HLAS

As the festive season approaches, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is urging anyone who earns money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items to check whether they need to report their earnings for last year. HMRC’s “Help for Hustles” campaign highlights the importance of understanding when extra income becomes taxable. While selling personal belongings from a clear-out generally does not need to be reported, making or selling items for profit - such as handmade decorations, upcycled furniture or running a seasonal market stall - may be subject to tax. What You Need to Know Anyone who earned [...]

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a series of actions aimed at improving price transparency and addressing misleading online sales practices. This marks the first significant use of its new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), which came into force earlier this year. The CMA carried out a cross-economy review involving more than 400 businesses across 19 sectors. Concerns were identified in 14 sectors, particularly relating to drip pricing and the use of misleading countdown timers. Focus on Online Pricing Practices The CMA has launched investigations into eight named businesses due to concerns [...]

For many sole traders and small business owners, reviewing their accounting system only happens when something forces the issue. For example, a number of sole traders are currently assessing whether their accounting software meets the requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. However, even without regulatory changes, taking the time to review your accounting system can deliver real benefits. Choosing the right platform can save time, reduce the risk of errors and give you clearer visibility over your business’s finances. Here are some practical points to keep in mind. 1. Identify Your Needs Consider what you or your team [...]

UK inflation eased to 3.6% in the year to October, down from 3.8% in September, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Although still higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target, this represents the slowest rate of price growth in four months and arrives just ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget. What Is Driving the Latest Change? The ONS noted that smaller rises in household energy costs were a major contributor to the slowdown. Ofgem increased the energy price cap in October, but the 2% rise was significantly lower than the 9.6% increase applied [...]

As the festive season draws near, employers are being reminded of their duty to take reasonable measures to prevent sexual harassment at work-related events, including Christmas parties. The Worker Protection Act 2023 places a preventative obligation on employers to safeguard staff from harassment in the workplace — whether at their usual place of work or during work-related social gatherings. Heightened risks during festive events Workplace parties are generally positive occasions that help bring colleagues together. However, the combination of social settings, alcohol consumption, and events held outside normal working hours can increase the likelihood of inappropriate behaviour. Employers are encouraged [...]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a public consultation on proposals aimed at improving the application of the Control of Asbestos Regulations and the accompanying guidance on asbestos management. What the consultation covers The consultation invites views on three key proposals: • Strengthening independence and impartiality in the four-stage clearance process following asbestos removal, to further minimise the risk of exposure. • Enhancing standards for asbestos surveys so that dutyholders receive clearer and more reliable information to manage asbestos risks. • Clarifying which types of asbestos work fall under Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW). The consultation is likely to [...]

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit protection limit will increase from £85,000 to £120,000 from the start of December. The new threshold applies per depositor, per PRA-authorised bank, building society or credit union. The PRA has confirmed that HM Treasury has approved the change. This is the first change to the limit since 2017 and follows a consultation earlier in the year. The PRA had initially proposed that the limit should rise to £110,000, but feedback provided in the consultation and the latest inflation data prompted a higher final figure. Temporary [...]

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has begun a consultation on newly drafted guidance outlining how it investigates potential data protection breaches and carries out enforcement action. Increasing transparency The proposed guidance clarifies the processes the ICO follows when it believes an organisation may have breached the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) or the Data Protection Act 2018. Key points in the draft guidance The draft document explains: • How the ICO determines whether to launch an investigation or resolve concerns through alternative means. • What organisations can expect if an investigation proceeds. • How the ICO intends to [...]

From 7 November 2025, professional bus, coach and lorry drivers with diabetes are now permitted to use modern glucose-monitoring technology, including Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS). These devices use sensors to track glucose levels in real time. Previously, Group 2 drivers — those licensed to operate buses and lorries — were required to depend on finger-prick blood tests to check their glucose levels before and while driving. Under the updated rules, they may now use CGMS, aligning them with Group 1 drivers (car and motorcycle), who have been authorised to use this technology since 2018. From 7 November, bus, coach [...]

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed plans to raise its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The change will affect applications and renewals for patents, trademarks, and designs. This marks the first major fee increase in several years, with some fees unchanged for more than two decades. The IPO says the rise is necessary to keep pace with inflation and maintain the quality of its services. The change means most fees will go up by around a quarter. For example: A patent search will rise from £150 to £200. A trademark [...]