HLAS

Tax-free childcare accounts will gradually replace childcare voucher schemes as no new schemes could be set up after 4 October 2018. Those within voucher schemes continue to be eligible until their child is aged 16, provided the employer is willing to continue operating the scheme. Many organisations provided the vouchers by way of salary sacrifice and there were tax and NIC advantages for both employers and employees. Despite the PAYE and NIC advantages, not all employers provided childcare vouchers. Depending upon when they joined the voucher scheme, employees could be provided with vouchers worth up to £55 a week (£2,860 [...]

The UK Seafood Fund is a £100 million fund set up to support the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fisheries and seafood sector. The fund is managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The fund’s objectives are to: Reform and modernise infrastructure to level up and bring economic growth to coastal communities. Ensure the best science, research and technology are used in fisheries management. Encourage new entrants to the industry and upskill the existing workforce. Enable an environmentally sustainable fishing industry that gives the most value for money and reflects the long-term needs of [...]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is advising businesses to think about how they need to adapt to warmer working conditions for their staff. After last month’s record-breaking temperatures and with more hot weather this month, HSE is asking employers to ensure extreme heat becomes part of their long-term planning. With temperatures reaching 40oC in some parts of the UK in July, adapting to climate change is something all businesses will need to consider as warmer weather becomes more frequent. Employers have a legal obligation under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations to assess risks to the health [...]

Many employers are currently facing challenges in recruiting the people they need to help their businesses survive and prosper. It has never been more important for those employers to keep and develop the people they already have. It’s therefore crucial that businesses have the tools they need to prevent long-term absence and avoidable job loss because of ill health or disability. The UK Government is testing a new online service for employers, which provides advice and guidance on managing health and disability in the workplace and also explains your legal obligations and good practice. This may be particularly helpful for smaller [...]

For limited companies, when it comes to making decisions, company law states that shareholders who own more than 50% can pass a motion at a company meeting regardless of the views of other shareholders. If a shareholder(s) owns more than 75% of the shares, they control the company outright and can veto the decisions of all other shareholders. This may not suit all business situations, especially where you have two or more founders holding equal share capital or a group of owners with varying amounts of capital, some of whom are directors and some who are not, but who are [...]

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 focus on community and collaboration by bringing together those who make it their business to inspire female business [...]

Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £3 million in collaborative innovation projects, including partnerships with: The National Physical Laboratory The National Measurement Laboratory The National Engineering Laboratory The Science and Technology Facilities Council National Institute for Biological Standards and Control National Gear Metrology Lab Newton Gateway to Mathematics Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies This competition is split into two strands. These are: A4I round 8 - main strand (for projects with total costs of £15,000 to £120,000) A4I round 8 - mini projects (for projects with total costs of up to £50,000) To be [...]

Do you know how to address drug and alcohol misuse at work? Employers have a legal duty to protect employees’ health, safety and welfare. Understanding the signs of drug and alcohol misuse (or abuse) will help you manage health and safety risks in your workplace. The HSE website has step-by-step guidance to help you manage drug and alcohol misuse at work. This includes advice on how to develop a drugs and alcohol policy and what you can do to support your employees.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants will be able to take advantage of the warm weather and keep serving customers al fresco. Temporary changes brought in during COVID-19, which made it quicker, easier and cheaper for businesses to get a licence to serve food and drink on pavements and pedestrianised roads, have been extended. The extension will continue until the changes are made permanent in the spring. The change was first introduced to help businesses keep operating during the pandemic and was widely welcomed by the public, café owners and pub landlords. The government will make these changes permanent in the Levelling [...]

At the end of July, the government finally got around to publishing its response to the 2018 consultation on employment status. The consultation took place as the result of government concerns over false self-employment, particularly in the “Gig” economy. Employers and professional bodies have heavily criticised the updated guidance as it still lacks clarity. There is even separate guidance to employers and engagers dealing with employment rights and tax status: Employment status and rights: checklist for employers and other engagers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Check employment status for tax - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Part of the problem is the lack of detail [...]