insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 153

BUSINESS
A D V E R T I S E M E N T

F E A T U R E

SEASONAL WORKERS

7 TIPS FROM
SANTA ON THAT
BUSY FESTIVE
PERIOD
This is the time of the year
when recruitment of
temporary Christmas staff is at
the forefront of many
employers’ agendas. We asked
one such employer, Mr S Claus,
who runs a seasonal logistics
business, to share the advice
and tips given to him by his
accountants, Magee Gammon,
for taking on additional help.
1. In tax law, there is no such thing as a ‘casual employee’. Thus, any extra
elves that I take on must be treated the same as my regular employees
and the usual payroll procedures must be operated. That includes, but
isn’t limited to, things like overtime, bonuses, holiday, sickness, and staff
discounts. Magee Gammon run my payroll bureau for me. They have a
wealth of experience in this area and so I am comfortable that the
appropriate processes are being followed correctly.
2. I also take the precaution of drawing up temporary contracts for signing
– it’s important to both me as an equal opportunities employer and to
my staff that our working policies are fair and easy to understand.

anyway!). I like to throw a good bash – but I need to ensure that my
spending doesn’t exceed £150 per head or my employees may end up
with a benefit-in-kind!
7. Taking advantage of my Annual Investment Allowance for capital allowances
is a must. There’s nothing worse than setting off on an all-important
night-time delivery only to discover that Blitzen or one of his chums wants
to retire. So when cashflow allows, I try to invest in new reindeer and
sleighs to make use of my allowances. Again, Magee Gammon give me
great advice on financing options and the appropriate tax implications.
Any employer will tell you that it can be difficult finding the right temporary
Christmas staff. I like to believe that if my temporary elves are as happy as
my permanent ones, they are more likely to apply to work for me again the
following year. This has the advantage of them already being familiar with
the working procedures, manufacturing processes and the level of customer
service I like to provide (I always deliver on time), thus freeing up more time
for me to concentrate on running the business. It’s great for both my
reputation and future success – I seem to get busier and busier every year!

3. Some potential staff try to pass themselves off as ‘elf-employed’ just
because it is a short-term position. It’s my responsibility to ensure that
anyone who works for me is taxed in the appropriate way. In cases of
doubt, I take professional advice from Magee Gammon – otherwise HM
Reindeer & Customs will come after me for any unpaid tax or NI.
4. Vetting procedures are the same when considering temporary staff as
they are in recruiting the permanent workforce. In such a high-pressure
environment, I cannot afford to risk employing a disruptive elf, or one
that might steal all the carrots from the reindeer!

And remember – accountants aren’t just for Christmas!
Magee Gammon can be contacted at any time of the year on
01233 630000, or visit www.mageegammon.com .

5. Elf & Safety is vitally important, particularly on the factory floor. Temporary
elves must have the appropriate training even if they are only with me for
a few weeks.
6. I even have to make sure that temporary elves are invited to the Christmas
Party (which doesn’t tend to take place until the end of December

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