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7 July 2010 Business welcomes Government efforts to ‘cut red tape’ Business leaders have welcomed the launch of a new Government website aimed at cutting ‘pointless regulation and unnecessary bureaucracy’. Read More

7 July 2010 Government to launch Regional Growth Fund A new £1 billion Regional Growth Fund is to be set up to support enterprises in those areas of England which are most likely to be affected by cuts in public sector spending. Read More

7 July 2010 Government urged to get tough on bank lending The Coalition Government is being urged to revive a small business lending forum in a bid to boost the supply of credit to UK firms. Read More

30 June 2010 Consumers to ‘save millions’ as ISA transfer times cut Providers of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) have agreed to speed up the process for switching accounts following a new report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Read More

30 June 2010 Budget pension plans come under scrutiny The 2010 Emergency Budget revealed a number of measures that will affect the pension system. Read More

30 June 2010 Public sector 'should learn from recession' as spending cuts loom The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on the public sector to use the lessons learned from the private sector's experience of the recession, as Government departments prepare for the unprecedented spending cuts announced in the Emergency Budget. Read More

23 June 2010 Changes to the welfare system Meanwhile, many recipients of state benefits are set to feel the pinch. Benefits, tax credits and public service pensions will in future be uprated in line with the consumer prices index of inflation (CPI), rather than the retail prices index. Read More

23 June 2010 The Emergency Budget 2010: what the changes mean for you Sweeping changes to taxation and the welfare system announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the Emergency Budget mean that the majority of taxpayers will be affected. Read More

23 June 2010 Emergency Budget 2010: the business reaction Business leaders have given their initial reactions to the Emergency Budget announcements, following Chancellor George Osborne's speech to the House of Commons. Read More

23 June 2010 Emergency Budget 2010: the political reaction Following the Chancellor's Emergency Budget speech, the opposition has voiced its opinions on the measures announced. Read More

23 June 2010 Osborne declares Britain 'open for business' Billed as a 'tough but fair' Budget, Chancellor George Osborne has announced his plans to tackle the UK's record deficit while sustaining the economy, in the Emergency Budget. Read More

16 June 2010 New fiscal watchdog downgrades growth forecasts The new Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has cut the previous Labour Government’s economic growth forecasts after it found that they were ‘too optimistic’. Read More

16 June 2010 Bank payments system comes under fire The Faster Payments system has been criticised for failing to make banking transactions simpler and more efficient for consumers. Read More

16 June 2010 CBI calls for ‘bold and ambitious Budget’ The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on the Chancellor George Osborne to deliver a ‘bold and ambitious Budget’ which concentrates on reducing Britain’s record deficit. Read More

9 June 2010 Workers taking ‘fewer sick days’ Employees took an average of six and a half days off sick last year, the lowest number since absence records began in 1987, according to a new report. Read More

9 June 2010 CGT rise would ‘penalise 200,000 ‘ordinary taxpayers’ More than 200,000 ‘ordinary employees and savers’ would be hit by a proposed rise in capital gains tax (CGT), the Institute of Directors (IoD) has warned. Read More

9 June 2010 Cable outlines plans to cut ‘deluge’ of red tape Further details on how the Government plans to cut the volume of regulation facing UK firms have been outlined by the Business Secretary Vince Cable. Read More

2 June 2010 Employers urged to avoid 'own goal' during World Cup The TUC is calling on UK employers to demonstrate flexibility during the forthcoming World Cup tournament, by allowing their staff to take time off to watch the televised football matches. Read More

2 June 2010 Government 'listening to concerns' over capital gains tax The new Government has pledged to 'listen to concerns' over its plans to increase capital gains tax (CGT), as the emergency Budget looms closer. Read More

2 June 2010 VAT hike could have an ‘adverse impact on the economy’ Raising VAT to 20% would have a ‘deep and long-lasting’ impact on the economy, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned. Read More

26 May 2010 Queen’s speech proposes ‘extension to flexible working’ The right to request flexible working could eventually be given to all employees, under new plans outlined in the Queen’s speech. Read More

