Ethical Query

Ethical Query

Didn't find your answer?

One of my client companies took on an employee. After the employee had been there for a few weeks I was asked to process payroll for him as an agricultural worker which I did, having consulted the appropriate rate as per the agricultural wages act.

Director didn't like the figure and asked me to change to normal minimum wage for a 17 year old which is much lower

Employee later left and client is now being investigated for underpaying wages by the Agricultural Wages Board. Client Director, in an attempt to avoid paying the settlement which will be due, has applied to dissolve the company

To what extent should I co-operate with any request for info from the agricultural wages board? Should I mention dissolution application?

Replies (6)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By User deleted
13th Mar 2015 12:52

Your first question to yourself ...

... is whether you have or had any Money Laundering Reporting obligation. On the face of it, I would say yes.

Thanks (2)
paddle steamer
By DJKL
13th Mar 2015 14:47

Not my area at all, but this seemed interesting

http://www.warners-solicitors.co.uk/article/617/the-abolition-of-agricul...

No idea if this is any way on point.

Thanks (1)
Replying to mbee1:
avatar
By saki69
13th Mar 2015 23:30

Thanks, but the act stil applies in Scotland

Thanks (0)
Replying to Spigsey:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
14th Mar 2015 00:18

Sorry

saki69 wrote:
Thanks, but the act stil applies in Scotland

Sorry, I am actually in Edinburgh but always assume (wrongly) that everyone else is in England.

Thanks (0)
By johngroganjga
14th Mar 2015 07:42

First things first. Are you instructed by your client to respond to the enquiries?

Thanks (0)
JPW
By jpwattam
14th Mar 2015 16:44

Disengage

I'd be worried in your position that I've already gone too far in assisting in underpaying the worker. Perhaps you didn't know that the worker came under AWA and believed the company was initially being generous in considering paying at that rate?

Clearly your client is not honest (at least with hindsight) and willing to dissolve his company to escape a penalty - do you know if that would work anyway?

I would suggest disengaging from your client especially if he is asking for your assistance in avoiding the penalty, and would feel inclined to volunteer information to the board to clear my own conscience.

Thanks (0)