The article explores potential measures in the upcoming UK Spring Budget, set to be delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. With a general election anticipated in November, the budget is expected to address various economic and taxation issues. Key topics include potential changes to income tax, inheritance tax, personal tax allowance, VAT threshold, fuel duty, and child benefit clawback thresholds. The article assesses the likelihood of these measures being announced, considering the political and economic context.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Spring 2024 Budget includes a range of measures aimed at promoting sustainable growth in the UK economy. Key proposals include reductions in National Insurance Contributions, an increase in the VAT registration threshold, a new UK ISA, and a new tax on vaping products. The budget also addresses housing issues with changes to the Furnished Holiday Lettings tax regime and Capital Gains Tax. Additional funding is allocated to key government departments, including the NHS, Police, Courts, and Local Government, with a focus on technology and efficiency improvements.

Portugal's government has stated it does not plan to pay reparations for its role in transatlantic colonialism and slavery, despite President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's view that the country should compensate for these 'crimes.' The right-center government, previously led by de Sousa's party, rejects this idea, while the far-right party Chega demands a parliamentary vote to condemn the president's comments. The debate resurfaced after de Sousa suggested Portugal should take 'full responsibility' for past atrocities, including massacres and violence. The Brazilian Minister for Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, calls for 'concrete steps' to back these words. Portugal's current stance remains unchanged, with no processes or programs for reparations, although the previous socialist government had intentions to return stolen items to former colonies.

The Portuguese government has rejected the idea of paying reparations for its historical role in transatlantic slavery and colonialism. This stance was reaffirmed after President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa proposed that Portugal should acknowledge and address its past wrongs. The right-of-center government, which includes a party formerly led by President de Sousa, and the far-right Chega​ party, are opposed to reparations, with the latter planning to denounce the president's comments in parliament.

The article discusses new guidance released by HMRC for employment businesses working with umbrella companies. The guidance aims to help these businesses understand their legal responsibilities, protect workers, and ensure compliance within their supply chains. It covers the importance of filing intermediaries returns, following PAYE regulations, abiding by VAT self-billing requirements, and conducting right to work checks. The guidance also emphasizes the need for employment businesses to conduct due diligence on umbrella companies to avoid tax avoidance and protect their reputation. The article suggests that the guidance reflects the government's and HMRC's current stance on the umbrella marketplace, with a focus on compliance and worker protection. The outcome of the government's Call for Evidence on tackling non-compliance in the umbrella marketplace is still pending, with the draft expected to be published between late 2024 and early 2025.

The article discusses the ongoing government consultation on addressing non-compliance in the UK's umbrella company market, which closed on August 29, 2023. It highlights the key proposals under consideration by HM Treasury and HMRC, such as defining umbrella companies, mandating due diligence, transferring tax debt, and potentially deeming the employment business as the employer. The article explores the potential impact of transferring tax debt from non-compliant umbrella companies to other parties in the supply chain, drawing parallels with the government's approach to Off-Payroll Working (IR35). It suggests that agencies may need to enhance due diligence and consider the implications of bringing payroll in-house. The article anticipates that the final recommendations may include a registration or licensing system for umbrella companies and a thorough due diligence process for the labour supply chain, but notes that the exact outcomes will remain unknown until the consultation results are published.

The article discusses a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld Deliveroo's classification of its riders as independent contractors, rather than workers. This case originated from Deliveroo's refusal to engage in collective bargaining with the Independent Workers of Great Britain trade union in 2016. The Central Arbitration Committee and later the Court of Appeal supported Deliveroo's stance. The Supreme Court's decision focused on the 'right of substitution' clause in the riders' contracts, which allows riders to substitute themselves with another person to perform their duties. This clause was a key factor in negating an employment relationship. The case did not bring new insights into IR35 legislation but reinforced the importance of substitution in determining employment status. The Court did not consider 'mutuality of obligation', another common factor in employment status cases, due to the emphasis on the right of substitution.

The article announces weekly salsa classes that are open to everyone, with sessions for beginners at 7pm and improvers at 8.15pm, followed by social dancing until 10pm. The classes aim to provide a fun and sociable environment where no prior dance experience or partner is required. Emphasis is placed on learning proper technique and establishing a solid foundation for future dance skills. Additionally, private lessons for individuals and groups of all levels are offered, including the option to have a special wedding dance choreographed.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, outlined the UK government's economic plan, focusing on reducing national debt, tax cuts, supporting British business, sustainable energy, and education. Key announcements included cuts to Employee National Insurance rates, the abolition of Class 2 National Insurance for the self-employed, and a reduction in Class 4 National Insurance. The National Living Wage will increase, tobacco duty will rise, and alcohol taxes will remain frozen. The 'full expensing' of capital equipment for businesses is now permanent, and Business Rate Relief is extended for small retail and hospitality businesses. State benefits like the pension 'triple lock' and Universal Credit will rise with inflation. Measures to combat tax avoidance and encourage investment in strategic industries were also announced. The Autumn Statement was seen as unsurprising, potentially due to the upcoming general election.

The article discusses the aftermath of the 'Tackling Non-Compliance in the Umbrella Company Market' consultation and the potential regulatory outcomes for umbrella companies in the UK. It highlights the complexity of legally defining an umbrella company, the enforcement of new regulations, and the possibility of a licensing system. The author mentions that the government is considering expanding state enforcement to include umbrella companies and may introduce a licensing arrangement that would require companies to meet certain standards. The article also references the role of existing trade bodies like the FCSA and Professional Passport in setting industry standards. PayStream, the company represented by the author, supports a fair compliance solution that balances government objectives with the administrative burden on businesses. The article suggests that the government's decision and subsequent legislation may not be immediate, but discussions with stakeholders will continue before any draft legislation is published.