26 May 2010 Business group calls for ‘urgent review’ of red tape The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for an ‘urgent and sweeping review’ of business regulations, after it was revealed that red tape cost UK firms £88.3 billion last year. Read More

26 May 2010 Osborne pledges corporation tax reform Newly appointed Chancellor, George Osborne, has pledged to cut the headline rate of corporation tax in an effort to tempt multinational businesses back to the UK. Read More

19 May 2010 Boiler scrappage scheme 'proves a success' The Government's boiler scrappage scheme has proved to be a popular measure, with all of the vouchers available to English households having been claimed by 26 March. Read More

19 May 2010 New Government 'set to increase VAT' The rate of Value Added Tax is set to increase under the new Government, according to a recent study. Read More

19 May 2010 Osborne sets date for emergency Budget Chancellor George Osborne will deliver the emergency Budget on 22 June, it has been announced. Read More

19 May 2010 CGT hike would hit an ‘extra one million investors’ Proposals by the new Government to increase capital gains tax (CGT) in line with income tax rates could mean that more than a million extra people will be liable to pay the tax, according to some financial experts. Read More

14 May 2010 Business urges new Government to reduce the deficit As the newly appointed Prime Minister David Cameron began the process of shaping his Cabinet, business leaders called on the new Government to concentrate its efforts on reducing the deficit. Read More

11 May 2010 Higher rate taxpayers to ‘net Treasury an extra £10bn’ The Government is on course to net an extra £10 billion in income tax in 2010/11, according to official estimates from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Read More

11 May 2010 Millions of people ‘at risk of card fraud’ Cases of identity fraud increased by more than 20% in the first three months of 2010, according to new figures from CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Read More

11 May 2010 Business groups call for ‘strong leadership and consensus’ in hung parliament With the Conservative and Liberal Democrats locked in negotiations for a possible coalition government, business groups have called for a swift and decisive resolution to the UK’s political uncertainty, after last week’s election resulted in a hung parliament. Read More

28 April 2010 Study warns of '£55 billion' of hidden debts A recent survey has warned that as many as one in three Britons has hidden debts, amounting to a total of £55 billion. Read More

28 April 2010 UK firms ‘concerned’ about prospect of hung parliament Nearly two-thirds of British businesses are uneasy about the prospect of a hung parliament after the General Election, according to a new study. Read More

28 April 2010 Business reacts to latest unemployment figures As the latest figures reveal that UK unemployment has increased, business groups are highlighting the need for an incoming Government to invest and create jobs. Read More

5 May 2010 Business group unveils 90-day action plan for economic growth A new Government must put business at the core of its plans for economic recovery, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Read More

5 May 2010 Figures reveal ‘strongest ISA season for eight years’ Sales of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) have climbed to their highest level in eight years, according to figures published by the Investment Management Association (IMA). Read More

5 May 2010 Significant tax rises 'inevitable' if deficit to be cut A significant increase in taxes is inevitable over the course of the next decade, regardless of the outcome of the General Election, a new report has warned. Read More

21 April 2010 Red tape ‘costs UK firms £80bn’ Regulation is costing British businesses £80 billion a year – more than six times the amount estimated by the Government, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has claimed. Read More

21 April 2010 Nest pension charges could ‘alienate savers’ The Government needs to reform its plans for a new workplace pension scheme or risk alienating savers with complicated charges, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned. Read More

21 April 2010 'Cards overtaking cash' as main method of payment Cards are increasingly overtaking cash as the preferred method of paying for goods and services, a new study has revealed. Read More

14 April 2010 Government launches Small Business Credit Adjudicator task force The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has launched a new task force, which will advise the Government on the role and responsibilities of the new Small Business Credit Adjudicator (SBCA). Read More

14 April 2010 Business groups set out Election priorities Some of the UK's leading business groups have been setting out their priorities ahead of the General Election on 6 May. Read More

14 April 2010 Fresh warning over UK ISA market Some Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) promoted on comparison websites could be in breach of guidelines set out by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), experts have warned. Read More

7 April 2010 Government scraps three tax rises as Election looms The Government has dropped plans to impose three controversial tax rises in an effort to push through new legislation ahead of the General Election. Read More

