Category Archives: Uncategorized

This week, the formal process to claim back certain Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments is launched. From 26 May 2020, employers can register their claim using a new online process. Making a claim To use the online service, you will need the Government Gateway user ID you received when you registered for PAYE Online. If […]

Innovative businesses and start-ups are set to benefit from a £40 million government investment to drive forward new technological advances. It was announced 20 May 2020, that government is doubling investment in the Fast Start Competition with an additional £20 million. The competition aims to fast-track the development of innovations borne out of the coronavirus […]

The following guidelines have been released to cover social distancing concerns if working in offices or call centres. The objective being to maintain 2m social distancing whenever possible. The published guidelines are: You must maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible. Where the social distancing guidelines cannot be followed in full in relation to […]

Trade credit insurance guarantee Last week, the government announced that businesses with supply chains that rely on Trade Credit Insurance, and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to coronavirus disruption, will get support from government. In a news story released 13 May 2020, the Treasury said: Trade Credit Insurance provides cover to hundreds of […]

A reminder that if you need to renew your vehicle MOT after 30 March 2020, the usual annual renewal date should have been extended by six-months. Conditions that apply are: Eligibility Your MOT certificate will be extended by six-months if it was due to expire on or after 30 March 2020 and your vehicle is […]

Easing back from lock-down Boris Johnson made his long-awaited statement on the government’s plans to ease lock-down (7pm, Sunday 10 May 2020). No great surprises and we have included a brief business-related summary in this post. In his address he said: And the first step is a change of emphasis that we hope that people […]

In the past, claims for the costs of home office furniture and other equipment has been difficult to obtain unless your employer dictates that you must work from home. With the advent of lock-down and working from home now mandated for a large proportion of the working population, HMRC are being inundated with claims. Employees […]

From 1 May 2020, VAT on e-publications has been scrapped. Good news for those of us who subscribe to newspapers online or buy books to read on electronic devices. The change will potentially slash the cost of e-books and newspapers making reading more accessible as people stay at home. Newspapers will also benefit from up […]

If you are eligible, payments under the above scheme are due to be made by HMRC next month, June 2020. Readers who need financial support at an earlier date can still apply for Universal Credits as an interim measure. Who can claim under SEISS? To qualify for a payment under SEISS you will need to […]

There has been considerable commentary in the media about this support initiative as business owners – struggling to cope with the reduction in their cash resources due to the COVID-19 outbreak – are finding it difficult to secure support from their bank. Readers will be encouraged by the Chancellor’s recent comments when he confirmed that […]