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Government extends further support to businesses affected by COVID-19
Under increasing pressure from business groups, local authority leaders and the public, the Government has decided to extend several of its existing support measures to help businesses across the UK – regardless of whether they are forced to close or…
Chancellor expands Job Support Scheme and grants to businesses facing new COVID-19 restrictions
The Chancellor has announced that the Government will expand the new Job Support Scheme (JSS) to assist jobs and businesses required to close their doors as a result of tougher Coronavirus restrictions. The announcement was made ahead of new plans…
Government issues new guidance on the Job Retention Bonus
Employers will be able to apply for the Job Retention Bonus (JRB) between 15 February 2021 and 31 March 2021. This one-off taxable payment to employers offers £1,000 for each eligible employee that was furloughed and kept continuously employed until…
Businesses may be entitled to insurance pay-out after important judgment
A new judgment at the High Court has clarified that policyholders denied business interruption (BI) insurance claims due to COVID-19 may be due compensation. In an important test case, brought by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the court has found…
Latest SEISS grants introduce new qualifying conditions
As part of the Government’s plan to extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) for a further six months, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced new conditions that must be met. The scope of the extended scheme will now…
New Coronavirus regulations place self-isolation obligations on employers
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) Regulations 2020 came into effect on 28 September 2020 and place new obligations on employers in relation to self-isolation. Regulation 7 creates a new offence of knowingly permitting a worker, including agency workers, to…
Price of plastic bags in England to double to 10p
The price of plastic bags in larger retailers in England will double from 5p to 10p from April next year. The 5p charge was first introduced in 2015 and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) says that…
Companies House reforms to combat fraud and assist businesses
Companies House, the UK’s register of company information, is to be reformed under new plans designed to prevent fraud and money laundering. As part of the reforms, directors will have to have their identity verified by Companies House before they…
Is the Government considering a National Living Wage freeze?
New reports have suggested that the Treasury may be considering postponing a planned increase to the National Living Wage (NLW) rates next year. Under plans outlined last December by then Chancellor, Sajid Javid, the legal minimum wage paid to workers…
Time to prepare (once again) for the VAT reverse charge
In just a few months, more than 150,000 businesses connected to the construction industry will have to make a fundamental change to how they manage their VAT affairs. Although the world has been in lockdown, and with it, parts of…
