In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about our Sustainability Trends overview for 2025. Also covered are the new sources of funding for sustainability programmes in Ireland, a public consultation on a National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure, a report into skills shortages in Northern Ireland, the EU’s actions for safe and sustainable e-commerce imports, and its calls on Ireland to communicate measures re the Directive on Gender Balance on Corporate Boards. Find a link to the ICEAW’s new Sustainability Accelerator Programme, technical updates, and the usual articles and upcoming events.   Ireland news Enterprise Ireland launches programme to advance sustainability research Enterprise Ireland has announced the launch of the Sustain-FIT Programme (2025-2029), an initiative designed to strengthen Ireland’s sustainability and digitalisation research capabilities while addressing the urgent need for climate action. Co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and the European Union under Horizon Europe, the approximately €15 million programme will recruit 50 postdoctoral researchers from across the world to collaborate with Irish companies on innovative sustainability-focused research projects.  tec €12.1 million funding boosts sustainability and manufacturing productivity in third-level sector Ten successful projects from across the third-level sector have secured €12.1 million in funding to improve the capabilities of the existing Technology Gateways and EI/IDA Technology Centres by investing at a scale that allows them to bridge the gap between their existing capabilities and the state of the art. With individual awards of up to €2 million available, the equipment funded through this initiative will become an engine of economic development for local companies, in particular SMEs who could not afford to invest at this scale. The new equipment will particularly help companies develop new products and services in areas focusing on Sustainability and Manufacturing Productivity.    Funding to drive energy efficiency across the FET sector €8 million in funding has been announced for green capital grants at the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to help them deliver energy efficiency and decarbonisation targets in Further Education and Training (FET) buildings. The funding, which will be distributed through SOLAS, may be used to address small-scale measures specifically aimed at achieving targets for 2030, as set out in the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate. These include reducing Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas emissions by 51 percent by 2030, increasing energy efficiencies in the public sector to 50 percent by 2030, and updating Climate Action Roadmaps annually.   Public consultation announced on National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure The Department of Transport has announced it will publish a public consultation in Q2 on a draft of theNational Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), in force since 13 April 2024, is an important part of the EU’s Fit for 55 policy package to reduce EU emissions by 55 percent by 2030 and make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. Ireland’s updated policy framework will revise and replace the existing National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017-2030 to reflect the mandatory requirements set under the AFIR. The final policy framework is required to be submitted to the EU Commission by 31 December 2025.   ISIF and Schroders Greencoat launch new fund focused on investing in energy transition infrastructure assets across Europe The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Schroders Greencoat, the specialist renewables and energy transition infrastructure manager of Schroders Capital, have together announced a new private markets fund focused on investing in energy transition infrastructure assets across Europe and in particular, Ireland where the Fund will be seeking to invest in a number of projects. ISIF has committed €100m to the Fund, which will aim to build a diversified portfolio of energy transition investments across Europe. Investments in Ireland will be focused on the growth of renewable energy infrastructure capabilities, grid infrastructure, interconnection with Europe and the UK, and battery storage.   BITCI calls on the Government to accelerate corporate environmental action Business in the Community Ireland has published a list of 10 ways Ireland’s next government can support businesses in accelerating climate and nature action. The list, which published following the issuing of the Programme for Government, notes that businesses in Ireland are already taking steps, and “should be seen as a key partner in national environmental efforts.”  However, the report notes, without strong government leadership, the business community’s efforts risk being “undermined by uneven competition, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of regulatory certainty.” The recommendations include, among other things, accelerating the roll-out of clean energy infrastructure, investing in decarbonisation, streamlining approvals for sustainable innovations, building sustainability skills of the workforce, and fostering collaboration for collective action.   Northern Ireland/UK news Northern Ireland faces significant skills shortage across key sectors Northern Ireland is projected to face a significant skills shortage according to the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer 2023-2033, developed by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre. The report highlights a skills undersupply at all qualification levels, as the workforce grows to an anticipated one million jobs by 2033. Low carbon and net zero sectors are among the sectors in which this growth will occur, alongside agri-tech, life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing, materials and engineering, fintech and financial services, software and cyber industries. The report recommends that investing in skills remain a central pillar of economic policy, particularly for supporting the development of low carbon and net zero industries.   Net Zero Council relaunched to supercharge Clean Energy Superpower Mission The UK Government has relaunched an expanded Net Zero Council, bringing together business, civil society and local authorities to drive the clean energy transition as part of the Plan for Growth. New members include representatives from the Trades Union Congress and Design Council, bringing expertise of green skills and jobs creation to the council to support the government’s mission for clean energy growth on the path to net zero.  Among the priorities for 2025/26 is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to decarbonise while maximising the benefits of the transition.   Voluntary climate reporting in UK events sector Ten local authorities in the UK have piloted a Green Events Code of Practice (GECoP) to assess how effectively local authorities could integrate an environmental assessment into event processes, and  the resulting positive impact it could have on their environmental practices. Developed by the event industry following a sector consultation, the GECoP pilot was led by Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle. The Donut Advisory Toolkit for Events (DATE) was used as the main event assessment method against GECoP. For more information or to download the full report on the pilot project, visit https://bit.ly/GECoP_Pilot_Report   Europe News Accountancy Europe has published its February Sustainability Update, with news on the European Commission’s Competitiveness Package, EFRAG’s voluntary sustainability reporting standards for SMEs and more.   Commission announces actions for safe and sustainable e-commerce imports The European Commission has published a communication in which it is announcing action it is taking to tackle risks stemming from low-value imports sold via non-EU online retailers and marketplaces hosting non-EU traders. These actions are part of the Communication on E-Commerce which the Commission is proposing. The Commission is calling on the cooperation of Member States, the co-legislators and all stakeholders, to put in place the measures outlined in the Communication, and will assess the effect of the announced actions and publish a report on the findings of the increased controls within a year.   