Inefficient scrutiny of EU regulations hurting UK firms

The lack of a proper relationship between the UK’s regulatory system and that of the EU is compromising the competitiveness of British businesses, it has been claimed...[more]

Long term savings accounts offer improved rates

Savers might have to be willing to tie their money into long term deals in order to enjoy reasonable returns on their investments...[more]

Late payment culture a ‘barrier’ to economic recovery

Problems with late payments and unilateral changes to payment terms and conditions have been described by a business group as one of the main barriers to a return to economic growth...[more]

Europe should suspend introducing new employment regulations

Ahead of the forthcoming European elections, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the European Commission to place a moratorium on all new employment laws...[more]

More and more firms are keeping wages on hold

One in three of the businesses included in a recent survey froze their wages in April...[more]

Pensions tax relief measures need to be reconsidered

Pension industry groups are warning that government plans to cut the tax relief available to higher earners on their pension contributions could have an adverse impact on the whole savings and retirement system. ..[more]

Employers urged to avoid late-filing penalties for annual returns

Firms have been reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the date for submitting their 2008-09 employer annual returns has passed but that they could still avoid late-filing penalties...[more]

Essential record keeping

How to reduce the time taken in accounts preparation...[more]

Fall in job vacancies beginning to slow

The rate of decline in the numbers of new job appointments and vacancies has slowed down, according to a new report...[more]

Tips to be banned from making up the minimum wage

The practice of using tips to bring workers’ pay up to the minimum wage is to be made illegal as from October...[more]

Government consults on temporary worker rights

Regulations that will see agency workers given the same rights on pay and conditions as permanent staff have gone out to consultation...[more]

Caps to be imposed on training funding

The amount of government money that goes into funding apprenticeships and training schemes is to be limited following the unprecedented level of take-up among...[more]

Pension changes could hamper employment flexibility

Reforms to the pension system, planned for 2012, run the risk of adversely affecting the flexibility of the UK’s labour market, it has been argued...[more]

Protecting your business against identity fraud

Identity fraud is an ever-increasing problem in the UK, particularly now that the recession is biting hard...[more]

How to survive a PAYE and NIC inspection

However confident you are that your records are complete and well maintained, a PAYE/NIC inspection might still catch you unawares. Here are some pointers to help you...[more]

Minimum wage set to rise this October

The national minimum wage for adults is to rise to £5.80 an hour as from October...[more]

Wages decline at record rate

Average weekly earnings fell by 5.8 per cent in February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported...[more]

Taxpayers warned over refund email scams

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned taxpayers to be on their guard against fraudulent emails promising them a tax rebate...[more]

Change back to old VAT rate should be ‘delayed'

The government should consider switching the date on which the standard rate of VAT moves from 15 per cent to its former level of 17.5 per cent...[more]

Employers reminded of looming annual returns date

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reminded employers that the date for filing their annual employer returns is imminent...[more]

Capital allowances will ‘benefit relatively few’ firms

The increase in capital allowances announced in the Budget is unlikely to help large numbers of smaller firms, according to two trade and business organisations...[more]

Trade credit insurance scheme starts up

Businesses that are facing cuts in the level of available credit insurance cover can begin to make use of a new government support scheme from 1 May...[more]

More tax help for struggling businesses

Businesses that believe they will make a trading loss in the current tax year can ask HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to take the anticipated loss into account as part of any rescheduling of their corporation tax or income tax payments...[more]

Moratorium urged on new employment law

The UK’s smallest firms find it difficult to cope with the demands of employment law, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said, prompting a call for a three-year moratorium on new legislation...[more]

Equalities Bill pushes for gender pay transparency

Firms that employ more than 250 staff will be obliged to make public figures showing average hourly rates paid to male and female employees under the terms of the new Equalities Bill...[more]

UK to retain working time opt-out

The collapse of conciliation talks in Brussels mean that the UK will keep its opt-out from the EU Working Time Directive...[more]