7 April 2010 New tax year heralds 50% income tax rate The start of the 2010/11 tax year sees the introduction of a new 50% top rate of income tax for individuals earning in excess of £150,000 a year. Read More

7 April 2010 Online filing changes come into effect Businesses will now only be able to file and pay certain taxes online, following the introduction of new rules by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Read More

31 March 2010 Experts call for shake-up of basic state pension An independent pensions group is proposing a raft of changes to the retirement industry which could help to lift two million pensioners out of means-tested benefits. Read More

31 March 2010 Apprentices to receive new minimum wage Apprentices will be entitled to a minimum wage of £2.50 an hour, under new plans announced by the Government. Read More

31 March 2010 Car scrappage scheme closes The Government’s vehicle scrappage scheme has come to an end after at least 330,000 cars were purchased under the initiative. Read More

25 March 2010 Budget: the political reaction Opposition parties have given their reactions to Chancellor Alistair Darling's 2010 Budget, which represents his last Budget before the forthcoming General Election. Read More

25 March 2010 Budget: The Business Reaction Business groups have given their reactions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's 2010 Budget Speech. Read More

25 March 2010 Pre-election Budget 'to support recovery and tackle the deficit' In his final Budget before a much-anticipated General Election, and with the UK emerging from the 'deepest global recession for over 60 years', Chancellor Alistair Darling has outlined a series of measures aimed at tackling the economic deficit while supporting the recovery. Read More

25 March 2010 National Minimum Wage to increase from October Following the publication of the 2010 Budget, the Government has confirmed that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase with effect from 1 October 2010. Read More

24 March 2010 Darling set to deliver pre-election Budget Chancellor Alistair Darling will today unveil his last Budget before the forthcoming General Election. Read More

24 March 2010 Budget to provide 'basic bank accounts for all' The 2010 Budget is set to include plans to make basic bank accounts a legal right for all UK citizens, according to recent reports. Read More

24 March 2010 Computer games and blu-ray discs enter the nation's 'shopping basket' Computer games and accessories, and blu-ray disc players have replaced disposable cameras and squash court hire in the nation's 'shopping basket' of goods, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed. Read More

17 March 2010 New credit card rights ‘could save consumers £300m’ Consumers are to be given more control over their finances and greater protection against credit card firms, under new plans announced by the Government. Read More

17 March 2010 Employment law ‘stifling UK businesses’ The ‘relentless flow’ of complex employment law is stifling UK competitiveness and jeopardising future job creation, a leading business group has warned. Read More

17 March 2010 Fuel prices set to reach record levels The average price of petrol could rise to £1.20 a litre in the coming weeks, as a result of increases in the wholesale price of fuel, the Automobile Association (AA) has warned. Read More

10 March 2010 Offshore disclosure deadline imminent Individuals using the New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO) have been reminded that they have just days to make their disclosures online and to pay all tax, duties, interest and penalties owed in full. Read More

10 March 2010 Brown confirms Budget date The 2010 Budget Report will be delivered ‘in two weeks’ time’, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced. Read More

10 March 2010 Revenue to 'name and shame' tax evaders Individuals and companies who deliberately fail to pay taxes of more than £25,000 are to be named and shamed with effect from 1 April, HM Treasury has confirmed. Read More

10 March 2010 Thousands of firms facing ‘higher VAT bills’ More than 57,000 small businesses are facing higher bills under the flat rate VAT scheme, prompting calls for the Government to conduct an ‘immediate review’ of the tax. Read More

3 March 2010 Darling urged to reform pension tax proposals The Government is being urged to scrap its ‘complex and costly’ proposals on the tax treatment of pension contributions. Read More

3 March 2010 Business groups unite to oppose NICs increase A host of business groups have joined forces to lobby against the proposed rise in national insurance contributions (NICs) planned for April 2011. Read More

3 March 2010 Legislators ‘neglecting small firms’, argues FPB The Government is being urged to prioritise the needs of small firms when drafting new legislation. Read More