Commission calls on Ireland and other Member States to communicate measures transposing the provisions of the Directive on Gender Balance on Corporate Boards The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure[GM1]  by sending a letter of formal notice Ireland, among other Member States, for only having notified partial transposition of the Directive on Gender Balance on Corporate Boards. Member States concerned now have two months to reply to the letters of formal notice and complete their transposition, or the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.   World news OECD - Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development 2025 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  (OECD) has published its Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development 2025. This biennial flagship analysis of major trends impacting the global financial system and financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identifies priorities for negotiators at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which is set to take place in Seville this year.   Institute for Human Rights and Business launches new database to “demystify” just transitions The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) has launched a database featuring 50 inclusive projects that are seeking to prioritise the rights of people most impacted by net zero. Compiled by IHRB, the JUST Stories Database is a practical resource for business, finance, government, unions and civil society,  spanning global initiatives across sectors including energy, agriculture, finance, and the built environment, where the people impacted by decarbonisation are actively involved in transition design in various ways.   Technical Roundup (From our colleagues in Professional Accounting)   The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is hosting an event on 25 February 2025 to discuss disclosures about transition plans - IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures.   The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published the final report from its market study into the assurance of sustainability reporting.   The GRI Academy has launched a new ESRS Reporting program for all reporters to prepare to navigate the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).   In its recent article, the GRI discuss some practices and steps that companies can take to mitigate against the risk of greenwashing.   The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has released a podcast hosted by ISSB Chair Emmanuel Faber and ISSB Vice-Chair Sue Lloyd discussing the latest developments around the ISSB.   In its article entitled “CSRD & CSDDD: key provisions and concepts”, Accountancy Europe look at some of the key features, concepts and differences between the two Directives.   The IFRS Foundation has published a guide entitled “Applying IFRS S1 when reporting only climate-related disclosures in accordance with IFRS S2”. This guide is intended to support the implementation of the International Sustainability Reporting Standards.   Resources The Institute of Chartered Accountant England and Wales (ICAEW) has designed a Sustainability Accelerator Programmeto offer chartered accountants practical tools on building the business case for sustainability, ESG reporting and more. The new programme, which launched on 3 February, offers flexible, bite-sized elearning resources and certificates to ensure accountants can better advise on all sustainability related matters. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published a blog discussing various supports the EU provides for SMEs of all sizes and sectors: Three impactful ways your SME could benefit from EU supports Business for Biodiversity Ireland have published an article on the benefits of developing a Nature Ambition Statement to help guide your nature strategy. Focusing on the key elements of what a Nature Ambition Statement is, the article describes steps to take and provides links to good examples.     Did you know? Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) celebrated its first anniversary on 1 February. Some numbers: over 980 million containers collected near-50 percent reduction in the prevalence of plastic bottles and cans in litter 84 percent public participation with DRS 90 percent recognition of the Re-turn logo/brand €90,000 raised for the Return for Children charity initiative   Articles Tough choices must be made on the climate crisis (Irish Times) Climate Change & Biodiversity Loss: The Rising Risks Organisations Must Address (Climate Action for Associations) Sustainability reporting: building trust and credibility (ICEAW Insights) EU Omnibus: Investors warn against re-opening core sustainability legal texts (Responsible Investor) Ireland among list of almost all nations to miss UN deadline for new climate targets (The Journal) Revealed: The €9 billion fossil fuel footprint in Irish private pensions (Business Post)   Events Global Ethics Sustainability Standards Webinars, Webinar Series Alert: Understanding IESBA’s New Sustainability Standards The IESBA sustainability-related ethics and independence standards will establish global baseline standards for ethical sustainability reporting and assurance. These groundbreaking standards address greenwashing risks, other ethical responsibilities, and independence requirements for sustainability assurance. Join the IESBA Team in this free webinar series as they break down the IESSA (International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance) and other key revisions to the Code.  Virtual, various times/dates Chartered Accountants Ireland, Women’s Mentoring Circle Event (ROI/NI) Take part in a unique gathering for women in the chartered accountancy profession, where connection and collaboration meet career development! This event provides a space to share successes and challenges, gain fresh perspectives, and explore practical solutions through peer mentoring. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your professional network, build relationships, and be part of a supportive and inspiring community. In person | Chartered Accountant House, 47/49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 | 20 Feb, 18:00-20:00 | €10 (proceeds to charity)   SustainabilityWorks/IBEC Academy, CSRD Readiness Gain a clear understanding of the terms, standards, and processes involved in this one-day online course. The SustainabilityWorks team has hands-on experience delivering CSRD projects, ensuring you get practical insights and real-world knowledge. Virtual, 21 February, 09:30 - 16:30 A4S, Sustainability in Action Webinar: Management Information This interactive webinar, aimed at finance professionals, will provide practical insights on how to refocus management reporting and management information by introducing a more integrated approach. Information drives decisions – our speakers will show how considering social and environmental factors results in better information that drives better decisions. Virtual, 25 February, 16.00 GMT Mid South West Economic Engine, SME Big Breakfast Briefing: Reduce Energy Costs with Net Zero Action Hosted by BBC’s Louise Cullen, attendees at this event will gain exclusive insights from Invest NI, hear the real success stories from local businesses and learn how to be the Supplier of Choice in 2025. There will be insights from Invest NI’s Green Economy Team and a session on how to be the Supplier of Choice in 2025. The Carbonfit team will be on hand to help you sign up and get started. In person, Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown, BT80 8QS, 6 March, 09:00 - 14:00   Institute of Chartered Accountant England and Wales (ICEAW), 2025: ESG – how should the financial statements reflect sustainability? Gain a practical understanding of how to reflect ESG principles in financial reporting for your organisation. Virtual, 14 & 24 March 2025, 9.30-12.30     Chartered Accountants Ireland ESG Masterclass: Take your sustainability knowledge to the next level (ROI/NI) Masterclass designed for all professional accountants working in business or practice, wishing to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the sustainability regulatory, reporting and assurance landscape. 9 April, 08:30 – 14.00, Virtual Chartered Accountants Ireland, The SME and SMP Sustainability Workshop A workshop for SMEs and small/medium accounting practices (SMPs) on how to get ahead of the sustainability curve. This interactive half-day session will focus on positive actions you can take to understand the ‘trickle-down’ effect of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ('CSRD’), green public procurement, access to sustainable finance, and how to make your practice more sustainable to save costs and respond to staff and client demands. Virtual, 23 May, 9.30- 12.30; €60 members; €75 non-members; 3 hours CPD points.     Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.    

