Business tax rises will ‘push up’ unemployment

The government has been urged not to impose additional taxes on smaller businesses. ..[more]

Online advertising and pricing to come under investigation

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said that it intends to monitor the pricing and advertising policies of firms that sell on the internet. ..[more]

Government delays introduction of employment regulations

The government has chosen to put back the implementation of the EU temporary worker’s directive until the last possible date in an effort to maintain labour market flexibility. ..[more]

Put retirement age up to 70, argue employers

A leading employers’ group, the Institute of Directors (IoD), has called for a radical overhaul and simplification of the pensions system. ..[more]

Lending service could help smaller firms

The banks have been urged to engage with a special intermediary lending service aimed at securing the flow of credit to viable small businesses. ..[more]

Tax changes would help support economic recovery

The Chancellor has been urged ahead of his pre-Budget Report to introduce changes to the tax system as a way of helping to stimulate economic growth. ..[more]

UK businesses becoming more productive

British businesses are showing signs of improvement in an area where they have long and traditionally lagged behind the international competition: worker productivity.
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Consultation launched on new paternity leave plans

The government has published its consultation document on plans to extend paid paternity leave. ..[more]

Businesses lax about identity fraud

Firms are not paying sufficient attention to safeguarding information they hold on their customers, it has been claimed. ..[more]

Business waste strategy needs overhaul

The government has been urged to carry out a radical review of its strategy for dealing with waste so businesses can benefit from the opportunities that resource management has to offer. ..[more]

Recession almost over, says BCC

The UK economy is on the verge of coming out of recession, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said. ..[more]

A third of firms keep wages on hold

One out of three firms have imposed wage freezes on their employees this year, a new study has found. ..[more]

New tax-free savings limits for the over-50s

Savers aged over 50 now have the chance to invest more in tax-free ISA savings accounts. ..[more]

More funds going into workplace pension schemes

Both employers and employees have stepped up their level of investment in defined contribution pension schemes over the past two years. ..[more]

Firms get VAT payment change reminder

Businesses are being reminded that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has changed its account details for VAT payments. ..[more]

Freeze business regulation to create jobs

Putting a stop to new business regulation and simplifying existing rules would help boost job creation, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed. ..[more]

HMRC announces harmonised interest rates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the new interest rates that will be charged for and paid on late and overpaid taxes...[more]

Jobcentres failing to help small businesses

The Jobcentre Plus network needs urgent reform if it is to combat rising unemployment and to help small firms recruit new employees...[more]

Let business fuel the recovery, government told

Businesses must be given the freedom to create jobs and to drive the economy, a leading business group has said.
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More needs to be done to soften impact of business rates rise

Plans for curbing the effects of increases in business rates, due next April, are not sufficiently far-reaching, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said...[more]

Employers given more time to prepare for pension reforms

The government’s pension scheme for lower income employees is not to be introduced fully until 2016, a year later than originally planned.
..[more]

HMRC announces harmonised interest rates

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced the new interest rates that will be charged for and paid on late and overpaid taxes.
..[more]