New fit note scheme could save businesses millions

The introduction this April of the ‘fit note’ scheme could save UK businesses £240 million over the next decade, the government has claimed...[more]

Employers get reminder of move to online filing

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out letters to employers over the next few weeks alerting them to significant changes to the way that employer annual returns are to be filed...[more]

Small firms need alternative sources of finance

Sources of funding, other than those provided by the banks, may be the solution to the squeeze on credit affecting many small firms, a leading business group has argued...[more]

Businesses to get letters about online VAT filing

Businesses that meet the new rules for online VAT filing are being sent letters by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) informing them of the changes. ..[more]

Reform the tax regime to help businesses grow

A significant number of firms believe that the UK’s business tax regime has hindered their efforts to recruit more staff, a new survey has claimed...[more]

Raise VAT not national insurance, business group urges

The government should drop plans to raise national insurance contributions and instead should increase the rate of VAT to 18.5 per cent, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has argued. ..[more]

Health and safety growing in importance to firms

Businesses are adopting a more 'hands-on' approach to health and safety issues, a new survey has suggested...[more]

Government training scheme 'helped' during the recession

The government’s Train to Gain scheme, which is designed to help employers upgrade skill levels in their workforces, has been praised for its effectiveness in a new survey...[more]

Pay likely to remain under pressure

Salary freezes seem set to be a feature of the coming year, new research has suggested...[more]

Flexible working ‘not always’ to employers’ advantage

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has said that the introduction of flexible working patterns doesn’t invariably work to the benefit of employers...[more]

Revenue offers guidance on incorrect tax codes

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has responded to worries that a proportion of the new tax codes that are currently being issued may be incorrect. ..[more]

Share ownership among individuals sees downward trend

Just one in ten shares listed on the London Stock Exchange were owned by individuals at the end of 2008, new figures have revealed. ..[more]

Small firms regard business tax system as 'unfair'

Smaller businesses view the current tax system as unfair and want it simplified. ..[more]

Consultation on retirement age closes

The government’s consultation into the future of the default retirement age of 65 has closed...[more]

Small firms need to be more aware of European loans

More needs to be done to spread the message about the availability of affordable business loans from the European Investment Bank, a minister has conceded...[more]

Fathers to be entitled to six months of paternity leave

A new rule will allow mothers to swap a substantial part of their maternity leave with the father. ..[more]

HMRC issues penalties for late PAYE returns

HM Revenue and Customs has said that it is sending out penalty notices to those employers who have yet to submit annual PAYE returns (P35 and P14s) that were due by 19 May 2009. ..[more]

Action called for on tax code problems

More needs to be done to alert people to the risk that they may have been sent the wrong tax code. ..[more]

Drop the compulsory retirement age, says Equality Commission

Employees should be allowed to continue working after the age of 65, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has argued. ..[more]

Small firms offered free course in procuring public contracts

The government has launched a free course designed to help smaller firms pitch for the £220 billion of public sector business that is available each year. ..[more]

New agency worker rules could 'hamper' job creation

New regulations that will entitle temporary workers to many of the same employment rights as permanent staff have gone before Parliament. ..[more]

HMRC warns of new phishing scam

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning about a new email scam aimed at taxpayers. ..[more]

Businesses get chance to voice views on securing finance

The Treasury has invited smaller businesses to share their views on how best to improve the availability of finance to firms in the UK...[more]

Advertising budgets look set to rise

The amount that businesses spend on advertising will increase this year as the economy recovers from the recession, a new study has indicated. ..[more]

Gender pay reporting proposals outlined

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has set out its proposals for closing the pay gap between men and women. ..[more]

New regulations and tax rises could 'risk' recovery

The ability of firms to create jobs and to spearhead the economic recovery could be jeopardised by a “blizzard” of new business regulations and tax increases, it has been claimed. ..[more]

Clampdown promised on minimum wage evasion

A new HM Revenue and Customs team has been set up to tackle the problem of employers who breach the rules on the national minimum wage. ..[more]

Consultation begins on broadband tax

Plans for a proposed new levy aimed at raising funds to boost the UK’s broadband network have gone out to consultation. ..[more]

New VAT rules could be a burden for some UK firms

A major change to the way that VAT is charged across the EU could impose extra admin costs on UK firms. ..[more]

Policy shift could signal end of compulsory retirement age

Employees could be granted the right to continue working past the age of 65. ..[more]

Small employers question the nation's skills pool

Small firms have serious doubts about the quality of training and skills among the general population, a new survey has revealed. ..[more]

Government scheme secures £500 million in business loans

Over 5,000 firms have secured loans worth more £580 million under the government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme. ..[more]

Pensions policy requires 'radical' change of approach

Workplace pension schemes are in danger of failing to provide adequate retirement incomes, it has been claimed. ..[more]

Taxpayers get self-assessment reminder

Self-assessment taxpayers are being reminded that the date for filing their returns is looming. ..[more]

Demand for employees at its highest for over two years

The jobs market could be returning to its pre-credit crunch levels. ..[more]

A 'difficult' year ahead for employment

Employment conditions are expected to remain difficult throughout 2010 as businesses continue to struggle with weak demand. ..[more]

Capital allowances go green

Electric vans are to get a 100 per cent first year capital allowance...[more]

Reduce your utility costs

Utilities can account for a sizeable chunk of your firm’s costs, but you might find that you can make considerable savings in this area. Here are some cost-cutting ideas...[more]

VAT dos and don’ts

A brief guide to managing your VAT...[more]

Businesses get extra time to update VAT prices

Businesses are to get additional time in which to update price labels after the rate of VAT reverts to 17.5 per cent. ..[more]