Our Thriving Stories series dives into the real-life experiences of members in our profession and what they do to prioritise their wellbeing. Here, we hear from Rachel McCann, Director at Grant Thornton and chair of the Institute's Cork Society.  How do you prioritize your mental health, and what helps you manage stress? I try and take time out for me for 1 hour a day- I try a swim at the beach all year round 1-2 times a week followed by a beach sauna, do a strength class 3 times a week and for the really bad days I take a football down to the pitch and kick it around the place- always feel better after it!   How do you approach nutrition, and what are some of your favourite healthy meals or snacks?  I am making a more conscious effort for 2025- I do think as busy professionals we tend to grab and go. I spend a lot of time working between Cork, Kerry and Dublin and previously it was whatever came to hand. This year I am making more of an effort to meal prep on a Sunday so it is a case of just heating something up in the evening or taking lunch/breakfast with you- I have become a huge fan of overnight oats in the morning or also following Joe Wicks- he has very quick tasty recipes online. Who do you turn to for support when you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your wellbeing?  Friends and family- great to have 2-3 people to be able to pick up the phone, have a rant and them to say are you finished now and make you laugh again. Also good to have someone point out the bigger picture- I do think we can stress on the smaller items and maybe sometimes looking at the bigger picture puts life in perspective.  How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially during busy times?  Someone recently said the term work life integration to me and I actually think I’ll be stealing it- I think we all know what’s important outside of work and so we need to focus on ways of integrating those priorities into daily schedules- if its that you need to be gone by 5pm to watch a soccer match/school play well then maybe the trade is working through lunch or starting/finishing a bit later to make sure you don’t miss the important items. On the busier days I think it is about ensuring you block calendar time to eat and getting out even for 30 mins for fresh air and being selfish to make sure no one takes those slots.  In what ways do you think community involvement or social connections impact overall wellbeing?  I think it has a huge bearing- I play Mothers and Others football locally in Kerry and its great to go and meet people who are managing work, kids, elderly parents- all life stresses we all face. The best bit is you get to see no one has it all together all the time and sometimes it nice just to laugh about all the chaos while getting out in fresh air and improving fitness. Half the time I try to come up with an excuse not to go at 7pm but every time I do I come back in better form, motivated for the week ahead and more energised. 

