Do I Declare a Cash Gift From My Employer?

Q: Do I need to declare a cash gift from my employer?
A: I’ve recently received a gift from my employer as I’m getting married next week. The gift is £750 cash. Do I need to declare this as income and be taxed on it?
Arthur Weller replies:
HMRC’s Employment Income Manual states (at EIM01460): ‘A gift does not count as earnings within [ITEPA 2003, s 62] if it’s made: on personal grounds (for example, a wedding present)’. But in your situation, the gift is being given by your employer, so HMRC could argue that it is given by virtue of your employment.