Weekly Brief Week 14 of 2009              Friday 10 April 2009

In this week's issue:  rate relief, flexible working, economic downturn, disputes, export

Rural rate relief

Rural businesses continue to struggle in the recession with over eight in ten seeing costs rise and nearly half seeing a decrease in trade, a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) poll reveals. Read the press release.

Flexible working

Flexible working legislation was extended this week to allow parents of children aged 16 and under to request time off. The Mail on Sunday and an Independent editorial picked up on FSB concerns that such prescriptive measures are unnecessary as the majority of small businesses already operate flexible working practices.

Fighting the Downturn

The FSB has launched a Fighting the Downturn webpage detailing the work we are doing, member benefits and Government support during the economic slump.

Leonard Cheshire

The FSB has recruited its 100th member from a scheme designed to encourage disabled people to set up their own business. Alexandra Kellard-Rosser has become the 100th person to join the FSB after completing the Leonard Cheshire Disability's Ready to Start programme. Read the press release.

Disputes

The rules for dismissal and disciplinary procedures have now been simplified thanks to FSB campaigning. There is a revised code of practice, implemented from this week, and a free early conciliation service for workplace problems from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Read the Code of Practice and view the new regulations.

Export

A communications company is researching the views of small and medium sized business on the export market. They would like to hear views on exporting in the current economic climate a before Friday 17 April and will pay £50 to participants.  Contact either Rowena Denham or Anna Miller.

Have a good weekend,  

Marc Shoffman