The King’s Speech detailed proposals for a number of areas of new legislation that are likely to affect small employers.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) subsequently reported that nine-in-ten employers surveyed by them had said they have concerns that the costs and risks associated with employing people would be increasing.
The FSB also noted that there was no legislation announced to tackle the poor payment practices of big businesses toward their small suppliers. FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said late payment “hampers cashflow and stifles investment, and we call on the Government to look again.”
See: https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/fsb-weekly-brief-newsletter-friday-19-july-2024.html
The tax rules on Benefits in Kind (BIKs) are changing. From 6 April 2027, Phase 1 of HMRC’s ‘Mandatory payrolling of Benefits in Kind and expenses’ comes into force. Phase 1 will apply only company cars, car fuel, vans, van fuel and medical benefits.
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced a 4% increase in the energy price cap for the period covering 1 October to 31 December 2026. This increase reflects higher wholesale gas prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with volatile global gas markets remaining the dominant driver of price changes.