting fewer attendees than anticipated. While schools are always keen to emphasise that their primary purpose is not child care, it’s inescapable that for many of the UK’s 8 million households with dependent children, the closure creates immediate difficulties. How to manage Employees with Dependents. Employees with dependents, including children, are entitled to ‘reasonable’…
Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19: My Employees Can’t Work From Home
What can you do when your employees can't work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic? Keep reading to find out. Millions of people are transitioning to homeworking and battling with IT systems and collaboration apps. We're also getting used to this new routine of remote working. But for many managers and employees, switching to homeworking is simply not an option. Perhaps you work in the manufacturing, transportation or food sector? Carrying out work to provide the nation with valuable services and resources throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. For delivery drivers and warehouse staff, remote working isn’t possible either. How do you cope when you and your team are unable to follow the government’s recommendations? What do you do if your employees…
Blog
March 27, 2020COVID-19: Provision for Emergency Volunteers
While media attention has, understandably, been on the policing powers in the Coronavirus 2020 Act, which is being rushed through Parliament, it’s worth looking carefully at how the provision for emergency volunteers will impact employers. People have been signing up in huge numbers to volunteer with the NHS and we can now see how the scheme will work for employers. People will be certified as authorised volunteers by their local authority, NHS (or the Secretary of State) and as a result, those who work for employers with 10 or more employees will be able to take off unpaid time from work to volunteer. The 1996 Employment Rights Act has been amended to protect them in the same way that employees…
Blog
March 26, 2020FAQs: Statutory Sick Pay for Coronavirus / COVID-19
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be paid to all qualifying employees from day one for Covid-19 / Coronavirus related sickness, including self-isolating. This took effect from 13 March 2020 and the measure will last for at least eight months. The emergency legislation (2020 no 287) was passed via a statutory instrument to amend the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982. This confirms that a person who is self-isolating to prevent infection or contamination with the coronavirus disease, is deemed unable to work. For more information, check out our frequently asked questions about SSP for employees with Coronavirus / COVID-19. Q: Is an employee who is self-isolating entitled to Statutory Sick Pay? Yes.…
Blog
January 22, 2020Winter Weather and Travel Disruption
Winter inevitably brings with it bad weather and travel disruption. Your employees might be affected by these conditions, making it more difficult for them to get to the workplace. Unusual or unforeseen circumstances during adverse weather conditions, such as severe snowfall, increase the likelihood of lateness and absence at work. So, we've put together your top three questions and answers, when managing delayed and absent employees during the coming months. 1. Can my employee not turn up to work because of bad weather and travel disruption? In situations like extreme weather conditions, an employer may expect an employee to make every reasonable effort to reach the workplace. This means your employees should adapt their means of travel to the workplace…
Past Webinars
HR Essentials: Blue Monday and How to Improve Employee Wellbeing
January 2020 The third Monday in January is known as ‘Blue Monday’ and has been calculated as the most depressing day of the year, with one of the highest levels of absence. A lack of employee motivation at this time of year can be caused by a range of factors including returning to work after annual leave, debt from Christmas, failed New Year’s resolutions and dark mornings. Watch this webinar to understand how to manage mental health in your workplace and the steps you can take to improve employee wellbeing.
Blog
November 28, 2019Are Employees Entitled to Time Off when Schools are used as Polling Stations?
