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23 December 2009 Stamp prices to rise from April The cost of first and second-class stamps will rise from 6 April 2010, Royal Mail has announced. Read More

23 December 2009 Cheques set to be phased out Cheques are set to become a thing of the past by the end of October 2018, following a decision by the Payments Council. Read More

23 December 2009 Regulator drops case on bank overdraft chargesThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has dropped its investigation into bank overdraft charges, following a recent Supreme Court ruling. Read More

16 December 2009 Businesses reminded of VAT filing changes VAT-registered businesses are being urged to take note of the forthcoming changes to the rules on filing returns. Read More

16 December 2009 Osborne refuses to rule out bank bonus tax Shadow chancellor George Osborne has said he does not oppose a one-off tax on bankers' bonuses. In the Pre-Budget Report, Chancellor Alistair Darling announced a ‘windfall’ 50% tax rate on bonuses over £25,000, payable by the bank. Read More

16 December 2009 State pension increase 'will not apply to additional benefits' An increase in the state pension, announced in the 2009 Pre-Budget Report, will not apply to all areas of the pension system, it has been revealed. Read More

10 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: Chancellor announces measures to 'secure recovery' Chancellor Alistair Darling has presented his 2009 Pre-Budget Report to the House of Commons. In the context of the global recession, and with a General Election looming, this year's Speech is of particular significance. Read More

10 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: the political reaction Members of the opposition parties have given their reactions to Chancellor Alistair Darling's 2009 Pre-Budget Report. Read More

10 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: the business reaction UK business groups have given a mixed reaction to the Pre-Budget Report announcements. Read More

2 December 2009 HMRC extends offshore tax amnesty HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has extended its offshore tax amnesty in an effort to encourage more people to use the scheme. Read More

2 December 2009 Small firms 'threatened' by holiday property tax changes Changes to the tax rules on holiday properties could result in as many as eight in ten small firms within the sector going bust, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. Read More

2 December 2009 Revenue publishes new advisory fuel rates HM Revenue & Customs has published new advisory fuel rates, which apply to all relevant journeys made on or after 1 December 2009. Read More

25 November 2009 Business groups react to Queen's Speech Business groups have given their reactions to the 2009 Queen's Speech, which included a total of 13 Bills and was the shortest such Speech since 1997. Read More

25 November 2009 Court rules in favour of banks on overdraft charges The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the UK’s high street banks in an ongoing row concerning overdraft charges. Read More

25 November 2009 Report reveals gap in provision of growth capital to SMEs An independent review into the availability of growth capital to small and medium-sized businesses has now been published. Read More

19 November 2009 Start-up businesses 'need tax breaks' Small start-up businesses should be entitled to tax exemptions in their first year or two of trading, a new report has recommended. Read More

19 November 2009 Majority of business rate bills ‘will fall next year’ Some one million firms will see their business rate bill fall next year as a result of the 2010 revaluation, the Government has revealed. Read More

19 November 2009 Government urged not to scrap childcare vouchers Prime Minister Gordon Brown is being urged to rethink plans to phase out childcare vouchers, amid fears that lower rate taxpayers could be penalised as a result. Read More

11 November 2009 Bank agrees £25bn stimulus to kick-start economy The Bank of England has confirmed that it will inject an extra £25 billion into its quantitative easing programme in a bid to haul Britain out of the recession. Read More

11 November 2009 Half of small firms ‘maintaining profitability’ Nearly half of small businesses have maintained their profitability in the last 12 months, new research has found. Read More

11 November 2009 Pre-Budget Report set for 9 December Chancellor Alistair Darling will present his Pre-Budget Report to the House of Commons at 12.30pm on Wednesday 9 December. Read More

4 November 2009 VAT reduction extended for New Year’s revellers Pubs, restaurants and clubs will be able to charge VAT at the reduced rate until 6am on New Year’s Day, the Government has announced. Read More

4 November 2009 Call for ‘shake-up’ of inheritance laws Unmarried couples would automatically inherit a slice of their partner’s estate if they die without making a Will, under proposals unveiled by the Law Commission. Read More

4 November 2009 Business tax increase 'will fuel unemployment' Increasing taxation on small businesses in the forthcoming Pre-Budget Report will only serve to raise levels of unemployment, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. Read More

28 October 2009 Britain remains in longest recession on record Britain’s economy unexpectedly contracted in the third quarter of this year, making the current recession the longest on record. Read More

