A total of 161 pubs closed across Britain in the first three months of 2026, an equivalent of almost two a day, according to figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). The industry body blamed a ‘disproportionate tax…
Red tape, rising costs, and complex rules are pushing small firms out of EU markets, new research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. The FSB’s data shows that 34% of SME traders expect to reduce or stop…
HMRC is reminding parents of 16-19-year-olds to extend their Child Benefit claim if their teenager is staying in certain types of education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s. Child Benefit will automatically stop on 31 August on or…
The government must prioritise the UK’s economic security, after 10 years of geopolitical shocks have repeatedly damaged growth, says the British Chambers of Commerce. Businesses in the UK have been left permanently bruised by the Pandemic, Brexit, wars in Ukraine…
The UK’s business rates system is acting as a major brake on investment, productivity and economic growth, warns the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Almost a third of the 700 firms surveyed said that the system has played a significant…
The government will contact thousands of young people about forgotten Child Trust Funds (CTFs) in a bid to reunite account holders with their accounts that are now worth £2,200 on average. CTFs were introduced by the government in 2005 and…
HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The April issue has information on various topics, including: Reminder of key dates and processes for reporting benefits in kind (BiKs). Real Time Information submission problems — Incorrect handling of…
Skills planning is ‘vital’ to better engaging Generation Z with the workplace, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The report analysed Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) and found that they have engaged thousands of people and employers in the…
HMRC is warning pensioners to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month. Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more…
Higher energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East are set to make the median working-age British household £480 worse off this year, according to the Resolution Foundation. The think tank based its estimates on market-forecasts for the…
