30 June 2020
2020 has certainly been a very different year due to the lasting effects of Coronavirus. People have been unable to go shopping when they want to; unable to meet up with friends for a drink to enjoy the unbelievable weather we have been blessed with or even give an elderly relative or a grandchild a hug. Although, one thing that has come out of it is the sense of togetherness.
Working at an accountancy firm, one understands the importance of team work. But, what has been magnified during these difficult and unprecedented times is just how much we all rely on other people and communication.
At UHY, our aim has always been to assist our clients and helping them build their business by doing the things we are good at. Whether that is preparing payroll, completing a Director’s tax return or being involved in a major strategic transaction etc. Normally, a few emails are exchanged over the year, but recently, our knowledge of our clients and being able to jump on a quick Zoom call with them has been even more important. Making sure everyone is keeping well and looking after themselves is the first concern, but then how we can help your business is the second.
The Government’s introduction of the CJRS scheme has had a huge impact to our workloads, but it has also been an eye opener on the importance of employees and payroll services. Knowing the details on what is in your employee’s contract and your obligations as an employer has been key to making sure any claims submitted have been correct, and that the heart of your business, your employees, are not being too affected by this lockdown.
Working from home has its challenges, but the sense of support for colleagues has really stood out. Within UHY, we have team members jumping at the chance to help other departments out; volunteering to read up on new announcements and to get new, accurate information out to clients as soon as possible; parents being able to spend every day with their children to keep them occupied and more flexibility for people not able to work the normal 9-5 hours.
Many clients have experienced a switch in role, where directors, unable to furlough themselves, have been busy with administrative tasks and gaining a new appreciation for just how hard their staff work and what they handle day-to-day.
With the lockdown easing, what is the future? Employees are the future. The CJRS scheme is being relaxed from 1 July to allow for staff to come back and work flexible hours while still receiving support from the Government for the hours they remain unable to work until October. The amount received during this lockdown will form part of your business turnover for this financial year but when the funding stops, it will be you and your employees who carry on running your business to keep profits up.
At UHY, we offer a full service that can support you in these difficult times. Are you making the most of the help we can provide? Talk to us and see where we can offer more value
