Businesses brace for new employment laws
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.
Tax loophole favours Chinese importers
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.
SMEs face £680m hit from Labour’s union plans
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.
Forecast that four hospitality businesses to close daily in 2026
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.
Monzo Bank launches free tax tool for traders
Monzo has introduced a free, HMRC-recognised tax tool to assist sole traders and landlords with the upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax regulations, effective April 2026. The tool allows users to submit tax updates directly through the Monzo app.
More help for struggling hospitality businesses.
Both the FT and the Telegraph report that The Chancellor has stated that only pubs will receive tax relief from the Government’s recent business rates U-turn. This leaves other hospitality businesses without the support they need. She was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She went on to say “The situation the pubs face is different from others in the hospitality sector.”
Tax rule change forces firms to rethink vans.
The Times reports that businesses are reconsidering their vehicle choices. This is due to new tax rules introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The problem is that the changes classify double-cab pick-up trucks as cars for tax purposes. This potentially doubles the tax bill for employees.
Be Prepared! – Cyber-attack could sink 10% of firms
Research by Vodafone Business claims that 10% of British firms could face closure as a result of cyber-attacks. According to the study a combination of poor crisis planning, weak password practices, and employee susceptibility to phishing scams are the likely sources of vulnerability.
Young Brits embark on entrepreneurship surge
According to City AM more young UK adults are considering embarking on entrepreneurship. This is based on a report by financial services firm Block. It reveals that 67% of 18–34-year-olds interviewed are interested in starting a business. This appears to be contrary to many recent reports of a decline in business confidence and rising job losses among UK SMEs.
Pubs & Hotels face increasing financial crisis after tax hikes
Pubs in the UK are facing severe financial challenges. This follows the Chancellor’s recent Budget, which has led to increased business rates. Landlords warn that pint prices could exceed £18 due to rising costs, with some pubs already raising prices by 15-20% and cutting staff hours. The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that England could lose six pubs daily without government intervention.
SMEs will share the pain of threshold freeze!
SMEs are facing increased financial pressures following the Budget. Key changes include rising dividend taxes and the extension of a freeze on income tax thresholds until 2030/31, which will push more workers into higher tax bands, thereby reducing their spending power.
Advice to small firms with closure concerns
A Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) survey of nearly 1,500 small business owners and sole traders warns that thousands of
iBOSS supports UK surge in new businesses
The Times reports that, the UK had 5.7m businesses, at the start of 2024. This was an increase of 191,000
UK Government advise SMEs to get security against cyber-attack.
Amid a surge in cyber-attacks targeting major businesses, the Government has advised businesses to prepare for potential cyber-attacks. This includes
Labour’s tax plans depress UK property market
The Telegraph reports that the UK property market is experiencing a significant slowdown due to Labour’s proposed tax changes. It