An update on the MiHomecare home care case

Apr 15, 2016
Scott is the partner responsible for looking after the firm’s healthcare and medical sector clients. Scott also specialises in advising small businesses.
Employment Allowance

An update on the MiHomecare home care case

Many home care operators will have been keeping a keen watch on the developments of the MiHomecare case, and will likely now know that the care provider has indeed settled out of court in the employment tribunal last month.

A quick look at the case:

  • The care worker travelled to the homes of the service user clients
  • She often had to travel more than 30 mins between appointments
  • She was not paid for her travel time
  • This effectively meant she was paid below the National Minimum Wage
  • MiHomecare settled out of court for £1,250

What does this outcome mean for home care providers across the UK?

Scott Sanderson, Partner and Healthcare Specialist at Hawsons, commented: “This has been the elephant in the room for a long period of time for many home care operators and the outcome of this case is no doubt a concern for many, in an already challenging financial market. MiHomecare’s settlement could now lead to thousands more care workers coming forward, claiming underpayment.”

“We do not yet know the full details following the out of court employment tribunal, but the case highlights what HMRC have been saying for some time – they are stepping up their enforcement actions and penalties where they believe underpayment has occurred. With the new National Living Wage now in place, care providers must ensure their employees are paid and accurately and fairly.”

HMRC now also have the power to not only impose financial penalties, but to also ‘name and shame’ non-compliant employers.

More from our care sector experts

You can also find all of our latest care sector news and newsletters here.

If you are looking for advice in a particular area, please get in touch with your usual Hawsons contact.

Alternatively, we offer all new clients a free initial meeting to have a discussion about their own personal circumstances – find out more or book your free initial meeting here. We have offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton.

Scott Sanderson

Scott Sanderson, Partner

Scott Sanderson began his career with Hawsons and trained as a Chartered Accountant, becoming a partner in 2015, specialising in the healthcare sector and small businesses. For more details and advice, please contact Scott on ss@hawsons.co.uk or 0114 266 7141.[/author_info]