Many schools across the country will close on 12 December. Why? Because they're being used as polling stations. Are employees protected when they argue their usual childcare arrangements have been adversely affected? Or would their absence be classed as unauthorised? The right to time off to care for dependants State funded school premises are often used as polling stations. This is because privately owned venues usually incur a fee. Unfortunately, there’s very little schools or working parents can do about it. Despite well-used arguments about a lost day’s education, contradictory fines when children are taken on holiday during term-time and an ensuing childcare headache, the decision to close the school will be out of their control! Your employee is entitled…
Blog
November 25, 2019Sickness Absence: Busting the Myths for Employers
'My employee is off sick - what am I allowed to do as an employer?' Questions about sickness absence are some of the most common calls our Advice Line receives. Did you know that sickness absence costs small business around £300,000 a year? The average employee takes seven days of sick leave per year, at an average cost of £550 per employee. Despite the major impact sickness absence has on their organisation, many employers fear taking any action. Why? Because of the myths surrounding what they can and can’t do when an employee is absent from work. We've pulled together a list of the top five most commonly asked questions and myths, so you and your business know where you stand. 1. I'm unable…
Past Webinars
Live Product Demo: Absence Management Software
November 2019 30.7 million working days were lost due to work related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2017/18, according to the Labour Force Survey. Work related stress, poor health and sickness absence can all have a negative impact on your business, from staff morale to your bottom line. Are employee absences affecting your business? If so, watch a demonstration of our HR Software solution to see how we can support you to effectively manage employee absences.
Brochures
October 6, 2019HR Software Made Easy
Our software is a cloud-based integrated HR and payroll solution specifically designed for businesses large and small. Sections include: Moorepay's HR software Modules, including self-service Integrated payroll Technology & benefits Pricing and packages Read an Excerpt: ‘Whether you’re a manager, departmental head or HR professional, keeping on top of HR matters can be tedious; even the smallest task can get lost in mountains of paperwork. Our Self Service tool simplifies and automates existing HR processes to help keep you on top of your busy workload. Not only does it driven down costs, it also limits the administrative burden on your business and its stakeholders.’
Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 6)
Tuesday 7 April | 10am We invite you to join part six of our live webinar series with Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager, for our live session.
Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19: Job Retention Scheme FAQs
On Friday 20th March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out some guidance covering that scheme in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format. On 26th March 2020, further details were released by the government and those can be found here. Below is based on the latest information we have about the scheme, we will continue to update this document as necessary. Q: What is the COVID19 Job Retention Scheme? A: It is a scheme that will…
Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19: My Employees Can’t Work From Home
What can you do when your employees can't work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic? Keep reading to find out. Millions of people are transitioning to homeworking and battling with IT systems and collaboration apps. We're also getting used to this new routine of remote working. But for many managers and employees, switching to homeworking is simply not an option. Perhaps you work in the manufacturing, transportation or food sector? Carrying out work to provide the nation with valuable services and resources throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. For delivery drivers and warehouse staff, remote working isn’t possible either. How do you cope when you and your team are unable to follow the government’s recommendations? What do you do if your employees…
Blog
March 26, 2020The Future of Homeworking: Longer Term Planning
Vast swathes of the working population are now working on laptops from home. In some cases, multiple family members, working for different companies, are sharing the same kitchen table. The current Public Health crisis has resulted in many businesses implementing or reviewing Business Continuity Plans. As part of this, businesses have had to consider a mass move to homeworking. So, what's the current situation? What should employers be doing in the medium term? And what may happen long term? Read on to find out. Current Homeworking Situation: COVID-19 Lockdown Some, if not all of your staff are likely to be working from home in less than ideal conditions. To help them make the most of their current environment you may…
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: How we are supporting businesses (Part 5)
March 2020 Following on from the huge success of our recent webinars on Coronavirus, and the questions we received, we invite you to watch part five of our webinar series. Moorepay are supporting businesses with a range of payroll & HR software and services. We provide an overview of how Moorepay can help during these uncertain and difficult times. During this webinar we provide updates on government advice on isolation of employees and any further legislation updates. We will also summarise any updates from the World Health Organisation and Public Health UK, Scotland and Wales guidance. Join Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager, for our recorded session.
Blog
March 20, 2020COVID-19 Coronavirus FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Coronavirus COVID-19 (FAQ). Q1 - Where do I find guidance around the possibility of closing an office or construction site, in the case of a positive test result? The current advice is that workplaces do not require to be closed. Even when a known infection has occurred in a workplace the current Government advice is not to automatically close the workplace but to work with the local Health Protection Teams who will advise on the necessary cleaning requirements. Were appropriate, investigate what you might need to do to facilitate widespread remote working for as many employees as possible. If you have an employee with a new, continuous cough or high temperature, they should go home and self-isolate. Q2 - Should…
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What Employers Need to Know (Part 4)
March 2020 Following on from the huge success of our recent webinars on Coronavirus, and the questions we received, we invite you to watch part four of our webinar series. During this webinar we provide updates on government advice on isolation of employees and any further updates to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). We also summarise any updates from the World Health Organisation and Public Health UK, Scotland and Wales guidance. With the direction from the government for employees to work from home where possible, we provide advice on supporting employee wellbeing whilst working from home. Join Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager, for our recorded session.
