Navigating Compliance in a Changing Landscape

Ardent Tide recently hosted a legal and tax seminar at the magnificent building at One George Street, Westminster, London, providing valuable insights for construction businesses navigating the increasingly complex compliance landscape.

Opening Remarks

The seminar began by outlining the key topics to be covered, reaffirming Ardent Tide’s commitment to alleviating compliance and status burdens for clients. The emphasis was on ensuring that all working practices and contracts remain robust, up-to-date, and secure.

Supreme Court Case: HMRC v PGMOL

An in-depth analysis was provided on the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling in this case for employment status across industries, particularly construction. Using relatable examples, such as a groundworker, the discussion explored how the redefined concept of Mutuality of Obligations (MOO) impacts contractor status.

While MOO has been somewhat weakened, it remains a critical factor in confirming self-employed status. Ardent Tide’s contracts and compliance processes already address these nuances, offering clients peace of mind. If you’re uncertain about your arrangements, Ardent Tide is available to provide guidance.

Budget Overview

Key updates from the recent Budget were summarised, including:

• The increased cost of employing staff due to higher National Insurance Contributions and National Minimum Wage.
• HMRC’s recruitment of 5,000 additional inspectors and debt recovery staff.
• The ongoing review of R&D claims, urging businesses to exercise caution.
• Efforts to tackle non-compliance in the umbrella market, addressing questionable practices.

Employment Rights Bill

The seminar covered the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to enhance employee rights and enforcement measures. While light on detail, the Bill signals significant upcoming changes. Attendees were advised to remain calm and await further clarity as more information becomes available. Ardent Tide will keep clients fully updated on developments.

Closing Remarks

The seminar concluded with a reflection on the challenges the construction industry has faced and how Ardent Tide has consistently adapted to ensure clients remain ahead of compliance requirements. With Ardent Tide, clients can focus on their core business, confident that workforce engagement and compliance are expertly managed.

What’s Next?

The seminar underscored the importance of staying informed in an evolving compliance environment. For those interested, detailed notes of the seminar are available. Please contact Ardent Tide if you wish to receive a copy.

For more information and assistance, please contact Ardent Tide,  your trusted partner in workforce engagement and compliance. Their team is dedicated to helping businesses stay compliant and thrive in a changing regulatory landscape.