The furlough scheme has enabled employers to defer decisions about their workforce – who to retain, who to let go – but as from the beginning of August 2020, employers will be obliged to meet the furlough costs on an incremental basis. Another change this month, July 2020, is that employees can be invited back […]

The government announced further easing of lock-down restrictions last week. Outdoor pools can reopen to the public from 11 July, followed by indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres on 25 July 2020. In a recent press release they said: The Government has outlined the measures that will allow outdoor pools to reopen from 11 July […]

If you submit a self-assessment tax return you may need to consider your options as any second payments on account for 2019-20, are coming due for payment 31 July 2020. In a nut-shell you have three options:   Defer payment until 31 January 2021 As part of his support for taxpayers during the present disruption, […]

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak continued with his campaign to support the business and jobs community today, 8 July 2020, as firms engage with the disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak and the measures taken to control infection. The main thrust of his announcements during his Summer Economic update concerned his nominated Plan for Jobs 2020, […]

As the town of Leicester demonstrates, the recent announcement that many businesses would be able to reopen since 4 July 2020, depends on local conditions. Rates of infection in Leicester are causing concerns and consequently, local businesses were unable to reopen. However, for the rest of England (regional variations may apply for Scotland, Wales and […]

A number of EU countries have reduced VAT rates in an attempt to stimulate the economy: if VAT rates fall, prices should fall encouraging consumers to spend more. There has been much press commentary recently that Rishi Sunak will announce a similar reduction in the UK. Note, at present this is pure speculation. If announced, […]

1 July 2020 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2019. 6 July 2020 – Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs. 19 July 2020 – Pay Class 1A NICs (by the 22 July 2020 if paid electronically). 19 […]

A package of support to help high streets to get back on their feet was launched 12 June 2020. This announcement was made just days before shops were allowed to reopen on 15 June. The High Streets Task Force will provide access to cutting-edge tools, training, information and advice for high streets across England as […]

It is now confirmed that the UK will neither accept nor seek any extension to the Transition Period. From 1 January 2020, the UK will have the autonomy to introduce its own approach to goods imported to GB from the EU. Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, and following the announcement […]

One aspect of the 1 July changes to the CJRS was the closing date to new entrants was set as 30 June 2020. This disadvantaged parents who had been on extended parental or maternal leave in recent months and were intending to return to work after 30 June. The government has now confirmed that parents […]