28 October 2009 Second home owners 'face significant losses' under new regulations Second home owners will be hit hard by new legislation set to be introduced in the Pre-Budget Report, according to recent reports. Read More

28 October 2009 Pensioners ‘overpaying £250 million in tax’ Some 1.5 million pensioners have overpaid tax to the tune of £250 million, new figures from the National Audit Office (NAO) suggest. Read More

28 October 2009 Business group sets out plans for ‘responsible growth’ Business leaders are urging the Government to maintain support for enterprises ahead of this year’s Pre-Budget Report. Read More

21 October 2009 State pension age 'should increase to 70' The Institute of Directors (IoD) has called on the Government to increase the state pension age to 70, and to introduce measures to simplify the pension system. Read More

21 October 2009 Property sector calls for stamp duty reform Professionals in the property sector are calling on the Chancellor to use this autumn’s Pre-Budget Report to announce a radical reform of stamp duty. Read More

21 October 2009 Decision to delay new regulations 'good news for the economy' The Government has announced that it will be delaying the implementation of new employment regulations, in order to ease the pressure on UK businesses. Read More

14 October 2009 Interest rates 'set to remain low' Interest rates are likely to remain at a low level for a number of years, a recent report has suggested. Read More

14 October 2009 Deadline approaching for paper Tax Returns Individuals are being reminded that they have until 31 October to file their paper Tax Return. Read More

14 October 2009 Banks to provide 'more clarity' on account charges UK banks have agreed to provide clearer information to customers regarding current account charges, and to introduce measures which will make it easier for them to switch accounts. Read More

7 October 2009 IPO unveils changes to trademark application process It is now easier and cheaper for firms to file for trademark applications, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has asserted. Read More

7 October 2009 Raft of new legislation comes into force A raft of new regulations, including changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW), came into force earlier this month. Read More

7 October 2009 ISA allowance increases for the over-50s Millions of savers can now take advantage of higher tax-free savings limits. Read More

30 September 2009 Government to introduce new 'broadband tax' Controversial plans to introduce a tax on landlines are set to be become law before the next election, the Government has announced. Read More

30 September 2009 Government to extend car scrappage scheme The Government has announced it will extend the UK’s vehicle scrappage scheme to enable more people to take advantage of the initiative. Read More

30 September 2009 Court rules in favour of default retirement age Employers will still be able to force older workers to retire at 65, following a landmark ruling by the High Court. Read More

30 September 2009 Cheque guarantee scheme to close in 2011 The cheque guarantee scheme is to fold on 30 June 2011, bringing an end to the current assurances provided by banks. Read More

23 September 2009 Business issues warning following sick leave ruling The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that a recent landmark ruling on sick leave by the European Court of Justice could leave employers open to abuse by unscrupulous staff. Read More

23 September 2009 Premium Bond prize fund up by 50% Premium Bond payouts are to increase by 50%, adding an extra 500,000 winners to the monthly prize list. Read More

23 September 2009 New pension quality mark unveiled A new scheme aimed at improving employees’ understanding of workplace pensions has been launched by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF). Read More

16 September 2009 HMRC issues new warning over fake emails HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to remain vigilant as fraudsters renew their efforts to scam money from unwitting taxpayers. Read More

16 September 2009 Darling to ‘broaden sources of finance’ for businesses More medium-sized firms could soon gain access to capital markets as part of new plans being developed by the Treasury. Read More

16 September 2009 Fathers to be given new paternity rights Fathers will gain the right to take six months’ paternity leave under new plans announced by the Government. Read More

9 September 2009 ‘Innocent errors’ to avoid NDO penalty Savers who have failed to pay tax on funds in offshore accounts will not face a penalty if they have made an ‘innocent error’. Read More

9 September 2009 Revenue and Companies House to offer common online filing facility HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Companies House will adopt a common approach to filing company accounts online, it has been announced. Read More

9 September 2009 FSB calls for big companies to take action on late payment Large companies are squeezing small suppliers by delaying payment by up to four months, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed. Read More

9 September 2009 Business remains cautious on economic recovery prospects While the UK economy may be showing signs of recovery, it still faces some significant risks, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned. Read More

2 September 2009 Record £35m in Premium Bond prizes go unclaimed Premium Bond winnings worth a record £35 million have not yet been claimed, National Savings & Investments (NS&I) has said. Read More

2 September 2009 Fuel duty rises by 2p a litre The price of fuel has risen by 2p a litre, representing the third increase in the space of the last nine months. Read More

