COVID-19: THE LATEST
For all the latest news and updates, visit our Covid-19 hub.
The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a toolkit for employers to help ensure employees get reliable information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Access the toolkit to get materials for you to run internal awareness campaigns, including key messages, posters, fact sheets and videos providing accurate, up-to-date information.
EU TRADE
If you are a UK business which trades with Europe, keep track of the latest changes and developments via FSB's transition hub.
NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
'Autumn storm' for businesses as furlough ends
FSB has warned of a less hospitable environment for small businesses, as several pandemic-era support schemes - notably the furlough scheme, the small employer sick pay rebate, and insolvency restrictions - came to an end on 30 September. The Apprenticeship Incentive in England also closed, and the VAT rate for tourism and hospitality businesses increased from 5% to 12.5%. Mike Cherry, FSB's National Chair, said: "With challenges on many fronts, from rising energy and input costs to staff shortages and supply issues, the removal of some of the support measures brought in to hold off the worst effects of the pandemic on businesses will be tough for many to navigate."
Small businesses call for Government support in Budget
FSB's submission to the forthcoming Budget and Spending Review calls on the Government to step up to the plate and support the small business community. Ahead of the Conservative party conference, we warn the Chancellor that small firms are being held back by rising costs, supply chain disruption, and forthcoming tax hikes. Our Budget submission sets out nearly £2 of savings for every £1 of additional spending proposed. Mike Cherry said: "It's time to give our 5.9 million small businesses and sole traders a break if the Government is serious about securing a recovery." FSB representatives will be attending the Conservative Party conference in Manchester to further this case.
FSB hails Labour tax plans
Tax proposals unveiled at the Labour party conference this week were welcomed by FSB. In particular, the Opposition's proposals on business rates reform - starting by increasing the ceiling for small business rates relief to a rateable value of £25,000 - were warmly received. Mike Cherry also praised the Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves's speech, setting out proposals including an Office for Value for Money to diversify supply chains and plans for meeting net zero targets: "A lot of small firms will cheer the pro-business policies set out in this speech as they fear a hike in the anti-growth jobs tax in April." Reeves appeared at an FSB event at the conference, talking about the growing costs faced by smaller firms.
Foreign currency accounts
FSB members have reported that their banks are attempting to close their foreign currency accounts. Does this apply to you? Get in touch with [email protected]
BEIS Committee seeking views on competition
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee is calling for views on State Aid and Post Brexit Competition Policy, including whether the duties of the Competition and Markets Authority are the right ones, and whether the Subsidy Control Bill's proposed framework is fit for purpose. It is also seeking opinions on competition in digital markets, and whether the CMA should be more interventionist.
Home Office online immigration services
The Home Office would like to speak to small businesses to help make their immigration online services easier to use for employers. If you have employed individuals who require a visa to work in the UK, used to in the past, or if you plan to in the future, your feedback could be really helpful in improving online services. You can help by signing up to take part in research.
Workplace exercise and wellbeing consultation and survey
ukactive and Sport England this week launched a major consultation around existing and new opportunities to help small businesses to move more. This includes your business, so have your say to ensure workplace wellbeing services are developed around your business needs. Be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 £50 Amazon vouchers by completing the survey.
Natasha's Law on food allergen labelling
As of October, Natasha's Law on food labelling comes into effect, to give more information on potential allergens in prepackaged food products for direct sale. Heather Hancock, Food Standards Agency Chair said: "I encourage businesses large and small to work with the FSA to get this right. Success will mean more choice and better protection for the millions of people - our families, friends, colleagues and neighbours across the UK - who have food allergies."
(Business) life on Mars?
The Government has launched its National Space Strategy, which it hopes will send the UK's "multibillion-pound space industry" into orbit, to "boost private investment and capitalise on UK strengths such as satellite manufacturing".
"Dust Kills" site inspections
The Health & Safety Executive will be visiting construction sites in Great Britain throughout October to check that workers are protected from exposure to dust, as part of its "Dust Kills" campaign.
NI animal imports
HMRC has added guidance on the steps needed when importing live animals and products of animal origin to Northern Ireland to this page.
FSB webinar on sales conversion
FSB is holding a webinar, How to attract your ideal clients and customers, on 6 October. Our workshop on 5 October, Change your business in 90 days, is full, but you can join the waiting list.
Directors and data protection - webinar
Companies House and the ICO are holding a joint webinar on 6 October: Directors' Responsibilities: Data Protection - What you need to know and where to start. Sign up here.
Hospitality Council formed
The Government has set up a Hospitality Council, featuring representatives from trade bodies and larger hospitality chains, "to support the delivery of the Government's Hospitality Strategy".
JOIN BIG VOICE AND MAKE YOUR BUSINESS HEARD
Big Voice is FSB's unique online research community for members. By responding to one of our surveys, members give us the evidence we need to engage with politicians around the world on the subjects that matter to you.