General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Compliance
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is unlikely to impose its biggest fines on small businesses. However, a reported data breach could cause reputational damage to a company’s brand and the ICO has regulatory authority to suspend or shut down data processing activities, if deemed particularly dangerous or unsafe, causing potential operational problems.
Kay’s comment: It is most likely that the ICO will come down hardest on organisations that have made no provisions to review or revise their data processes, so do make sure you have carried out some form of data audit for your employees, workers, suppliers and customers and put in place appropriate safeguards and ongoing review mechanisms. If you require any help or assistance, please give me a call on 01952 246612 or email me at kay@kayhealdhr.co.uk . Remember that the ICO also has a FREE GDPR helpline specifically aimed at SMEs 0303 123 1113.
IR35 Consultation (10th August 2018)
The HMRC consultation on ‘off-payroll’ working in the private sector closes shortly. This follows on from the unpopular reforms fast-tracked in the public sector last year regarding the employment status of contractors working through personal service companies, to ensure individuals are paying the correct amounts of tax.
Kay’s comment: Please take the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process if your business is likely to be affected by these changes. For more details on IR35 and the consultation process please read my IR35 Article and go to the following gov.uk site if you would like to comment on the proposed changes.
Childcare Vouchers Deadline (4th October 2018)
The government is replacing the employer-backed childcare voucher scheme with a new system of tax-free childcare, entitling families to claim up to £2,000 per child. The old scheme will be closed to new parents from 4th October 2018.
Kay’s comment: Not all parents will benefit more from the new entitlements. Some employees may make ‘last minute’ requests to their employer to offer childcare vouchers before the scheme closes, as the scheme will be continued for existing users. For more information on childcare vouchers visit the gov.uk site .
Wellbeing Event and Exhibition (10th October 2018)
The CIPD (the professional body for HR and people development) is running a Wellbeing event for businesses based in and around Shropshire on 10th October from 9.00am to 2.00pm at Shrewsbury Town Football Club. The Event is being held in response to an increased demand from local businesses for more information and practical support to help improve the health and wellbeing of their workforces.
Kay’s comment: Investing in employee wellbeing is essential for driving businesses forward. Dr Sheena Johnson, well-respected Occupational Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Organisational Psychology at Alliance Manchester Business School, is the keynote speaker and there will be a series of workshops on mental health in the workplace, managing stress at work, teamwork and positive relationships, volunteering, financial wellbeing and much more. Tickets will shortly be available via Eventbrite.