2 September 2009 Personal debt falls to record low Personal debt in the UK has fallen for the first time since records began in 1993, according to the Bank of England. Read More

26 August 2009 Small retailers 'disappearing from the High Street' Small independent retailers are continuing to disappear from the UK's High Streets, a new report has warned. Read More

26 August 2009 Further changes to trade credit insurance 'top-up' scheme The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has announced further changes to the trade credit insurance top-up scheme. Read More

26 August 2009 Share option tax breaks ‘to continue until 2018’ Tax breaks designed to help small businesses retain key staff will now be available until 2018, the Government has announced. Read More

19 August 2009 VAT should be ‘scrapped on green appliances’ VAT should be scrapped on energy-efficient household appliances, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said. Read More

19 August 2009 Late payment fee for inheritance tax 'to rise to 3%' The interest chargeable on late payments of inheritance tax (IHT) is set to rise to 3% next month. Read More

19 August 2009 Banks must disclose 'all offshore account details' to Revenue Over 300 banks and financial institutions have been ordered to pass the details of those customers who hold offshore accounts to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Read More

12 August 2009 Small firms gain ‘free access’ to Government contracts Small businesses throughout the UK have been granted free access to Government contracts worth up to £100,000. Read More

12 August 2009 Watchdog calls for greater protection for shoppers Shoppers who pay for goods in advance should receive greater protection if the business subsequently folds, according to the watchdog Consumer Focus. Read More

12 August 2009 Older workers 'forced into early retirement' Unemployed people over the age of 50 could be forced into early retirement due to a lack of support, a new study has warned. Read More

5 August 2009 'Last chance tax amnesty' for offshore account holders HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released further details of its forthcoming 'tax amnesty', which offers taxpayers with undeclared income or gains from offshore accounts or assets a 'final opportunity' to make a full disclosure, in favourable circumstances. Read More

5 August 2009 Business groups condemn workplace parking tax Government plans to impose a tax on firms that provide staff car parking have been criticised by business groups. Read More

5 August 2009 Agency Workers Directive could ‘hamper economic recovery’ Britain’s commitment to the EU’s Agency Workers Directive could impede the UK’s economic recovery and lead to a surge in false tribunal claims, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned. Read More

29 July 2009 Business urges Chancellor to 'keep up the pressure' on bank lending Business groups have welcomed Chancellor Alistair Darling's recent meeting with the British Bankers' Association, regarding a shortage in lending to small businesses. Read More

29 July 2009 Millions of workers affected by incorrect tax codes Millions of workers in the UK are expected to be reimbursed after they were issued with an incorrect tax code. Read More

29 July 2009 HMRC defers £3.17bn in tax payments HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has deferred £3.17 billion in tax to help firms struggling in the recession, according to latest figures. Read More

22 July 2009 Revenue sees surge in VAT overpayment claims UK companies have submitted claims to recoup overpaid VAT to the tune of £8.5 billion, new figures reveal. Read More

22 July 2009 Banks ‘lending more to small firms’ High street banks are lending more to small businesses, according to the British Bankers’ Association (BBA). Read More

22 July 2009 Small business group calls for graduate internship scheme The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the Government to create 5,000 new internships for recent graduates, in a bid to tackle soaring levels of graduate unemployment. Read More

15 July 2009 Tax rises could ‘harm UK economy’ Planned tax rises could pose a ‘serious risk’ to the UK economy, according to a new study by the Institute of Directors (IoD). Read More

15 July 2009 Employers advised to prepare for swine flu pandemic Employers are being offered advice on how to deal with an outbreak of swine flu in the workplace. Read More

15 July 2009 Retirement age 'set to end' as review is brought forward The Government has brought forward its review of the default retirement age by a year, prompting speculation that the default could be scrapped. Read More

8 July 2009 New report suggests 'worst of the recession is over' The worst of the recession is over, but recovery is not guaranteed, according to the latest report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Read More

8 July 2009 New measures to tackle UK debt A raft of measures designed to curb irresponsible bank lending and help protect consumers have been unveiled by the Government. Read More

8 July 2009 Trade credit insurance claims soar The number of claims for trade credit insurance soared in the first quarter of 2009, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Read More

1 July 2009 Cheque guarantee cards to be phased out Cheque guarantee cards could become obsolete within the next two years, the Payments Council has announced. Read More

1 July 2009 Calls to 'rein in debt' as slow recovery predicted The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has called for comprehensive plans to rein in debt, as it warns that the UK's economic recovery is likely to be slow. Read More

