HLAS

As HMRC ramps up its efforts to tackle National Minimum Wage (NMW) noncompliance, ensuring that your business adheres to NMW regulations is crucial. Compliance can be more complex than it seems, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. HMRC is targeting SMEs HMRC appears to be focusing on SMEs, particularly in regions such as Belfast, Liverpool, East Anglia, Watford, and the North East, with plans to expand to more areas in the future. Key areas of NMW compliance to watch While paying the correct NMW rate is essential, compliance extends beyond this. Here are some critical areas [...]

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has announced a bluetongue restricted zone across Norfolk and Suffolk after several confirmed cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV3) in the area. As of 30 August, all cattle, sheep, and other ruminant and camelid keepers within this region are required to adhere to strict regulations concerning the movement of animals and germinal products. Essential movements within the restricted zone in Norfolk and Suffolk are allowed without a licence, but transporting these animals outside the area requires a specific licence. Bluetongue is primarily spread through bites from infected midges and poses no threat to humans. Meat and [...]

The Plan 1 student loan interest rate reduced to 6% (from 6.25%) from 30 August. This rate change applies across the UK with the Department for Education (DfE), the Welsh Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland (DfE NI) all confirming the change. The reduction follows the Bank of England Base Rate changing to 5% earlier in August. Those running payrolls and payroll bureaus should notice a reduction in student loan deductions for relevant employees in their September payrolls. If not, you may need to confirm that your payroll software has correctly updated. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/change-to-plan-1-student-loan-interest-rate-announcement

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics last week reveal that the UK economy saw no growth in July 2024. This marks the second consecutive month without growth, as June also showed no change. However, when looking at the three months ending in July, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – a key indicator of economic health – grew by 0.5% compared to the quarter ending in April. These figures suggest the economy is entering a period of stagnation after the growth and optimism experienced earlier this year. What could this mean for your business? Often, GDP figures reflect what you’ve [...]

Barratt Developments, the UK's largest housebuilder, has announced a dramatic drop in pre-tax profits, down by 75% for the year ending June 2024. The company completed just 14,000 homes during this period, a notable decrease from the 17,000 homes delivered the previous year. Projections for the upcoming year suggest even lower figures, with estimates ranging between 13,000 and 13,500 homes. For businesses within the construction and property sectors, this downturn may signal difficult times ahead. High interest rates are discouraging potential buyers, while rising inflation is driving up costs, creating a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. If housebuilders like [...]

Last week, Companies House confirmed that their online services will move to the GOV.UK One Login beginning from autumn 2024. The GOV.UK One Login is becoming an increasingly important way of accessing government digital services. It means that you only need one account, one username, and one password to access a range of government services. The Login is already used for a number of government services, including those related to being an apprenticeship provider, finding and applying for grants, and in Wales to manage fishing permits and catch returns. Ultimately, the GOV.UK One Login will be used to access all [...]

In a recent case reported by the Insolvency Service, two connected corporate rescue firms, Atherton Corporate (UK) Ltd and Atherton Corporate Rescue Limited, have been shut down by the UK courts. Trading under the Atherton brand, these companies claimed to provide struggling business owners with a legal alternative to formal insolvency procedures. However, they misled clients by encouraging them to sell their financially distressed businesses in a manner that allowed them to avoid liquidation while retaining company assets, without accepting responsibility for the company’s debts. This scheme was supported by five associated companies that purchased the distressed businesses, appointing new [...]

A recent report by the British Chambers of Commerce and Tussell has brought to light the persistent challenges faced by the public sector in reaching its procurement targets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite ongoing efforts by the UK government to increase the procurement of goods and services from SMEs, the latest figures indicate a continuing shortfall. In 2023, SMEs received just 20% of the public sector’s direct procurement spend, totalling £39.7 billion out of a total £194.8 billion. The Current Landscape While the overall value of public sector procurement with SMEs has risen by 77% over the past [...]

As a business owner or manager, it's crucial to respond promptly to information requests, especially Subject Access Requests (SARs). The recent reprimand issued to the Labour Party by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) highlights the legal obligations and potential repercussions of failing to meet these requirements. What Happened? The Labour Party was reprimanded by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for repeatedly failing to respond to SARs in a timely manner. SARs are requests from individuals asking an organisation to provide any personal data it holds about them and details on how that data is being used. Under data protection law, [...]

This month, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a major government crackdown on employers hiring migrants illegally. Overview of the Government's Crackdown Between Sunday 18 and Saturday 24 August, Immigration Enforcement teams conducted a series of targeted visits to businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, with a particular focus on car washes. During this intensive week of action, over 275 premises were visited. As a result, 135 businesses were issued notices for employing illegal workers, and 85 illegal workers were detained. Potential Consequences for Non-Compliant Businesses The consequences for businesses found employing illegal workers are significant. Companies in breach of the [...]