Attorney General discusses Equality Act single-sex provisions and schools
The Attorney General set out her views regarding the “proper interpretation” of the single-sex provisions in the Equality Act 2010. Her speech ‘Equalities and rights: conflict and the need for clarity’ also provides detailed advice for schools and colleges regarding transgender pupils and single-sex provision.
Pupils told to use online teaching assistants to help cut school costs
According to The Telegraph, 40 schools have signed up to use a new virtual messaging tool, which will provide online help to pupils who need it. The service is provided by online teaching assistants who are subject experts.
The scheme, which is run by a private sector company Gluu, is designed to support schools struggling to afford new staff amid the budget crisis. Schools pay £5 per month, per pupil and can get unlimited support for over 600 teaching assistants.
New consultation on public sector exit payments
In 2020, the government introduced legislation which imposed a £95,000 cap on the amount public sector bodies can pay to an employee when their employment ends. However it led to, what the Treasury referred to, as “unintended consequences” and the legislation was revoked a few months later.
The government is still keen to restrict these payments and has launched a further consultation. It intends to introduce a new requirement for some exit payments to be approved by Secretaries of State.
The consultation ends on Monday 17 October 2022.
HMRC has received almost 14,000 whistleblowing complaints about furlough fraud
In February 2022, the Public Accounts Committee revealed that around 8.7% of money distributed under the furlough scheme (amounting to £5.3 billion) was lost to fraud and error.
HMRC has made public the names employers that have claimed furlough and is encouraging employees to report misuse via its digital reporting service. A recent survey indicated that around 14,000 complaints have already been made to HMRC from employees.
Directors or business owners found guilty of furlough fraud can face significant penalties, including being made personally liable to repay the overclaimed furlough funds and custodial sentences.
Department for Work and Pensions launches Local Supported Employment initiative for adults with learning disabilities and autism
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new government initiative designed to help 2,000 adults with learning disabilities and autism get into work. It has pledged £7.6 million to the Local Supported Employment (LSE) initiative, which will be used over the next three years. The grant will support 24 local authorities across England and Wales, which is expected to aid between 60 and 140 adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to enter and stay in the workforce.
Office of Tax Simplification reviewing tax implications of hybrid and distance working
The Office of Tax Simplification has published a note setting out what it will look at as part of its review into the tax implications of hybrid and distance working. It will focus on arrangements which involve employees working across borders, including remote working within the UK.
Read more – September 2022
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