Mr. Aslam, a former Metroline employee, applied to another bus company on 13 April 2019, disclosing that he suffered from partial hearing loss, depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress, and was interviewed on 14 May 2019. He disclosed that he had been dismissed by his former employer on the grounds of capability and was actively pursuing a tribunal claim.

He was conditionally offered a role and attended induction, although the offer was subsequently withdrawn, and no reference had been obtained from Metroline despite numerous requests. Moreover, he was not allowed to work shifts before he attended induction, while two other candidates were permitted to do so. During the induction process, the claimant emailed the respondent to enquire whether he was being treated differently from the other candidates for the job because of his race. This, coupled with the tribunal claim, had led to a withdrawal of the offer on 20 June 2019. 

The claimant claimed direct race discrimination and victimisation after he had informed the respondent about a tribunal claim against Metroline. The Employment Tribunal found that the job offer had been withdrawn because the respondent believed the claimant was likely to be protected under the Equality Act 2010, Section 27(1)(b) and upheld the claimant’s victimisation claim, although it subsequently reversed its judgement and dismissed the claim. The claimant appealed and the original judgement was reinstated. 

The judgement serves as a clear warning to employers, as withdrawing a job offer or taking other detrimental action based on a person's history of bringing claims, or a perceived likelihood that they may bring one in the future, can itself constitute an act of victimisation under the Equality Act. Employers should tread carefully before weighing pending tribunal cases in their decisions to make or withdraw formal offers of employment.

Working capital is a simple but powerful measure of a business’s financial health. It is the difference between current assets and current liabilities. In other words, it shows what is left when a business’s short-term debts are taken away from its short-term resources such as cash, stock and money owed by customers.

If the result is positive, the business has money available to cover day-to-day operations. If it is negative, the business may struggle to meet upcoming bills or need to rely on borrowing.

Why is working capital so important? First, it gives a clear picture of liquidity. A profitable business can still fail if it runs out of cash to pay suppliers, wages, or rent. By keeping a close eye on working capital, owners can see whether they have enough resources to keep the business running smoothly.

Second, working capital affects flexibility. A business with strong working capital can take opportunities such as bulk-buying stock at a discount or investing in new projects. A business with weak working capital may be forced to delay decisions or turn down growth opportunities because it cannot afford the risk.

Third, lenders and investors often look at working capital when deciding whether to support a business. A healthy balance suggests stability and good management, while a weak position may raise concerns.

Improving working capital does not always mean cutting costs. It can involve speeding up customer payments, negotiating longer terms with suppliers, or keeping a closer watch on stock levels. Even small changes can make a big difference to cash flow.

In short, working capital is about making sure a business can meet today’s needs while staying ready for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Every business has a duty to pay tax, whether that is Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, or personal tax liabilities for the owners. While these payments are predictable, many businesses still find themselves short of cash when the due dates arrive. One way to reduce this risk is to create a cash deposit reserve specifically set aside to cover past and current tax liabilities.

The idea is simple. Each time profits are made, or taxable income is earned, a proportion of cash is transferred into a separate bank account. This money is not touched for day-to-day trading but held back until HMRC requires payment. By treating tax as an ongoing expense rather than an occasional shock, businesses can avoid last-minute scrambles to find funds.

There are several benefits. First, a reserve provides peace of mind. Business owners know that when the tax bill lands, the money is ready and waiting. This reduces stress and allows management to focus on running and growing the business.

Second, a tax reserve supports cash flow planning. By separating tax money from working capital, it becomes clearer how much is genuinely available for wages, suppliers, or investment. Mixing tax liabilities with general funds often leads to overspending and unnecessary borrowing.

Third, building up a reserve shows financial discipline. It reassures banks, investors, and other stakeholders that the business takes its responsibilities seriously and manages risk sensibly.

Even small, regular transfers can make a big difference. By keeping tax reserves in a deposit account, businesses may also earn some interest before payments fall due.

In short, creating a tax reserve is a practical and prudent step. It reduces surprises, improves cash flow visibility and ensures that tax obligations are met without disrupting business operations.

Paying Corporation Tax? Always use the correct reference or risk delays and penalties.

To pay Corporation Tax via online or telephone bank transfer, you can use either a UK or overseas bank account.

UK Bank Accounts

You can transfer funds using Faster Payments, CHAPS, or Bacs, either online or by calling your bank. Faster Payments usually reach HMRC on the same or next day (including weekends), CHAPS payments arrive the same working day if made within your bank’s cut-off time, and Bacs payments typically take up to 3 working days.

Use the account details provided in your HMRC ‘notice to deliver your tax return’ or reminder. If unsure, use one of the following:

• HMRC Cumbernauld
  • Sort code: 08 32 10
  • Account number: 12001039
• HMRC Shipley
  • Sort code: 08 32 10
  • Account number: 12001020

Overseas Bank Accounts

You can also pay from an overseas account using:

• HMRC Cumbernauld
  • IBAN: GB62 BARC 2011 4770 2976 90
  • BIC: BARCGB22
• HMRC Shipley
  • IBAN: GB03 BARC 2011 4783 9776 92
  • BIC: BARCGB22

You must ensure to include your 17-character Corporation Tax payment reference number for the correct accounting period. This reference changes each year so it is important to use the up-to-date reference number. Using the wrong one can delay your payment. You can find it in your company’s HMRC online account or on your ‘notice to deliver your tax return’ or on any reminders from HMRC.

Not all goods and services carry a 20% VAT, knowing the right rate can save costly mistakes.

When a VAT-registered business issues an invoice to their customer, they must ensure that they charge the correct rate of VAT. Whilst most businesses in the UK charge VAT at the standard rate of 20% there are a number of different VAT rates and exemptions to be aware of. This includes the reduced VAT rate of 5% and the zero rate (0%).

There are two other categories that the supplies of goods and services can fall under:

• Exempt – where no VAT is charged on the supply. Examples of exempt items include the provision of insurance, postage stamps and health services provided by doctors. If a business only sells VAT-exempt goods and services, they cannot register for VAT.
• Supplies that are 'outside the scope' of the UK VAT system altogether. These supplies are beyond the realm of the UK VAT system, and you cannot charge or reclaim VAT on these supplies. Examples include goods or services you buy and use outside of the UK, statutory fees (such as the London Congestion Charge) and goods you sell as part of a hobby.

If a business has made an error in charging VAT, then this needs to be corrected. The timing and amount of an error can impact on how the issue is resolved.

There are also penalties if you charge VAT to your customers before you are officially VAT registered. VAT registration is only required for eligible businesses earning more than £90,000 per year although businesses under the threshold can voluntarily apply for a VAT registration.