December Newsletter 2023
Morning/afternoon
As we approach the end of another
year it is a time for reflection – a time to release old thoughts and beliefs
and forgive old hurts. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a
mystery. Today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present. And
our present to you is coming in the post in the form of a calendar. Also
check out our social media pages for our Christmas jumper day photo!
CHRISTMAS PAY RUN – our payroll department will be closing from 5.00pm on Friday 22 December 2023.
Can we please therefore request that if you haven’t done so already to send us
your payroll information as soon as possible. We will be returning to the
office refreshed and relaxed on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
SPOTTING SCAM EMAILS, CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES
Scam emails, calls and text
messages continue to be in our lives and despite feeling confident that we
would easily spot one and wouldn’t be a “victim”, when our guard is down and
when we least expect it, we all are.
HMRC have issued some tips on
what to look out for when receiving any communication.
What to look for first
It could be a scam if it:
·
Rushes you
·
Is threatening
·
Is unexpected
·
Asks for personal information like bank details
·
Tells you to transfer money
·
Offers a refund, tax rebate or grant
Some others signs may be:
Suspicious phone calls – HMRC
will never leave a voicemail threatening legal action or threaten arrest.
Text messages – whilst
HMRC does send text messages to some customers and may include a link to Gov.UK
information or webchat, they will never ask for personal or financial
information and advised to not open any links or reply to messages claiming to
be HMRC that offers you a tax refund in exchange for personal or financial
details.
QR codes – HMRC use QR
codes in 2 ways, in letters and correspondence but this is only to take you to
guidance on Gov.UK and never to a page where you have to input personal
information. Secondly when you are logged into your HMRC account to
redirect you, for example to your bank login page.
To help fight phishing scams,
send any suspicious messages to HMRC either by text to 60599 or email phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
UNDERSTANDING RIGHT TO WORK CHECKS AND EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITIES
Do you know that all employers in the UK have a responsibility to prevent illegal working? This can be done by completing Right to Work checks before you employ someone to ensure the individual is not disqualified from carrying out the work in question by reason of their immigration status. This is done in 3 Steps:
Employers Right to Work Checklist – Obtain/Check/Copy & Retain
Depending on individual immigration status employers are required to carry out one of the following before the employee commences employment:
- Manual right to work document checks (all)
- Digital right to work checks using the services of an Identity Service Provider (IDSP) (British and Irish citizens only)
- Home Office Employer Checking Service for online right to work checks (non-British and non-Irish citizens)
Check your Employees Properly
Employers can also be penalized if they employ someone who does not have the right to work and the correct checks were not carried out. If this happens employers may be issued with a referral notice and subject to fines for each illegal worker.
The Home Office is gradually moving to a digital checking system for all individuals and will look to move away from the manual checking system in the future. Simply put, all employers must implement a system for conducting Right to Work checks in line with the Home Office Right to Work guidance.
If you need more help on this topic please refer to the employer’s guidance on right to work checks where you will find useful information on checking a job applicants right to work and the employers right-to-work-checklist
You can also contact the Home Office on their employer helpline: 0300 790 6268 or businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk
Many thanks,
The AMR Team