In Irish news, the first Fiscal Monitor for 2025 has been published and we bring you details of an information campaign launched by Revenue for PAYE taxpayers. In UK news, senior HMRC representatives from the Making Tax Digital (MTD) team attended last week’s Practice News and HMRC is advising that ongoing industrial action by some of its staff has now been extended to 14 March 2025. In International news, the European Commission outlines its priorities on tax matters. Ireland 1. The Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have published the Fiscal Monitor for January 2025 which confirms an Exchequer surplus of €3.6 billion in January. 2. As part of a PAYE information campaign, Revenue has published statistics relating to 2024 tax return filings and are encouraging all PAYE taxpayers to finalise their tax position.    UK 3. The first Practice News webinar of 2025 was attended by senior HMRC representatives from the MTD team who spoke about how to get ready for MTD for income tax. 4.  HMRC is advising that industrial action by some of its staff which may impact specific helplines has now been extended to 14 March 2025. International 5. Read about the European Commission’s priorities on tax matters. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s post EU exit corner.

From the Professional Accountancy team …..CCAB-I  has prepared Technical Alert TA01-2025  containing some pointers for firms to consider in their use of artificial intelligence (AI). All firms should be considering putting a policy in place whether it’s just to cover basic points such as if your trainees (or other employees) are permitted to use AI in the office or whether you need more extensive provisions. The pointers in our technical alert and links included in it may be of use to members.   This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.    

