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 UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the three months to September, the highest since early 2021, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase was slightly higher than expected and adds to signs that the jobs market is starting to soften.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a national campaign to offer UK businesses access to no-fee specialist recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The service is available to all businesses, regardless of size or sector.