Proposals that could cut the length of time employers have to consult with their employees on large scale redundancies by up to a third have been published by the government. The new measures, outlined in a consultation launched by Employment Relations Minister Norman Lamb on 21 June, are designed to improve the ability of companies… Read more…

The UK’s creative industries are set to benefit from tax reliefs that are among the most generous in the world, according to the government. It has published a consultation on measures announced in the 2012 Budget, introducing tax reliefs targeted at animation, high-end TV and video games production. The reliefs are designed to support technological… Read more…

The government is asking employers for their view on plans to scrap legislation that makes bosses liable for harassment of their employees by customers or clients. The consultation, which was launched on 15 May and continues until 7 August, focuses on a third party harassment provision originally introduced in 2008 and included in the Equality… Read more…

A new service has been launched to help people who need to sort out tax issues following bereavement. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) announced on 21 May that it has set up a dedicated telephone helpline and address to improve services for people with queries on self assessment and PAYE matters after a death. HMRC… Read more…

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched new guidance on safety testing of electrical appliances, saying that unnecessary checks are costing office-based businesses an estimated £30 million a year. The HSE said that was a costly myth that every portable electrical appliance in the workplace must be tested once a year, leading to low-risk… Read more…

Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly has highlighted how the government is helping businesses to “get on with the job” by reforming the justice system. Mr Djanogly met representatives of leading businesses on 9 May to launch Justice for Business: Supporting Business and Promoting Growth, a new paper outlining the government’s work to make the justice system… Read more…

A new business lending service from online loans specialist Wonga is not what struggling enterprises need, according to business recovery experts. Wonga, which began lending to individuals in 2007, announced on 7 May that it was extending its service to offer “a new way for UK firms to smooth out financial bumps”, providing decisions in… Read more…

New HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guidance to clarify the risk of contractors being caught by the IR35 intermediaries legislation has been attacked as a missed opportunity. The 47-page document, published on 9 May, explains the risk bands HMRC will use to gauge how likely it is that it needs to check whether IR35 applies… Read more…

A leading accountancy organisation has warned that the majority of UK businesses have no contingency plans in place in response to the economic turmoil in the eurozone. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) conducted a survey of more than 500 of its members working in senior finance roles in commercial businesses.… Read more…

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has highlighted the availability of mobile apps that can help small businesses with record keeping on the go. Commercial software businesses, following consultation with HMRC, have developed the apps for businesses below the VAT threshold. HMRC said: “These applications may help with maintaining good records and include links to HMRC… Read more…