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 […]

Last month we commented on the changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) that commenced at the beginning of this month (1 July 2020). Now that we have the option to bring back employees on a part-time basis and still have a measure of support for their unpaid time, what considerations should we consider […]

The changes to lock-down announced by the Prime Minister last week are summarised below. Most are effective from 4th July 2020. Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines. From the same date, two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing […]

One of the government’s schemes to assist VAT registered businesses with their cashflow during the current COVID disruption was the deferral of VAT payments. The VAT payments that could be deferred cover payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. VAT traders that have taken advantage of this support will have likely deferred […]

Director/shareholders of small companies may be considering reducing their salaries and/or dividends during this uncertain period. Even if firms are managing to maintain profits or breakeven, prudence would suggest that until things improve we should do what ever we can to preserve cash reserves. Many directors have taken the sensible option to minimise their salaries […]

The High Street Task Force has launched a range of support options for High Street traders in England. In a press release issued 12 June it was announced:   A package of support to help high streets to get back on their feet has been launched ahead of shops reopening from 15 June. The High […]

The precautions taken by government to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, commonly known as lock-down, have created varying problem for UK businesses. As we ease our way out of lock-down many of us will have further issues to confront. This post considers some of those issues. According to the Office for National Statistics, economic activity in […]

Renters across England and Wales will receive greater protection after the government extended the suspension of new evictions until 23 August.   The Ministry of Housing published the following press release 5 June 2020: Millions of renters across England and Wales will receive greater protection after the government extended the suspension of new evictions until […]

HMRC released more information on the up-coming changes to the furlough scheme (CJRS) last week. A summary of two of the issues are set out below. Have you over-claimed? If you have made an error when making a claim under the CJRS and as a result you have received too much money, you must pay […]