1 July 2009 Recession prompts 'dramatic change' in the UK workplace The recession has prompted a 'dramatic change' in the nature of the UK workplace, according to a recent survey. Read More

24 June 2009 Takeover fraud ‘burgeoning in the recession’ The fraud prevention service Cifas has reported a 75% increase in cases of ‘takeover’ fraud during the last year. Read More

24 June 2009 Bank lending slumps to record low Lending to companies has fallen to its lowest level in nine years, new figures reveal. Read More

24 June 2009 Government urged to act on red tape A leading business group has called on the Government to ‘step up’ its efforts to cut red tape and help smaller firms through the recession. Read More

17 June 2009 CBI: UK economic recovery not expected until 2010 Despite recent signs that the economy may be stabilising, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has predicted that positive growth may not occur until next year. Read More

17 June 2009 New BIS could ‘create more red tape for employers’ The creation of the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) could lead to more red tape and confusion for employers, a leading think-tank has warned. Read More

17 June 2009 New advisory fuel rates published HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced changes to the advisory fuel rates for company cars. Read More

17 June 2009 Minimum wage could ‘cut number of apprenticeships’Plans to set a national minimum wage (NMW) for apprentices could lead to a reduction in the number of apprenticeships offered by employers, business groups have warned. Read More

10 June 2009 Government review to examine small business recovery A new review has been launched by the Government to assess how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will recover from the recession. Read More

10 June 2009 Recession cuts number of higher rate taxpayers The number of higher rate taxpayers in the UK is expected to fall by one million in two years, according to official figures. Read More

10 June 2009 Revenue tax campaign ‘to target undeclared UK income’ HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may extend its offshore tax campaign to target funds hidden in the UK as well, according to recent reports. Read More

3 June 2009 Plans to extend paternity leave ‘put on hold’ Plans to give fathers extended paternity leave are to be delayed to help employers during the recession, it has been revealed. Read More

3 June 2009 Faster payments service ‘still too slow’ Almost half of the transactions eligible for the Faster Payments System still take more than three days to be processed, according to recent reports. Read More

3 June 2009 Businesses 'need urgent action' to help deal with pension deficits Action must be taken now to ensure that businesses are not further hit by their defined benefit 'final salary' pension schemes, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned. Read More

27 May 2009 Older workers 'concerned about retirement prospects' Nearly half of workers over the age of 50 are concerned that their pensions and savings may not afford them a comfortable retirement, and that they may have to stay in work for longer, according to a new report. Read More

27 May 2009 Number of UK millionaires halves during the recession The number of millionaires in Britain has more than halved in the past two years, new figures reveal. Read More

27 May 2009 Revenue 'ramps up the pressure' on offshore accounts HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is seeking a blanket order that would force all banks to disclose details of customers with offshore accounts, according to recent reports. Read More

20 May 2009 Bank predicts ‘slow’ economic recovery The UK’s economic recovery is likely to be more prolonged than expected, the Bank of England has warned. Read More

20 May 2009 Car scrappage scheme gets underway The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has welcomed the introduction of a new car scrappage scheme, which was announced in last month's Budget. Read More

20 May 2009 Two-thirds of UK homes now online The number of UK households with internet access has risen by 1.2 million in the last year, figures reveal. Read More

13 May 2009 Bank injects extra £50bn into ailing economy The Bank of England has announced it will pump an extra £50 billion into the economy as part of its quantitative easing programme.

13 May 2009 Government to ban using tips to make up staff wages The Government is to ban employers from using tips to bring workers' wages up to national minimum wage levels, with effect from October. Read More

13 May 2009 Minimum wage to rise from October The main adult rate of the UK national minimum wage (NMW) will rise to £5.80 an hour from 1 October, it has been announced. Read More

6 May 2009 Businesses offered interest free loans to go green The Carbon Trust has begun offering over £100 million in interest free loans to help businesses become more energy-efficient. Read More

6 May 2009 Government launches trade credit insurance 'top-up' scheme Businesses that have experienced a reduction in their credit insurance cover are now able to purchase up to six months of top-up cover, following the launch of the Government's new trade credit insurance scheme. Read More

6 May 2009 Poll reveals small firms ‘disappointed’ by Budget Many small firms have been left disappointed by last month’s Budget, according to a new poll by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Read More

29 April 2009 New law to expose ‘gender pay gap’ Firms will soon be forced to reveal the ‘gender pay gap’ between male and female employees, under new legislation published this week. Read More

