Author: Sophie Lewis
Many UK firms remain confident about growth prospects, despite pandemic
Robert Half: ‘Early indications are that 2021 is going to be a year of recovery and rebuilding for both companies and individual workers alike’.
Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to receive one-off grant
Chancellor Rishi Sunak: ‘This will help businesses to get through the months ahead – and crucially it will help sustain jobs, so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen’.
Over 2,000 people filed their tax return on Christmas Day
Every year, HMRC sees thousands of customers using the festive period to get their documents in order and complete their tax return.
Experienced IT professionals more likely to look for flexibility and challenges
Guidant Global: ‘The idea that emerging generations are more likely to seek flexible working options has long been accepted by employers, but our insight suggests that within the IT function in particular, it is the more experienced individuals that prioritise this element of an employer value proposition.’
Furlough extension welcomed, but calls for long-term job support
So far, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has protected 9.6 million jobs across the UK with more than one million businesses accessing loans to help them through the crisis.
CEST IR35 tool fails to deliver
Qdos: ‘It’s staggering that CEST allows so many contractors and businesses to be left in limbo. These are decisions that carry with them tens, sometimes even hundreds of thousands of pounds in tax liability’.
Pandemic leads to rise in late payments
The proportion of late payments has increased considerably since the pandemic began, with UK businesses reporting 47% of the total value of invoices are paid late.
Third SEISS rules are stricter and more complex
IPSE: ‘These complex rules may deter many self-employed from claiming support they need – and leave those who do always looking over their shoulder for fear of HMRC demanding the money back’.