24 February 2010 Plans to extend paid maternity leave passed by EU Draft legislation to extend maternity leave to 20 weeks on full pay has been given the go-ahead by the European Parliament committee. Read More

24 February 2010 New broadband tax 'will not benefit the majority' A group of MPs has expressed further opposition to Government plans to impose a new 'broadband tax' on UK householders. Read More

24 February 2010 Tax exiles 'could face retrospective tax bill' UK citizens who live abroad as tax exiles could find themselves facing a retrospective tax bill stretching back as far as the previous six years, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling. Read More

24 February 2010 ISAs proving ‘increasingly popular’ The popularity of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) has burgeoned since they were introduced 10 years ago, a new study has revealed. Read More

17 February 2010 Employers urged to prepare for PAYE changes Employers are being urged to ensure that they are ready for forthcoming changes to the PAYE system. Read More

17 February 2010 Business calls for VAT increase The proposed rise in National Insurance contributions (NICs) should be scrapped in favour of an increase in the standard rate of VAT, a leading business group has argued. Read More

17 February 2010 UK inflation hits 14-month high UK inflation rose to 3.5% in January, representing the fastest annual rise in 14 months, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed. Read More

10 February 2010 Paternity leave set to extend to six months New fathers will be able to take up to six months of paternity leave, under plans outlined by the Government. Read More

10 February 2010 FSA publishes new guidance on overseas transfers New guidance to help people protect their money when making transfers abroad has been published by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Read More

10 February 2010 Small businesses 'benefit from £700m of funding' More than £700m of affordable, easy access funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been approved for nearly 3,000 businesses in the UK, the Government has revealed. Read More

3 February 2010 Equality commission launches proposals to benefit older workers The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a series of proposals aimed at fundamentally changing employment policies and increasing opportunities for older workers. Read More

3 February 2010 Record number of taxpayers filing returns online The popularity of online filing has increased again this year, with the number of taxpayers choosing to file their self-assessment tax returns online hitting a new record. Read More

3 February 2010 Retailers ‘mitigate impact of VAT increase’ Falling food price inflation and heavy discounting by retailers helped to mitigate the impact of January’s VAT increase, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Read More

27 January 2010 UK recession 'comes to an end' The UK recession has officially ended, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have confirmed. Read More

27 January 2010 Business group calls for moratorium on 'costly employment law' A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has suggested that forthcoming employment regulations and taxes will cost UK firms as much as £25.6bn over the course of the next four years. Read More

27 January 2010 HMRC system ‘issuing wrong tax codes’, warns tax body Individuals could be paying more tax later this year after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sent out incorrect tax codes, experts have claimed. Read More

20 January 2010 Medical professionals' tax amnesty labelled 'unfair' Tax experts have criticised the new Tax Health Plan for medical professionals, recently unveiled by HM Revenue & Customs. Read More

20 January 2010 Government gives go-ahead for supermarket watchdog A new ombudsman is to be created to oversee relations between large retailers and their suppliers, the Government has confirmed. Read More

20 January 2010 Commission unveils new measures to tackle gender pay gap Employers will be given some protection from investigation if they publish information on their gender pay gap, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced. Read More

13 January 2010 Default retirement age could be scrapped Employees should be given the right to continue working beyond the default retirement age, equality minister Harriet Harman has said. Read More

13 January 2010 Duty change comes into effect The threshold at which duty is charged on goods imported from outside the European Union has been increased. Read More

13 January 2010 Government hatches new 'Nest' pension scheme The new Government-backed workplace pension scheme is to be known as the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest). Read More

7 January 2010 Revenue creates new Minimum Wage enforcement team HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has created a new enforcement team to crack down on employers who are failing to pay their workers the National Minimum Wage (NMW). Read More

7 January 2010 90% of firms ‘close defined benefit schemes’ Quality pensions in the private sector are in rapid decline, with nine out of 10 defined benefit schemes now closed to new entrants. Read More

7 January 2010 Boiler scrappage scheme comes into effect The new 'boiler scrappage scheme', which offers households in England money off the cost of purchasing a new boiler, has come into effect. Read More