HLAS

The menopause is a natural stage of life and yet it remains a taboo subject in many workplaces. People experiencing menopausal symptoms require the same support and understanding from their employer as anyone experiencing any ongoing health condition. Employers need to break the stigma and taboo surrounding the menopause at work and create an inclusive working environment where employees and managers feel confident to discuss any practical adjustments that may be needed. The Chartered Institute for Personal Development (CIPD) have support materials, guides, webinars and podcasts for professionals and people managers. You can also get up to date with the [...]

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published new guidance to help organisations effectively assess and gain confidence in the cyber security of their supply chains. The guidance follows a significant increase in cyber-attacks resulting from vulnerabilities within supply chains in recent years, including high-profile incidents such as the SolarWinds attack. These attacks can result in long-term, costly ramifications for affected organisations and their customers, yet the latest government data shows just over one in ten businesses review the risks posed by their immediate suppliers. The proportion for the wider supply chain is just 7%. This guidance aims to help cyber security [...]

A new period of this government begins for us all, again! We have a new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and a new cabinet facing the toughest economic conditions in decades. So what actions can we expect from the government in the next few weeks? Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will outline the UK's tax and spending programme on the 17 November as a full Autumn Statement. This has been delayed for further economic forecasts to be prepared. Mr Hunt has stated that this new government will set out to ensure UK borrowing falls over the medium term. The “upgrade” to a full Autumn [...]

Innovate UK has announced a new collaborative research and development (CR&D) competition. UK-registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £10 million for net zero propulsion innovative projects. Projects must demonstrate significant improvements in net zero propulsion technologies which may apply across multiple transport modes. The programme aims to build on previous sector-specific mobility programmes by creating a cross-sector platform. You are encouraged to apply your knowledge and capability to adjacent transport sectors including automotive, aerospace, maritime and rail. Your project must focus on one or more of the following transport sectors: Maritime - Clean maritime technologies for all sizes [...]

Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 Innovate UK is working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to invest up to £60 million in innovation projects. These will be to develop and deploy real-world operational demonstrations of clean maritime solutions in an operational setting. The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 3 is part of a suite of interventions to be launched by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). UK SHORE aims to transform the UK into a global leader in the design and manufacturing of clean maritime technology. Your proposal must develop, test and deploy novel clean [...]

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for: A grant to help pay for practical support with your work. Support with managing your mental health at work. Money to pay for communication support at job interviews. See: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Launched in 2022, ProtectUK is a new central hub for counterterrorism and security advice. Whether you’re a business owner, work in security, or are a member of the public, register with ProtectUK to become part of the community and receive the latest news and online courses that will enable you to be better protected. By signing up you can: Access the latest security guidance and conduct your own risk assessments. Stay informed about different threat types and how to avoid them. Read the latest news and participate in the community. Take part in online learning. See: Welcome to ProtectUK | [...]

In the Autumn Budget 2021, the UK Government published a consultation which ran from 27 October 2021 to 30 January 2022, inviting stakeholders to submit their views on the proposed reforms to the alcohol duty system. The Alcohol Duty Review aims to improve the current system by making it simpler, more economically rational and less administratively burdensome on businesses and HMRC. The document in the link below summarises the responses to the consultation and provides the government’s response. The government carefully considered the issues raised by respondents and stated that they were grateful for all of the input received. The [...]

The new form of the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) is designed to support access to finance for UK businesses as they look to invest and grow. Businesses can use the finance for any legitimate business purpose – including managing cash flow, investment, and growth. However, businesses must be able to afford to take out additional debt finance for these purposes. The British Business Bank will administer the scheme on behalf of the Secretary of State for the department for business, energy & industrial strategy (BEIS). Key features include: Up to £2 million per business group: The maximum amount of a facility [...]

HMRC is encouraging business owners, employers and the self-employed to check online to make sure they are not missing out on a range of tax reliefs and allowances. One page summary of all tax reliefs and allowances HMRC’s new page on GOV.UK summarises items that people running their own businesses should explore that could help them keep more of what they earn. With just one click, businesses, employers and the self-employed can find out their eligibility for tax reliefs and financial allowances, as well as how to claim them. These include: Tax-deductible business expenses If you’re self-employed, you can deduct some [...]