Umar Memon
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Zero hours contracts: best practice
Zero hours contracts have been in the news recently, with figures suggesting that they are used to employ between 250,000 and one million workers. Zero hours contracts are contracts for casual work, under which the employer does not guarantee to… Read more Zero hours contracts: best practice
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Regulation and rate changes
Most new regulations affecting businesses come into force on ‘common commencement dates’ in April and October each year. The Government’s commitment to reducing the regulatory burden on businesses is being enforced with three key ideas: 1. One-in-One-OutDepartments and ministers have… Read more Regulation and rate changes
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Inheritance tax raises £3bn for the taxman
Individuals and families in the UK paid £3.14 billion in inheritance tax (IHT) in 2012/13, official figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown. It comes as a result of the freeze in the IHT threshold – held at… Read more Inheritance tax raises £3bn for the taxman
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Zero-hour contracts more widespread than thought
The number of workers on contracts with no guarantee of hours or pay – known as ‘zero-hour’ contracts – is far more widespread than originally thought, figures from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) have revealed. It shows… Read more Zero-hour contracts more widespread than thought
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Number of home businesses hits 2.5m
More than half of the UK’s small businesses now operate from home, according to research from Direct Line for Business (DL4B). The 2.5 million home business owners account for 52 per cent of all small businesses and eight per cent… Read more Number of home businesses hits 2.5m
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Employment tribunal fees begin
As from 29 July 2013, individuals who want to take a claim to an employment tribunal will have to pay fees under new legislation now in place across the UK. Employees will now: pay between £160 to £250 to lodge… Read more Employment tribunal fees begin
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Safeguarding your estate
This 2013/14 guide is intended to help you and your estate planning. Introduction More than £3 billion in inheritance tax (IHT) was paid in 2012/13, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The £3,147 billion received by… Read more Safeguarding your estate
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Universal Credit
This guide looks at Universal Credit, a new benefit that will replace six existing benefits with a simpler, single monthly payment. Introduction Plans for the Universal Credit (UC) were first announced in 2010. Starting in October 2013, it will replace… Read more Universal Credit
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Buy-to-let property investment: do your sums
A shortage of affordable homes and squeezed incomes has led to a drop in the number of first-time home buyers, according to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). In contrast, the CML found a huge expansion of the… Read more Buy-to-let property investment: do your sums
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Customer data rights awareness
Under the Data Protection Act, any business, organisation or sole trader handling personal individual information has a legal obligation to protect this data. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), consumers are showing an increasing awareness of how their data… Read more Customer data rights awareness