HLAS

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 [...]

As previously highlighted, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has introduced its new, free Cyber Action Toolkit, created to help small businesses bolster their cyber security in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. The toolkit is aimed at organisations without dedicated IT teams or substantial security budgets and provides clear, practical steps that can be put into practice immediately. Helping small businesses take action The NCSC acknowledges that many smaller firms find cyber security intimidating—often believing it to be overly technical, too expensive, or simply not urgent. The vast amount of guidance available can also feel overwhelming, leading many to postpone [...]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are writing to some taxpayers to tell them what they need to do to get ready for the new Making Tax Digital rules that come into force next April. What is Making Tax Digital? Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to provide their business accounts and tax information to HMRC. It involves using software to maintain digital accounting records and then submit reports to HMRC each quarter. From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital will be mandatory for almost all sole traders and landlords who had [...]

The UK unemployment rate has increased to 5% in the three months to September, reaching its highest level since early 2021, according to newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise is slightly sharper than anticipated and adds to indications that the labour market is beginning to lose momentum. This uptick comes shortly before the government’s Budget later this month and could heighten the pressure surrounding the Chancellor’s forthcoming decisions. Signs of a cooling jobs market Although unemployment has edged higher, job vacancies have held broadly steady at around 723,000 between August and October. Initial figures [...]