HMRC are considering whether to investigate the working practices of delivery company Hermes in light of the recent allegations made by self-employed couriers that they were not being paid the national living wage.

As self-employed couriers, Hermes are not required by law to pay its couriers the national living wage. However, in light of their working practices (which included the compulsion for couriers to work during times of sickness and bereavements) the government has urged HMRC to investigate the employment status of couriers. 

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72 financial institutions including HSBC, RBS and Santander, have signed up to the Government’s Women in Finance Charter, which aims to increase the number of women in senior financial roles through the introduction of flexible working schemes and the equal distribution of high-profile work. The companies have pledged to reduce the gender pay gap within the industry by 2021. Of the 72 institutions, 60 have committed to having at least 30% of women in senior roles by 2021, while 13 of the 60 companies have committed to achieve gender parity by the year. 

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The Resolution Foundation thinktank has published a report that suggests the government will fall short of its £9.00 an hour 2020 National Living Wage target. According to the report, Brexit will prevent this rate from being met. Instead, the thinktank estimates that Brexit will result in low-skilled workers losing 40p an hour in the next four years. 

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On 3 September 2016, a report was issued that questioned the working practices of an Asos distribution centre. According to the report workers at the factory are subject to frequent work searches and prolonged surveillance which has resulted in workers refusing to take sick days, holidays or toilet breaks in the fear of being dismissed. The report further suggests that workers are not being paid for overtime and are docked wages for arriving late to work.

The employer has dismissed the claims. However, in light of the allegations, the Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, has vowed to investigate the matter at a later date. 

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