Thanking Staff at Year End

Have you thought about how you are going to thank your staff at the end of the year?  Generally, employers will have an annual Christmas party, but with COVID19 restrictions this is not an option. It is time to consider alternative ways to wish employees Merry Christmas and say thank you.

Have you thought of a virtual Christmas Party?  HMRC have confirmed that virtual parties can avail of the £150 exemption where the employer hosts an annual event that is available to all employees, or, all in a particular location where an employer has more than one location.

The Employment Income Manual (EIM) 21690 has been updated with an example added to EIM21691:

A company holds one annual function in a tax year and does so virtually using IT. All employees are invited and each is provided with a hamper consisting of some food and drink to be enjoyed by the attendees during the party. The total cost per head is £100 which is within the £150 exemption and so the exemption applies.

More information can be found in the article by Samantha Mann of the CIPP in accountingweb.

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tax/business-tax/hmrc-confirms-virtual-christmas-party-exemption

This is a safe way to boost your staff morale and show them you care after an unprecedented year.