Tax chiefs have issued a new year call to employers, urging them to ensure they are ready for major PAYE changes that come into effect in three months’ time.

More than 1,500 people took a break from turkey and tinsel on Christmas Day to file their tax returns online, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced new statutory payment rates for 2013-14, which are due to take effect from April 2013.

The government has announced changes to the rules on larger scale redundancies that will cut by half the consultation period required.

The government has again underlined its focus on tackling tax avoidance by closing down a scheme being marketed as a way for companies to artificially reduce corporation tax bills.

Employment relations service Acas has highlighted motivating and engaging employees as key challenges for employers in 2013.