FSB Newsletter - Friday 10 September 2021

News 10 Sep 2021

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

National Insurance rise is “anti-small business”
We were hugely disappointed to see a 1.25% rise in employer/employee National Insurance contributions and the dividend taxation be rushed through Parliament this week. FSB National Chair Mike Cherry pointed out that: “This regressive levy hits employers and sole traders without meaningful regard for how their business is performing. And this increase will stifle recruitment, investment and efforts to upskill and improve productivity in the years ahead.” FSB analysis estimates that the move could cause unemployment to rise by 50,000, as the increases kick in from April. Mike Cherry added: “Combined with other rising employment costs – and firms having to make tough decisions about the futures of those who have been supported by the job retention scheme – that 50,000 figure could easily end up being a good deal greater.” FSB’s comments and analysis were featured on a wide range of national, regional and trade media, including the BBC, the Sun, Sky News, the FT, the Telegraph, the Times, and many more.

FSB Awards see huge response
There have already been hundreds of entries to the 2022 FSB Awards, shortly after they were launched. There’s still plenty of time to get your entry in via our site.

August furlough claims deadline
Furlough claims for August must be made by Tuesday 14 September. Claim here

Hospitality consultation
The Government has published a new consultation, looking at whether the temporary measures to allow hospitality businesses to place tables on pavements and put up marquees, brought in to help reduce indoor transmission of Covid by maximising use of outdoor space, should be made permanent. Read more and respond here.

Winding-up petition threshold increased
The temporary restrictions on issuing winding-up petitions for business debt related to the pandemic will expire on 30 September. However, the Government has announced that from 1 October to 31 March 2022, the amount owed to a creditor wishing to issue a winding-up petition to a debtor business will rise from its pre-pandemic level of £750 to £10,000, while – during the same period – debts relating to commercial rent arrears built up over the pandemic will not be subject to winding-up petitions, even if they meet the £10,000 threshold. Creditors will also be required to seek payment proposals from debtor businesses, who will have 21 days to respond before a winding-up petition can be issued. The Insolvency Service said the new measures will “help smaller companies get back on their feet to give them more time to trade their way back to financial health before creditors can take action to wind them up”.

FSB webinars next week
We’re holding three webinars next week: Leading more effectively post-lockdown on Tue 14 September, Cyber Crime – What it is and how you can avoid becoming a victim of it on Wed 15, and How to access SME finance in post-pandemic Britain on Thu 16.

LGBT+ business champion appointed
Iain Anderson, executive chair of Cicero, has been announced as the first-ever LGBT Business Champion. He will work with the LGBT+ community, the Government, and the business community, and told the BBC: "I don't want this to be a burden, I want this to be an opportunity.” FSB’s Mike Cherry welcomed his appointment: "All too often, it is only larger companies and corporates that offered serious engagement with these issues; it's vital that small business owners and the self-employed are also considered and involved. The Government must lead the way on this, by offering mentoring opportunities, role models and an expanded business network."

Mental health letter from Minister
Small Business Minister Paul Scully has written an open letter to businesses signposting to resources they can use to promote positive mental health in the workplace. He says: “Supporting mental health in the workplace has never been more important, and I fully recognise and value the role that employers play when they take positive action to provide workplace mental health and wellbeing support to their staff.”

Northern Ireland Protocol extension
Brexit Minister David Frost has announced that the post-Brexit grace period on certain imports of goods to Northern Ireland is to be extended, “to provide space for potential further discussions, and to give certainty and stability to businesses while any such discussions proceed”.

Driving and cycling safety guidance
The Health & Safety Executive has issued new guidance for employers and workers on driving and riding safely for work.

Cybercrime research
The National Cyber Security Centre is looking for small businesses to give input as it creates a tool “to enable SMEs, charities and schools to find and fix some of their important cyber security issues as quickly and as easily as possible”. Sign up here.

Take Five week
Next week is #TakeFive week, which aims to raise awareness about fraud, and equip the public and the business community with the tools to tackle the issue, with the campaign led by trade body UK Finance.

IP crime report
The Intellectual Property Office has issued its annual report on IP crime for 2020-21, which highlights “current and emerging counterfeiting and piracy threats in the UK and overseas, including Trading Standards’ successful IP cases”.

Push to go electric
On World Electric Vehicle Day (9 September), the Government launched a free app to calculate “how much money UK drivers could save by switching to an EV compared to their current petrol or diesel vehicle, along with details on the carbon dioxide (CO2) savings and air quality improvements they could achieve”, while also confirming that all new-build offices and homes in England will soon be required to have charging points for EVs.

Widening your talent pool event
The Lord Mayor of the City of London is holding an event at Mansion House in London on 23 September, in partnership with The Corbett Network for Prisoner Re-integration, to encourage employers to look into employing ex-offenders, aiming to "help shift attitudes and perceptions among employers". Sign up for your free place here.

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