HLAS

Let us have hope that in 2022 we return to a more normal way of life free of the restrictions that we have faced over the last two years. The pandemic happened and now is not the time to reflect how it happened or judge how it was managed, indeed further restrictions have recently been introduced and all we can do is take precautions individually to prevent the Omicron virus spreading and continue to take responsibility in the community to socially distance and help prevent the spread. Last year, despite the lockdowns and restrictions, we have been amazed at the [...]

The government announced in late December additional economic support to help businesses who have been most impacted by the Omicron variant. New Business Grants The government is introducing a new grant scheme to support businesses that are experiencing difficulties because of the Omicron variant. Hospitality and leisure premises will benefit from targeted grant support. The Additional Restrictions Grant will also be topped up so local authorities (LAs) can continue to use their discretion to support other businesses in their area, based on local economic need. Hospitality (defined as accommodation, food & beverage services) and leisure premises will benefit from targeted [...]

We encourage all clients to consider taking time to prepare a 2022 Strategic plan. “A sailor without a destination will never get a favourable wind” It is easier to get to your destination with a plan. We all know this simple truth. If you are driving from A to B it helps to know where A is and the directions you need to take. If you have a vision of what you want your business to look like when it is “complete” then you are in a position to drive your business towards the vision and you can monitor how [...]

In his Spring 2021 Budget the Chancellor announced that there would be 8 “Freeports” in England with generous tax breaks to encourage businesses to set up and invest in those areas. The devolved governments will also be announcing locations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in due course. The proposed locations of the freeports can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/freeports#where-are-they-located Summary of Freeport tax advantages The main tax and customs duty advantages of locating in a designated freeport area are as follows:- SDLT exemption on the purchase of land and buildings in the area 10 year write off of the cost [...]

The government is reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS). This will be a temporary scheme to support employers facing heightened levels of sickness absence due to COVID-19. The SSPRS will refund small and medium-sized employers’ COVID-related SSP costs for up to two weeks per employee. To qualify for the scheme employers must have less than 250 employees. Employers will be eligible for the scheme if they are UK-based, employed fewer than 250 employees as of 30 November 2021, they had a PAYE payroll system as of 30 November 2021 and they have already paid their employees’ COVID-related SSP. [...]

HMRC have written to traders with a reminder of the changes coming into force from 1 January 2022 and how they might affect the way goods are imported and exported between Great Britain and the EU. You can read this letter, along with more information about these changes by going to GOV.UK Temporary arrangements for movements from Ireland and Northern Ireland The UK government has announced that current customs arrangements for goods moving from Ireland and Northern Ireland to Great Britain will be extended for as long as discussions between the UK and EU on the operation of the Northern Ireland [...]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self-Assessment tax payers to declare any COVID-19 grant payments on their 2020 to 2021 tax return. These grants are taxable, and you should declare them on your 2020 to 2021 tax return before the deadline on 31 January 2022. The Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) application and payment windows during the 2020 to 2021 tax year were: SEISS 1: 13 May 2020 to 13 July 2020 SEISS 2: 17 August 2020 to 19 October 2020 SEISS 3: 29 November 2020 to 29 January 2021 SEISS is not the only COVID-19 support scheme [...]

How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England. From Wednesday 15 December the coronavirus (COVID-19) rules for visiting certain venues and events changed. To enter certain venues and events in England you must have proof that you: are vaccinated with 2 doses of an approved vaccine (or one of the single-dose Janssen vaccine) – the government will keep this under review as boosters are rolled out have taken a PCR or rapid lateral flow test within the last 48 hours, or are exempt from [...]

The Review will consider whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence. The Pensions Act 2014 requires the government to regularly review State Pension age, and in accordance with law, this latest Review must be published by 7 May 2023. State Pension age is currently 66 and two further increases are currently set out in legislation: a gradual rise to 67 for those born on or after April 1960; and a gradual rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046 for those born on or after April 1977. The first Review [...]

The advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been updated to reflect recent government announcements. This advice is for you if you are pregnant and working as an employee. This includes pregnant healthcare professionals. It will help you discuss with your line manager and occupational health team how best to ensure health and safety in the workplace. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-pregnant-employees?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=cba7a635-8615-497d-9d56-42b75160357c&utm_content=daily