29 April 2009 Treasury defends Budget forecasts Treasury officials have defended the economic forecasts set out in the Budget, following claims that the projections may be ‘too optimistic’. Read More

29 April 2009 UK retains working time opt-out The UK has retained the right to 'opt out' of the EU Working Time Directive, following the collapse of discussions in Brussels. Read More

22 April 2009 Budget: Darling defiant in face of recession Chancellor Alistair Darling has unveiled a series of measures aimed at tackling the 'unprecedented economic crisis'. Read More

22 April 2009 Budget: The political reaction Opposition leaders have given their reactions to the 2009 Budget announcements, following Chancellor Alistair Darling's speech to the House of Commons. Read More

22 April 2009 Budget: The business reaction Business leaders have given mixed reactions to the announcements made by Chancellor Alistair Darling in his 2009 Budget. Read More

22 April 2009 2009 Budget: Darling downgrades economic forecasts Chancellor Alistair Darling has downgraded his economic growth forecasts for 2009/10 due to the ‘unexpected severity of the recession’. Read More

22 April 2009 Stamp duty holiday 'could be extended' Chancellor Alistair Darling is set to extend the so-called stamp duty 'holiday' in this afternoon’s Budget, according to recent reports. Read More

22 April 2009 SME could ‘receive help with credit insurance’ A new scheme to improve small businesses access to credit insurance is expected to be unveiled in Wednesday’s Budget, according to reports. Read More

22 April 2009 Budget ‘must focus on private sector’, warns BCC Business leaders have urged Chancellor Alistair Darling to help the UK’s ‘embattled private sector’ in today’s Budget. Read More

15 April 2009 VAT cut has ‘boosted sales’ The Government’s VAT cut has led to a ‘remarkable’ rise in consumer spending, a leading think-tank has claimed. Read More

15 April 2009 Businesses 'need support' with retaining skilled staff Small businesses need further assistance to enable them to protect their existing workforce, according to a new report from the Forum of Private Business (FPB). Read More

15 April 2009 Darling urged to 'support rural firms' in forthcoming Budget Chancellor Alistair Darling is being urged to include measures to support small rural businesses, in his forthcoming Budget. Read More

8 April 2009 Tougher home pack rules now in force Homeowners must now comply with tougher rules on home information packs (Hips) when selling their property. Read More

8 April 2009 New tax legislation is introduced A plethora of changes to tax legislation and benefits have now come into effect, marking the beginning of the new tax year. Read More

8 April 2009 Brown paves the way for ‘green’ Budget This year’s Budget will contain a series of ‘green’ measures to help haul the UK out of recession, Gordon Brown has revealed. Read More

1 April 2009 Changes to flexible working will benefit 4.5 million Some 4.5 million parents will gain the right to request flexible working when new legislation comes into force next week, according to Government estimations. Read More

1 April 2009 Darling delays full business rates hike The Government has scrapped plans to increase business rates by 5% from 1 April. Read More

1 April 2009 Public 'supports economic reform' ahead of G20 summit As world leaders arrive in the UK for the G20 summit, a recent survey has suggested that a majority of people support global reform of the economic system. Read More

25 March 2009 CBI calls for ‘confidence-building Budget’ The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on Chancellor Alistair Darling to deliver a ‘confidence-building Budget’ to help Britain through the recession. Read More

25 March 2009 Chicken and rose wine enter UK 'shopping basket' Hot rotisserie chicken, rose wine and portable video players have replaced wine boxes, MP3 players and High Street DVD rentals in the nation's annual 'shopping basket' of goods and services. Read More

25 March 2009 Firms facing business rates hike The Government is facing fresh criticism over its plans to abolish business rate relief from next month. Read More

18 March 2009 New legislation to crack down on credit card debt The Government is proposing to introduce new legislation which will prevent credit card companies from raising credit limits without this being specifically requested by a customer. Read More

18 March 2009 Deflation ‘drives down’ small business costs Deflation is driving down the cost of running a small business for the first time in years, a new study has found. Read More

18 March 2009 Business groups criticise redundancy pay plans Plans to increase redundancy pay may risk the survival of many small firms during the recession, business groups have warned. Read More

11 March 2009 Government urged to delay VAT increase Retailers are urging Chancellor Alistair Darling to delay the increase in VAT scheduled for December. Read More

11 March 2009 Tougher HMRC compliance regime looms Businesses are being urged to prepare for a tougher HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) compliance checking regime, which is due to come into force next month. Read More

