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
Call to support small firms on Black Friday
Today (26 November) is Black Friday, and FSB is urging the public to support small businesses in the run-up to the festive season, amid reports that many Black Friday deals are not as good value as they may appear. FSB National Chair Mike Cherry says: "Rather than reaching for the same old brands - where deals might not be all they seem in any case - shop bespoke, receive one-to-one personal service and give some new restaurants, cafes and pubs a try." FSB's most recent Small Business Index research found that only one in four small retailers are expecting an improvement in performance between now and the end of the year, which is concerning as takings from the so-called golden quarter often tide companies over into the new year.
Single-use plastic consultation
The Government is asking for views on how to reduce single-use plastics in England, via a new consultation. Responding to its publication, Mike Cherry said: "Small businesses are right behind the Government's efforts to stamp out use of harmful single use plastics."
Payment diversion fraud warning
The National Economic Crime Centre, part of the National Crime Agency, has issued an Amber Alert to the retail sector about the threat of Payment Diversion Fraud. It is strongly advised that you read the alert to increase your awareness of the threat and mitigate the risk to your business. The Amber Alert can be found here.
Free assistant offer for exporters
Are you looking to start or boost your overseas trade? You can apply for a fully-funded international trade assistant for a period of up to 6 months on a temporary contract of 25 hours per week. A new pilot programme, run by Pedagogo and funded by the Kickstart initiative, will provide 100 international trade assistants to businesses. This will be at a zero cost to you as the Government will pay the salary based on 25 hours per week at the national minimum wage. If you are interested email [email protected], or join this webinar on Monday 29 November to find out more. Applications close on 3 December.
Apprentice grant deadline - final notice
The deadline to claim the £3,000 incentive payment for each eligible apprentice hired in England between 1 April and 30 September 2021 is Tuesday 30 November.
HMRC tax avoidance campaign
HMRC has launched a campaign aimed at contractors, agency workers, and people who work through umbrella companies, to help them determine whether they are involved in tax avoidance, and to warn them of the potential consequences. It has also produced an interactive risk checker for anyone who fears they may be in this position.
HMRC joint and several liability factsheets
The Finance Act 2020 introduced new laws to deter tax avoidance and evasion, including by making directors jointly and severally liable for a company's tax liability in certain circumstances. HMRC has released factsheets on the new laws, about whether you may be jointly and severally liable for the relevant tax liability of a company that has been involved in tax avoidance or evasion; because you've been connected to companies which have become insolvent with amounts due to HMRC; and for a company that has been charged penalties for facilitating avoidance or evasion.
SMEs' economic role - webinar
Media group Tortoise is holding an online discussion on the role of small business in the current and future UK economy on Tuesday 30 November. FSB's National Vice-Chair Martin McTague will be speaking at the event, Small business, big problem: are UK SMEs falling behind? Members, friends and colleagues of FSB are invited to join the discussion; just use the invite code FSBGUEST when you sign up here.
FSB hospitality and leadership webinars
Next week FSB is holding two free webinars, with Women entrepreneurs in hospitality on 30 November and Lighting the Motivation inside your people and customers on 3 December.
Mental health advice updated
The Health & Safety Executive has updated its stress and mental health at work pages, and has published new guidance on suicide prevention.
National Security and Investment Act guidance and webinar
The Government's guidance on compliance with the National Security and Investment Act, which comes into effect on 4 January 2022, has been updated, to explain how to assess whether an acquisition must be reported, and what businesses can expect when they go through the NSI process. The Business Department and ICAEW are holding a joint event to explain the implications for businesses, investors and corporate finance on 1 December - sign up here.
OECD report on UK services trade
The OECD has released a report, Services trade in the United Kingdom and the global economy, setting out the role of services trade in the UK economy, describing recent trends and highlighting future challenges, and exploring policy options to support a sustainable recovery from the pandemic.
Menopause report
The Government's Business Champion for the Ageing Society and Older Workers has published a report on Menopause and Employment; FSB was part of the roundtable which provided input and advice to the report's writers.
Flood Action Week
This week was #FloodActionWeek, coordinated by the Environment Agency. Read our article offering small businesses five ways to protect themselves against flooding.
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