Business News

UK economy shrank 1.5% in first quarter of 2021, data reveals

12 May 2021

The UK economy shrank by 1.5% in the first quarter of 2021 as the country underwent a COVID-19 lockdown, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Record level of Apprenticeship Levy funds expired in 2020, research finds

11 May 2021

Research carried out by manufacturers' organisation Make UK has revealed that a record level of Apprenticeship Levy funds expired in 2020 without being spent by businesses.

Next step of roadmap out of lockdown to take effect from 17 May

10 May 2021

From 17 May, indoor hospitality businesses are permitted to re-open and households will be allowed to mix as the next step of the government's roadmap out of the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown takes effect.

UK economy set to grow rapidly once COVID restrictions are relaxed

07 May 2021

In its latest report, the Bank of England (BoE) has predicted that the UK economy will grow at its fastest rate in more than 70 years in 2021 as coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions are eased.

Optimism amongst SME manufacturers has risen significantly, survey suggests

06 May 2021

A survey carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has revealed that optimism amongst small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers rose considerably in the quarter to April 2021.

Businesses planning to adopt 'hybrid' working after easing of COVID restrictions

05 May 2021

A survey carried out by the Institute of Directors (IoD) has found that businesses are planning to adopt so-called 'hybrid' working once the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.

CBI calls for more clarity on COVID-19 roadmap

04 May 2021

The government must provide further details on its roadmap out of lockdown to bolster the economic recovery, says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

HMRC sets out penalty regime for SEISS abuse

30 Apr 2021

The fourth Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is now live and HMRC has set out the penalties for abuse.

Industry groups say more work needed after UK-EU trade deal ratified

29 Apr 2021

Industry groups have called on the government to take further steps to normalise trade with the EU after the European Parliament voted to ratify the post-Brexit trade deal.

Pandemic caused biggest annual employment fall for older workers

28 Apr 2021

Research carried out by the Resolution Foundation has found that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the biggest annual employment reduction for older workers since the 1980s.

HMRC records huge increase in scam attempts

27 Apr 2021

Last year saw a major increase in the public reporting suspicious contact to HMRC.

IPSE demands clarity on gig economy

26 Apr 2021

The government needs to provide clarity around the status and rights of gig economy workers, says the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).

HMRC contacting claimants for fourth self-employed grant

23 Apr 2021

The online service for applications for the fourth Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is now open for claims, HMRC has confirmed.

Pension fraud increased to £1.8 million in first quarter of 2021, data reveals

22 Apr 2021

Losses from pension fraud rose to £1.8 million in the first three months of this year, according to figures from Action Fraud.

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