Blog
February 27, 2020The Ongoing Curse of the Holiday Calculation
The Court of Appeal has said that the way employers are calculating holiday entitlement is potentially wrong. In a long and detailed judgement, the Court of Appeal stated that whilst you can pro rata holiday pay, you can’t pro rata holiday entitlement. Since the law changed back in 2007, calculating holiday entitlement has been relatively easy. 5.6 weeks or 28 days for a full-timer and pro rata that for a part-timer. So, someone who works two days a week gets two fifths of the entitlement: Divide 28 (full-time entitlement) by 5 (days in the working week) = 5.6 Times 5.6 by 2 (the number of days the part-time worker does) That equals 11.2 days’ holiday each year And if someone…
Blog
December 5, 2019How do I Manage Annual Leave at Christmas?
Christmas may be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but for many employers it can be a time-consuming and administrative nightmare. Think seasonal trading spikes, an influx of annual leave requests and the challenge of coordinating the Christmas rota. Holiday entitlement and how effectively requests are managed directly impacts employee satisfaction. Getting the basics right is crucial to creating a positive employee experience. We’ve pulled together a list of the top three most commonly asked questions to help you prepare for the festive season from an HR perspective. 1. Do employees have the right to take annual leave over Christmas? The festive period is a time when many businesses see extra demand for their products and services. While your staff…
Blog
November 28, 2019Are Employees Entitled to Time Off when Schools are used as Polling Stations?
Many schools across the country will close on 12 December. Why? Because they're being used as polling stations. Are employees protected when they argue their usual childcare arrangements have been adversely affected? Or would their absence be classed as unauthorised? The right to time off to care for dependants State funded school premises are often used as polling stations. This is because privately owned venues usually incur a fee. Unfortunately, there’s very little schools or working parents can do about it. Despite well-used arguments about a lost day’s education, contradictory fines when children are taken on holiday during term-time and an ensuing childcare headache, the decision to close the school will be out of their control! Your employee is entitled…
Blog
November 19, 2019How to Prepare for the New Annual Leave Year
Does your annual leave entitlement renew in January? Have you got employees with weeks' worth of holidays still left to take? Can they carry it into next year? Read on for everything you need to know about the importance of employees taking annual leave and the rules for carrying days over. Why is the management of annual leave so important? From a business perspective the impact of getting holiday planning wrong can be significant. I’m sure you remember when Ryanair were forced to cancel 40-50 flights every day for six weeks due to a problem with managing pilots' holidays. So, as the annual leave year comes to an end, what do you need to consider? And what does best practice…
Blog
September 25, 2019How Should I Handle Unplanned Absence during the Repatriation of Thomas Cook Holiday Makers?
You were probably shocked to hear the very sad news that the travel company Thomas Cook has ceased trading. In the early hours of Monday morning (23rd September 2019), Thomas Cook ceased trading. The travel company failed to secure the £200 million needed to keep the business afloat. This is a particularly anxious time for more than 150,000 Thomas Cook holiday makers who are currently abroad. Over the next two weeks, tourists will be brought home in a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) flight programme codenamed Operation Mattherhorn. You probably know someone who is stranded abroad. It could even be one of your employees. So, as an employer what can you do to help and what are your legal obligations? Unplanned…
Blog
June 14, 2019Holiday Season FAQ’s
Summer – the season of sun, sea and sand. Setting your out-of-office and jetting off on holiday for a week of rest and relaxation. However, from a HR perspective the summer months can be a very challenging time of year. Our advice line has seen a spike in enquiries relating to this very topic. Therefore, I have compiled some responses to questions we’ve received relating to unplanned absence, presenteeism, recruitment and notice periods. Unplanned absence An employee requested a holiday however it was rejected. The employee has now called in sick on the same day they had requested as annual leave. What can I do? The short answer would be to manage this as you would any other sickness absence.…
Blog
May 20, 2019Are you Prepared for the Spike in Unauthorised Absences this Summer?
