Usage of IR35 tool provided by HMRC in sharp decline

18/06/2026

Usage of HMRC’s Check Employment Status for Tax (Cest) tool fell by a further 43% during the 2025-26 tax year, continuing a dramatic downward trend that has seen overall usage collapse by 71% in just two years. A freedom of…

Acas survey highlights gap in conflict management skills

17/06/2026

Over a quarter of workers think managers and unions are failing to prevent conflict, according to a new survey by Acas. The conciliation service polled a sample of businesses and employees ahead of expanded rights for trade unions at work…

Disabled NHS worker loses tribunal claim over ‘chauffeur’ comment

17/06/2026

A disabled NHS worker has lost tribunal claims for harassment and discrimination after her manager joked she would have her own ‘chauffeur’ due to her disability travel grant. Lauren Phillips took Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to tribunal with…

HMRC delays full introduction of new benefits in kind rules

17/06/2026

The government will phase in mandatory real-time reporting of tax and national insurance contributions for certain benefits in kind (BIK) and taxable expenses. HMRC had previously planned to introduce mandatory payrolling for all BIK from April 2027, but will now…

Reform UK’s women’s rights plan criticised by unions

17/06/2026

Reform UK’s plan for a ‘Women and Motherhood Protection Act’ has been described by trade unions as a “shameless and deceptive” attempt to distract from policies which slash women’s rights. Reform said the new Act would bring together “key protections…

University of Dundee to cut 190 jobs

17/06/2026

The University of Dundee has announced plans to cut 190 jobs in a bid to address its financial deficit. The university has already cut around 675 jobs through voluntary redundancies, but still needs to make savings of around £20 million.…

Neets could be answer to skills shortage, poll reveals

17/06/2026

Employers could overcome skills shortages by creating more accessible routes into work for those not in employment, education or training (Neet), according to research from the Open University. The OU’s annual Business Barometer found that 57% of employers feel there…