Tax breaks for work health schemes welcomed

Posted: March 26, 2013

Posted in: Employer Negligence Workplace Injuries 

The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision to give tax breaks on health initiatives at work is good for employers and their employees, according to a leading health and safety body.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) had urged George Osborne to remove tax disincentives on employer-provided therapies and vocational rehabilitation programmes.

In the budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government would introduce a targeted tax relief, so amounts up to £500 paid by employers on recommended schemes are not treated as a taxable benefit in kind.

IOSH head of policy and public affairs Richard Jones said:

“We are delighted at the inclusion of this concession, which is an important start and recognises that removing tax disincentives could help encourage more employers to provide useful support for ill or injured employees

“Removing tax disincentives and encouraging employers who want to do the right thing for their employees is a win-win situation for everyone. It’s good for employers and businesses, it’s good for workers and their families, and it’s good for the economy and society as a whole.”

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