Summer…everyone looks forward to it. Think holidays, festivals, weddings and barbeques. However, the summer season can also lead to a spike in unauthorised absences. When is an absence classified as unauthorised? Unauthorised absence is also known as going AWOL (absence without leave). It occurs when an employee fails to attend work and does not have a statutory or contractual right, or the employee’s permission to be absent. Essentially, if an employee fails to come to work without a good reason, it’s an unauthorised absence. It is key that you have a policy for unauthorised absence that’s included in your company handbook. Try to make sure you have up to date emergency contact details for all your employees. We advise sending…
Blog
March 30, 2020COVID-19: Job Retention Scheme FAQs
On Friday 20th March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out some guidance covering that scheme in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format. On 26th March 2020, further details were released by the government and those can be found here. Below is based on the latest information we have about the scheme, we will continue to update this document as necessary. Q: What is the COVID19 Job Retention Scheme? A: It is a scheme that will…
Blog
March 26, 2020FAQs: Statutory Sick Pay for Coronavirus / COVID-19
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be paid to all qualifying employees from day one for Covid-19 / Coronavirus related sickness, including self-isolating. This took effect from 13 March 2020 and the measure will last for at least eight months. The emergency legislation (2020 no 287) was passed via a statutory instrument to amend the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982. This confirms that a person who is self-isolating to prevent infection or contamination with the coronavirus disease, is deemed unable to work. For more information, check out our frequently asked questions about SSP for employees with Coronavirus / COVID-19. Q: Is an employee who is self-isolating entitled to Statutory Sick Pay? Yes.…
Blog
March 23, 2020COVID-19 / Coronavirus: Five ways the Government are Supporting Businesses
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. We've outlined some of the main Coronavirus Government business support and you can also find more information and guidance on the gov.uk website. 1. COVID-19 / Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The Government are going to pay up to 80% of people’s wages for an initial three-month period for employees that would otherwise have been laid off during the pandemic. All UK businesses are eligible to apply for the scheme for payments of up to £2,500 per-worker per-month, in order to keep employees on the payroll. It is understood that the scheme will be…
Guides
March 13, 2020Tax Fact Card 2020 / 2021
Download your FREE Tax Fact Card to find out the latest changes to payroll tax & legislation from April 2020.
Blog
March 13, 2020Business Implications of Budget 2020
Did you watch it? Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his first budget on 11 March 2020. So, what's changed? And what are the business implications of budget 2020? Read on to find out. What's Changing for Businesses? Business rates in England will be abolished for firms in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors with a rateable value below £51,000, during the next 12 months. Businesses will be able to defer tax payments through the Time To Pay service. 700,000 of the smallest businesses will benefit from a potential £3,000 cash grant, paid through local authorities, worth a total of £2 billion. Small firms will be able to access "business interruption" loans of up to £1.2m. Employment Allowance will increase from £3,000…
Past Webinars
Payroll Essentials: UK Budget Review and What’s New for Tax Year 2020/21
March 2020 Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his first budget on 11 March 2020. How will his proposals affect your payroll processes? And what is already coming into effect on 6 April 2020? Watch this webinar for a summary of the key announcements from the budget that affect payroll processes and an overview of legislation updates for the 2020-21 tax year. This webinar also includes a Q&A session with John Spooner, our Payroll Legislation Consultant.
Guides
March 1, 2020Payroll Legislation Guide
Do you know the dates of all the complex payroll legislation changes? Are you aware of what you need to do to ensure your business is compliant? Many UK businesses aren’t aware of the payroll legislative changes that are due on a quarterly basis and the tasks they entail. This FREE seasonal guide includes advice on payroll legislative updates as they happen – quarterly advice on all updates in an easy-to-read format.