Employment Allowance to provide £5.5bn boost
In the run up to the introduction of the Employment Allowance – which will reduce every employer’s national insurance bill by £2,000 – HMRC has… Read More »Employment Allowance to provide £5.5bn boost
Economy
Businesses upbeat for 2014
After a positive end to 2013, research has revealed that UK businesses are optimistic at the start of 2014. However, despite this increased confidence, business… Read More »Businesses upbeat for 2014
Economic Update: February 2014
Looking back The UK economy gained momentum throughout 2013 with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth exceeding earlier forecasts. A rise in GDP in the first… Read More »Economic Update: February 2014
Zero hours contracts consultation
The Business Secretary, Vince Cable, has launched a consultation into the understanding and use of zero hours contracts. Official figures suggest that there are 250,000… Read More »Zero hours contracts consultation
SME population hits six-year high
The number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK reached a six-year high of 2.16 million in 2013, according to the National Association… Read More »SME population hits six-year high
Business costs rise well above inflation
The cost of doing business in the UK has increased well ahead of the rate of inflation in 2013, according to new research from business… Read More »Business costs rise well above inflation
UK manufacturers optimistic for growth
Optimism among small and medium-sized manufacturers grew at a record pace in the third quarter of this year, according to a survey by the Confederation… Read More »UK manufacturers optimistic for growth
Autumn Statement 2013
Delivering the 2013 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor said the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility proved that “Britain’s economic plan is working” but… Read More »Autumn Statement 2013
Equitable life payments brought forward
It was announced in this year’s Budget that people who bought a with-profits annuity from the Equitable Life Assurance Society before September 1992 – and… Read More »Equitable life payments brought forward
Zero-hour contracts more widespread than thought
The number of workers on contracts with no guarantee of hours or pay – known as ‘zero-hour’ contracts – is far more widespread than originally… Read More »Zero-hour contracts more widespread than thought