11 March 2009 UK compulsory retirement age 'does not breach EU law' The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that it is not illegal for UK employers to force workers to retire at the age of 65. Read More

3 March 2009 Government cap ‘undermining’ lending plan, says FPB The recently published Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG) is facing renewed criticism amid claims the Government has imposed a ‘cap’ on guaranteed loans. Read More

3 March 2009 Business group calls for national minimum wage freeze The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for a freeze in the national minimum wage in 2009. Read More

3 March 2009 '500 banks could be targeted' in offshore tax amnesty Up to 500 financial institutions could be targeted by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as part of its latest offshore tax 'amnesty' drive, according to recent reports. Read More

25 February 2009 Small businesses ‘lose £800 a year’ to fraud Small firms may be losing up to £800 a year to fraud and online crime, a new study has claimed. Read More

25 February 2009 HMRC launches online tax help for small firms HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a series of online, bite-sized video guides to help new and start-up businesses. Read More

25 February 2009 Businesses urged not to cut back on pension payments The UK Pensions Regulator has advised businesses not to cut back on pension contributions as a result of the current economic downturn. Read More

18 February 2009 Budget date set for 22 April Chancellor Alistair Darling will present his Budget statement to the House of Commons at 12.30pm on Wednesday 22 April. Read More

18 February 2009 Government 'must delay £800m business laws' The Government must help small businesses by delaying new legislation which could cost nearly £800m a year, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. Read More

18 February 2009 Firms ‘retaining talent’ during downturn Despite the recent surge in redundancies, retaining talented workers remains a top priority for small businesses, new research suggests. Read More

18 February 2009 Small businesses urged to bid for Government contracts Small firms are being urged to take advantage of public sector contracts, by signing up to the Supply2.gov.uk website. Read More

11 February 2009 Record number of taxpayers meet online filing deadline Nearly six million taxpayers filed their self assessment tax returns online by the 31 January deadline, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has revealed. Read More

11 February 2009 More measures needed' to help small businesses Business groups are urging the Government to bring in further measures to help UK firms to weather the economic storm. Read More

11 February 2009 Savings rates slump to new low The return paid on many savings accounts has fallen to an all time low following this month’s cut in interest rates, new figures reveal. Read More

4 February 2009 Small business 'must have a voice' in tax spending plans The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for small firms to have a say in all projects that are subsidised by a new tax which was introduced in the Business Rate Supplements Bill. Read More

4 February 2009 Job cuts ‘accelerate’ amongst small firms Small businesses are cutting staff at the fastest rate since the early 1990s, new research suggests. Read More

4 February 2009 Increase in late filing penalties Companies will now incur tougher penalties for filing their accounts late at Companies House. Read More

28 January 2009 UK fraud levels rise As Britain enters a recession, new figures show there has been a surge in fraudulent activity. Read More

28 January 2009 Tougher penalties for health and safety offences Businesses that flout health and safety regulations will now incur tougher penalties, following the introduction of new legislation earlier this month. Read More

28 January 2009 HMRC cuts interest rates on overpaid tax to 0% HM Revenue & Customs is to cut the level of interest due on tax overpayments, from 0.75% to 0%. Read More

21 January 2009 Business condemns sick leave ruling Employees are entitled to accrue holiday pay while on long-term sick leave, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled. Read More

21 January 2009 Businesses delay £350m tax payment Over 20,000 businesses have contacted HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) new Business Payment Support Service (BPSS) since its launch six weeks ago. Read More

21 January 2009 Tax return fines ‘could reach £479m’ The Treasury is expected to net £479 million from fines handed out for incorrect or late tax returns, a new study suggests. Read More

14 January 2009 Government unveils £20bn loan scheme for business A multi-billion pound aid package designed to help small businesses through the financial crisis has been unveiled by the Government. Read More

14 January 2009 Rates reform ‘could add £1.6bn to retailers’ bills’ Proposed changes to business rates could add £1.6 billion onto shopkeepers’ bills by 2011, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said. Read More

14 January 2009 UK interest rates cut to record low The Bank of England has cut interest rates to the lowest level in its 315-year history. Read More

7 January 2009 Business leaders call for freeze on minimum wage The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates to be held at their current levels this year, as the country braces itself for further economic turmoil. Read More

7 January 2009 Unemployment ‘could reach 3.1m’ UK unemployment could reach 3.1 million in the next two years, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned. Read More

7 January 2009 Redundancies should be ‘last resort’, warns CIPD Employers should resist making redundancies during the economic downturn, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has advised. Read More