Upturn in business confidence heralds ‘end’ of recession

A surge in confidence among business professionals could suggest that UK is about to emerge from the recession.

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Timetable for tax refund claims is changing

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder that the dates for claiming back overpaid tax are changing.
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Tax plans would help high streets recover

The Chancellor has been urged to drop VAT on energy efficient domestic appliances in a scheme that would mirror the car scrappage programme. ..[more]

Recession pushes green policies down the business agenda

Smaller businesses are devoting less attention to green policies as they cope with the economic downturn, a new survey has revealed.

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Drop National Insurance increase to save jobs

The government has been urged to scrap plans to increase National Insurance payments in response to rising unemployment figures...[more]

Fraudsters target online tax returns

Criminals are making fraudulent claims for refunds in a new scam aimed at online self-assessment tax returns...[more]

Firms say jobs still under pressure

Jobs continue to be at risk during the economic downturn, with a significant proportion of employers contemplating redundancies over the next six months...[more]

Lending ‘monopoly’ is hitting smaller firms

Mergers between big financial high street institutions and government measures aimed at stimulating lending amongst the larger banks in the aftermath of the credit crunch are having the effect of suffocating competition and limiting the choices of finance open to small firms, it has been claimed...[more]

Credit conditions remain tough for SMEs

Larger businesses are experiencing a greater availability of credit for the first time this year, but smaller firms are continuing to struggle to access capital, the CBI has reported...[more]

Small businesses get free access to government contracts site

Every small business in the UK is to have free access to thousands of lower value government contracts, it has been announced...[more]

Disclosure offer should cover more taxpayers

The latest campaign by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) designed to encourage people with undeclared funds in offshore accounts to disclose their tax liabilities should be extended...[more]

Workplace parking tax scheme given go-ahead

The government has given the green light to a scheme that will see businesses paying tax on staff parking spaces...[more]

Keep new temporary worker regulations simple

Employment groups have called on the government to ensure that new rules giving temporary workers the right to equal treatment do not add to the administrative burdens of employers..[more]

Easier rates payment scheme could be hit by admin problems

A scheme aimed at helping firms pay their business rates may face delays because of problems in implementing it...[more]

New minimum pay rate for apprentices

The minimum weekly wage for apprentices has increased as from 1 August...[more]

Small firms will need help to thrive after the recession

The government has been called on to provide SMEs with help once the economy emerges from the downturn...[more]

HMRC warns taxpayers of increase in email scams

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has alerted taxpayers to the risk posed by thousands of bogus emails offering people tax refunds...[more]

Plans mooted to extend self-certification sick note period

Proposals are being discussed to allow employees to self-certify sick leave for a longer period during any swine flu pandemic...[more]

Savers to benefit from improved compensation rules

Savers will get better protection in the event of their bank or building society collapsing...[more]

Last ‘amnesty’ for unpaid taxes on offshore accounts

People who have money in offshore accounts but have not disclosed the tax that may be owing are being given a second and final chance to settle their bills at a reduced penalty rate...[more]