The Security Industry Authority (SIA) reports a new partnership with HMRC to tackle incidents of tax fraud in the private security industry.
The two say that they have been working together to identify problems in the sector, including businesses abusing employment rules, running up debts and taking part in payroll company fraud. It is estimated that this could be costing the UK economy tens of millions of pounds.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will allow the SIA to share information with HMRC about businesses and individuals working within the sector. The aim; to clamp down on those taking part in illegal working practices and tax fraud. All data sharing will fully meet existing legal requirements, the authorities say.
Simon York, Fraud Investigation Service Director, HMRC, said: “This new partnership with the Security Industry Authority sends a clear message to those trying to cheat the system that this is not acceptable. Tax fraud is not a victimless crime – it robs the UK of funding for our vital public services like the NHS. This MoU will help us drive up standards in the sector and ensure there is a level playing field for those legitimate businesses who play by the rules.”
And Dave Humphries, SIA Director of Partnerships and Interventions said: “This MoU will allow us to track businesses with rogue employment models and create a level playing field that ensures that security staff are employed legitimately and treated fairly; and that this standard becomes the norm.”