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual Company Charge to Income Tax on Loans to Participators. The updated manual includes a new introductory paragraph, further details on the operation of the provisions, and some additional examples.

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual VAT and Employer Income Tax/PRSI/USC/LPT – Direct Debit guidelines to reflect the ongoing direct debit modernisation project. Under phase one of this project, from January 2025, employers can no longer avail of a fixed direct debit option to pay their taxes. Liabilities can be settled instead by variable direct debit.

Revenue has published a new Tax and Duty Manual Split Year Residence which provides guidance on split year residence. The guidance reflects amendments to the claim rules introduced in Finance Act 2024. The new guide outlines split year treatment, its benefits and the relevant qualifying conditions. The changes introduced by Finance Act 2024 allow individuals to self-assess their eligibility for split year residence and claim the relief in their income tax Return for the relevant year.  These changes are referred to as the ‘Finance Act 2024 scheme (out of year claims)’. The manual provides guidance on claiming relief under this scheme and under ‘The Finance Act 1994 scheme (in-year claims)’. Illustrative examples of both schemes are included in the manual.

The first Practice News webinar of 2025, brought to you by Practice Consulting, took place on Friday 7 February 2025. In attendance were senior representatives from HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) team, including the MTD Programme Director Craig Ogilvie and Gemma Hope, from the Agent External Readiness team. Attendees heard how agents and taxpayers can prepare for MTD for income tax, including the benefits of joining its testing programme and key readiness tips. A recording of the webinar is available for viewing here. HMRC’s slides are also available on our website. The webinar also contained the usual regular features including updates on both Irish and UK tax, in addition to the latest compliance and technical news from the February 2025 edition of Practice Matters.

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual which provides guidance on the provisions relating to the residence of individuals. New paragraphs are included which provide additional guidance on: The meaning of ordinary residence and its implications in relation to the charge to tax (paragraph 2), Details on the charge to tax of income from a public office or employment (paragraph 5) and, Double tax agreements (paragraph 7). Certain paragraphs have been removed as the relevant matters are dealt with in separate Tax and Duty Manuals; these include split year residence and PAYE exclusion orders. The appendices in the manual have also been updated to reflect refreshed examples and now include a summary table on the tax implications of an individual’s residence, ordinary residence, and domicile status. A new appendix has also been included to provide historical guidance relating to a concession applying to Covid-19 cases in 2020.

In a story on 13 January 2025, we highlighted planned industrial action by HMRC staff which at that point was expected to end later this week on Friday 14 February 2025. HMRC has recently contacted us to advise that this action, which affects the Employer Helpline and Construction Industry Scheme helplines, has been extended to 14 March 2025. The full email from HMRC reads as follows: “In December we notified you about industrial action affecting the Employer Helpline and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) helplines. This has been extended to 14 March. We have robust plans in place to ensure we continue delivering critical services.  HMRC Employer Services phonelines and webchat will be open 8am-6pm as usual but customers may experience longer wait times. We recognise that this is inconvenient for customers and agents who need direct support.   The lines affected are:  Employer Helpline (EHL)   Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Helpline   There are no expected impacts on other services. We will keep the opening hours and service levels under review, and we will update you in advance of any changes.   We are updating GOV.UK and the recorded message that customers hear when calling the helpline. This tells them about the industrial action, the increased wait times and encourages customers to use our digital services. We strongly encourage customers to use our digital services rather than waiting to speak to us on the phone. Some of the main topics customers call these helplines about, which they can do online are: Get a quick answer to queries using the digital assistant  Check the status of your CIS refund in the ‘Where’s My Reply’ tool – only call us if the date has passed   Check your balance in the Business Tax Account   For technical support with online services use the For technical support with online services use the Online Services Helpdesk.”

