HMRC would need to double its work force in order to pursue fraudsters who stole billions in furlough and bounce back loan cash, according to analysis carried out by the legal services firm, Integrated Dispute Resolution. Kevin Humphreys, tax expert at IDR, said: "HMRC would need 54,500 staff to claw the coronavirus losses back, broadly speaking, its entire UK workforce." He said one solution might be for the Government to work with private firms to target fraudsters and tax dodgers. Separately, Blick Rothenberg has warned small businesses that have claimed under the furlough scheme that they could face extra tax scrutiny. It warns clients to be prepared for "random or selective" investigations.
Read more: The Sunday Telegraph