The first reforms under the Employment Rights Act have come into force. These enhance trade union powers for the benefit of employees. Key changes include the repeal of most of the provisions of the Trade Union Act 2016. They include instead new protections against dismissal for participating in industrial action. One of the partners at Mayer Brown said that “This is a gamechanger. One that will put an even greater onus on employers to prove cause”. Additional measures, including whistleblowing protections, will take effect on 6 April,. Expectation is that employers are planning redundancies ahead of unfair dismissal reforms coming into force next January. The cap on compensation for unfair dismissal will also be lifted. This could also become a significant issue for those employing high earners.

iBOSS Comment:

Much concern is being expressed over the recent rises in unemployment figures which currently stands at around 5%+. Speculation is that this will continue to grow over the months ahead! If employing staff is a problem then call us on 07876 503830 or e-mail phil@theiboss.co.uk and request one of our free consultations to explore options including the possibility of implementing our IMS service.

#employmentrights #Employment #temporaryemployment

The chief executive of Associated British Foods, (owner of Primark), has warned that the Government’s delay in addressing a tax loophole benefits Chinese firms and is harming UK retailers. He has urged ministers to eliminate a rule allowing firms like Shein and Temu to ship parcels worth up to £135 without duty. While Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans for a crackdown, it may not occur until March 2029! Mr Weston said: “The current delay benefits those without a UK footprint and is unacceptable.” Other industry leaders, including Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association, support immediate measures to level the playing field for UK businesses. He said an interim flat fee would raise “enough money to remove business rates for high streets, fund High Street investments and with change left over.” In further support the chief executive of homeware retailer Dunelm, commented: “We would welcome anything that creates a level playing field.”

iBOSS Comment:

One can only hope that Ms Reeves will listen to Mr Goodacre’s comments and takes swift action to plug at least one hole in our leaking balance of payments! Particularly interesting are his comments on the revenue that could be raised and what it would fund!

If you need help in planning your business or are thinking of exporting and need advice callus on 07876 503830 or complete the enquiry form on our web site and request one of our Free 2-hour consultations.

Labour’s plan to let trade unions into workplaces according to the Telegraph. It points out that this could hit small businesses with a £680m bill. Under the Employment Rights Act, union officials will be granted “statutory right of access” to workplaces on a weekly basis. This is to allow them to work to increase membership. It is reported that Employers who block union access could face a fine of £75,000 for a single offence, rising to £150,000 for repeated offences. The Adam Smith Institute, a free market think tank, has called for the Government to exempt all SMEs from the statutory access rules to avoid them being disproportionately harmed by the policy. Both Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, and Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat business spokesman, are calling for measures to ensure small businesses wouldn’t suffer any added burdens.

iBOSS Comment:

More legislation that is potentially harmful to the interests of SMEs. Hopefully the FSB and maybe even the CBI will lobby the Government to take the pressure off SME businesses. If you are concerned by this, can we suggest do some lobbying!

City AM reports that the hospitality sector in Britain is facing significant challenges, with four businesses closing daily. According to the NIQ Hospitality Market Monitor, the number of food and drink venues decreased by 0.4% between October and December 2025. This resulted in a net loss of 382 businesses. The chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “The cost challenges facing hospitality businesses continue to grow.” Industry leaders have now warned that without comprehensive support, closures and job losses will escalate. UKHospitality forecasts that 963 restaurants, 574 hotels, and 540 pubs could close in 2026 without support. This comes ahead of an increase in business rates which will apply to all hospitality businesses with the exception of pubs.

iBOSS Comment:

The Chancellor is looking at yet another U-turn based on the disastrous miscalculation of the effect the increases in business rates would have, particularly on the hospitality industry. Even this looks currently to be inadequate! Some help for Pubs but what about the rest of the Hospitality industry
If you are an SME involved in hospitality and experiencing financial &/or operational difficulties at the moment then call us at iBOSS for a Free consultation on how we may be able to help. Call Phil on 07876 503830 or e-mail phil@theiboss.co.uk . Take advantage of our many years of experience in hospitality!