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]