HLAS

Why should I outsource my bookkeeping? As a small business owner, the thought of outsourcing your bookkeeping might not have crossed your mind. Bookkeeping is just a fancy word for noting down your outgoings, isn’t it? Well, not quite… it’s just the beginning! Understanding the true load of bookkeeping will not only ensure your business is compliant but it can be used to propel you forward, too. Let’s find out more. 5 key reasons to outsource bookkeeping as a small business Your accounts will remain accurate and up-to-date Accountants tasked with your bookkeeping will make it their sole focus, meaning [...]

This has been updated and outlines what to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support. In the small number of situations where the self-isolation of close contacts would result in serious disruption to critical services, a limited number of named workers may be able to leave self-isolation under specific controls for the purpose of undertaking critical work only. This process is only intended to run until 16 August 2021, when fully vaccinated close contacts will be exempt from self-isolation. The government will [...]

The non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated for the move to COVID-19 rules step 4 on 19 July. See:  Guidance for landlords and tenants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants There is updated guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales. See:  Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Venues in certain sectors should continue to ask customers, visitors and staff to 'check in', to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Establishments in the following sectors should encourage attendees to check in and maintain records of staff, customers and visitors who choose to provide their contact details: hospitality, including pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes tourism and leisure, including theatres, museums and cinemas close contact services places of worship facilities provided by local authorities such as libraries and community centres Venues should: ask every customer or visitor (over the age of 16) to ‘check in’ by: scanning the [...]

This guidance contains advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. If you are pregnant and have let your employer know in writing of your pregnancy, your employer should carry out a risk assessment to follow the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW) or the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000. This may involve obtaining advice from the occupational health department. See the workplace risk assessment guidance for healthcare workers and for vulnerable people working in other industries. Information contained in the RCOG/RCM guidance on [...]

The government has published this guidance for private providers of ‘Test to Release for international travel’. By law, all tests used for the purpose of shortening the self-isolation period for international arrivals must meet certain minimum standards. Providers must also complete a declaration that their tests meet these standards. The minimum standards can be seen here: Minimum standards for private-sector providers of COVID-19 testing for ‘Test to Release for international travel’ - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are travelling abroad, it is advisable to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go. To understand the risks in a country, including the latest COVID restrictions (including for entry), follow FCDO Travel Advice. To prevent new COVID variants from entering the UK, you should not travel to red list countries. Check what you need to do to travel abroad and return to England, or read travel guidance for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises against all but essential travel to many countries and territories, due to coronavirus (COVID-19) risks. You should check the travel advice for your destination and [...]

CJRS claims for July can now be submitted and must be made by Monday‌‌ ‌16‌‌ August. Employers can claim 70% of furloughed employees' usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,187.50 per month. They will need to pay the difference, so that they continue to pay furloughed employees at least 80% of their usual wages in total for the hours they do not work, up to a cap of £2,500 a month. Employers can still choose to top up employees' wages above the 80% level or cap for each month if they wish, at their own [...]

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released a survey on the hospitality sector during coronavirus) with a focus on the most recent easing of restrictions in spring 2021. This Includes details of how the sector has performed and the future of employment in hospitality. The key findings are not unexpected and are summarised below: Hospitality has been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the impact has been uneven; bars and clubs have fared the worst, but campsites had a relatively better year than the rest of the sector. Consumer spending on hospitality started to increase in May [...]