HLAS

Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them'. Some people benefit from a certain amount of pressure as it can keep them motivated. However, when there is too much pressure it can lead to stress. Stress is not an illness, but it can affect a person's physical and mental health. If not properly managed, stress can cause: 'burnout' (physical and emotional exhaustion); Anxiety; and Depression. Stress can increase the risk of physical illnesses. For example: heart disease; back pain; digestive conditions [...]

The Extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme has been deferred for a year until October 2025. The UK government has stated that following engagement with industry, and in light of the pressure facing consumers and businesses in the current economic context, new rules to ensure packaging producers pay for the cost of recycling their packaging will be deferred a year from October 2024 to 2025. The Government will use the additional year to continue to discuss the scheme’s design with industry and reduce the costs of implementation wherever possible. In anticipation of EPR, producers have already started to use less packaging [...]

The Great British Businesswoman Awards brings together the whole Great British Businesswoman Series community to celebrate the women who are changing the face of business across the United Kingdom. The awards showcase the business role models, advocates and mentors, as well as the inspirational women leading businesses and those ascending to new heights! More than just an awards ceremony, the Great British Businesswoman Awards is a year-round programme of engagement, delivering touch points throughout the year to support and champion. The awards are free to enter and the closing date to apply is 27 August 2023. See: https://www.greatbritishbusinesswoman.co.uk/

Taxpayers could take advantage of four key benefits when filing their tax return early, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has stated. The Self-Assessment deadline for the 2022 to 2023 tax year is 31 January 2024. Taxpayers who file early will have more control over their financial affairs and beat the January rush. The four benefits HMRC promote are: Planning: find out what you owe for the 2022 to 2023 tax year as soon as you have filed, which allows for more accurate financial planning; Budgeting: spread the cost of your tax bill with weekly or monthly payments using HMRC’s Budget Payment Plan; [...]

We were finally getting over the financial crisis when Covid struck. Russia’s war in Ukraine has not only meant human suffering – it has affected the entire global economy, driving up the cost of food and energy. It adds to the hardship for those on low incomes and means serious food security risks in the world’s poorest economies. UK businesses of every size face challenges that are unprecedented and often worrying. So, what steps could you take to have more control over your future? A business might have a great product or service but without a strategic plan to help [...]

The Growth Impact Fund provides social investment for early stage, growing social businesses that are: led by diverse leaders and teams; looking to grow their trading income; and looking to help tackle inequality. The Fund was developed by Big Issue Invest and UnLtd with support from Shift, who are all committed to tackling the structural barriers within social investment and offers between £50,000 and £1,500,000 of investment. There are three flexible investment types aimed to meet your needs: Equity - Shares in your organisation; Revenue Share - Repayments based on your organisation's revenue performance; and Patient Debt - Regular repayments [...]

Thousands of people are to be equipped with the right skills to make homes more energy efficient, as training courses will be rolled out across the country. Training providers, such as colleges and accreditation providers, will be able to bid for a share of £8.85 million to help up to 8,000 people – whether current installers or those new to the industry – develop the skills and expertise needed to retrofit homes with energy saving measures. The courses will be free or provided at low cost and will cover a range of key energy efficiency measures, from putting in loft [...]

Acas is updating its statutory Code of Practice on handling requests for flexible working, to reflect the anticipated reforms to legislation, significant shift in flexible working in the workplace and changing views since their existing Code was published in 2014. Their non-statutory guidance will also be updated, which sits alongside the Code. The aim of the Code is to provide employers, employees, and representatives with a clear explanation of the law on the statutory right to request flexible working, alongside good practice advice on handling requests in a reasonable manner. Contributions are welcome from all interested individuals and organisations. This [...]

Banks will be forced to explain and delay any decision to close an account under new rules, protecting freedom of expression. The government has stepped in to address fears that banks are terminating accounts because they disagree with someone’s political beliefs. The changes will increase the notice period to 90 days – giving customers more time to challenge a decision through the Financial Ombudsman Service or find a replacement bank. Banks will also be required to spell out why they are terminating a bank account – boosting transparency for customers and aiding their efforts to overturn decisions. The changes were [...]

This summer more families arriving into the UK will benefit from quicker entry to the UK using eGates, thanks to an expansion of the service to 10 and 11 year olds. Following successful trials across major ports including Gatwick, Stansted, and Heathrow Airports this spring, from Monday 24 July 2023, more families returning and eligible visitors to the UK over the school summer holiday will now benefit from the use of eGates as a faster way to travel through the UK border, with a recent YouGov poll showing that 42% of the UK public plan to jet abroad over the [...]