HMRC has recently updated the Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax taxpayer and agent sign up guidance pages to reflect changes to the eligibility criteria for participating in the MTD for income tax trial in 2025/26. Following these changes, taxpayers reporting the high income child benefit charge and/or income from a jointly owned property will be able to sign up voluntarily to join the MTD for Income Tax 2025/26 trial phase ahead of mandation for the first phase of taxpayers with turnover exceeding £50,000 from April 2026. Further updates on the 2025/26 testing phase are expected ahead of its launch which is currently targeted for April 2025.

In this week’s miscellaneous updates, HMRC has confirmed that its interest rates will be reduced after the recent Bank of England base rate reduction and a consultation is taking place on HMRC statistics. From April 2025, the legislation which gives effect to the UK-Russia and UK-Belarus Double Taxation Treaties in UK law will be revoked and HMRC’s Guidelines for Compliance (GfC) have published the latest GfC on labour supply chain assurance. The latest schedule of HMRC Talking Points live and recorded webinars for tax agents are available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place. And finally, check HMRC’s online services availability page for details of planned downtime and the online services affected. HMRC late payment interest rates to be reduced HMRC has confirmed that its interest rates for late payments will be revised and reduced by 0.25 percent following the Bank of England interest rate cut to 4.5 percent. These changes will come into effect on: 17 February 2025 for quarterly instalment payments, and 25 February 2025 for non-quarterly instalments payments. HMRC’s information on the interest rates for payments will be updated shortly. Consultation on changes to HMRC statistics publications On 16 January 2025, HMRC published a consultation seeking views on how the statistics they publish are used. HMRC recognises that it is important to engage with statistical publication users regularly and to consider whether publications remain of high value to them. The aim of the proposals is to ensure that HMRC: continues to produce useful and relevant statistics for use by its stakeholders, adding to its existing statistics where appropriate, and adapts statistics publications to reduce what is produced for those which are no longer widely used, are duplicated elsewhere, or could be produced less frequently. The consultation closes on 10 April 2025. Revocation of UK-Russia/Belarus tax treaties Following Russia’s unlawful action to suspend material provisions of the 1994 UK-Russia Double Taxation Convention and the 2017 UK-Belarus Double Taxation Convention, the UK continued to honour its treaty obligations. The UK requested that Russia come back into compliance with its international legal obligations. However, as it did not do so, the UK has now notified Russia of its intention to suspend the Convention. The UK will therefore revoke the legislation which gives effect to these conventions in UK law. These will both cease to have effect from: 6 April 2025 for Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax, and 1 April 2025 for Corporation Tax. The UK will continue to honour its obligations under the treaties until these dates. However, thereafter, there will be an increased risk of double taxation, with a need to rely on the relief (if any) available under domestic law noting the potential for this to be restricted by ongoing sanctions. The following publications have therefore been updated: Belarus: tax treaties, and Russia: tax treaties. New GfC on labour supply chain assurance HMRC’s GfC team has published Help with labour supply chain assurance — GfC12. The guidelines are designed for larger organisations in the top tiers of a labour supply chain; however, the principles can be applied to most businesses. HMRC continues to tackle tax defaulters in labour supply chains directly. Many risks arise where there are opportunities to exploit larger, higher value, and more complex chains. HMRC is concerned about how these risks can affect a business’s own tax affairs. These guidelines explain how taxpayers can self-assess their own assurance practices and aim to help taxpayers identify and limit the impact of risks. The guidelines: explain what labour supply chains are and the associated risks, promote the importance of effective labour supply chain assurance, and provide practical advice to consider when carrying out labour supply chain assurance. These have been produced using a different format than previous guidelines hence HMRC is keen to hear feedback on the new format. If you have any queries or feedback, please contact the GfC Mailbox. Alternatively, there is an anonymous survey in the Next steps, further questions and feedback section.