The UK government has announced contracts worth over £289 million to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the country’s most remote locations. The initiative is part of the government’s Project Gigabit program, which aims to modernise broadband infrastructure across the country.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The HSE was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and officially launched on 1 January 1975. In 1974, 651 employees were killed at work. HSE’s statistics for 2023/24 show 138 employees were killed at work and indicates the work that has been done to reduce workplace death and injury in England, Scotland and Wales over the last 50 years.
The start of January marks a time of new beginnings, and for business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan ahead. After the whirlwind of the festive season, January offers a quieter moment to consider where your business is headed, how it’s performing, and whether you’re still on track to meet your goals.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed that 4,409 people chose Christmas Day to file their tax returns, ensuring their 2023-2024 tax affairs were in order well before the 31 January deadline. In total, 40,072 taxpayers submitted their returns over the Christmas break, proving that even amidst the festive cheer, there’s always time for a little financial housekeeping.
Flights leaving the UK will now be greener due to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate coming into force on January 1st. For all jet fuel used in flights taking off from the UK in 2025, 2% must be SAF. This percentage will increase by 2 percentage points each year so that it is 10% by 2030 and then 22% by 2040.
The benefits of exercise on our physical and mental health are well known. The healthier and fitter we are the better we work on our business. A healthier, fitter workforce are also much more likely to be productive and happier. Yet, many of us struggle to find the time or energy to do enough exercise.
January can often be the time of year when entrepreneurs start to make plans for a new business. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published some guidance to help entrepreneurs think about data protection when setting up their business, so they get it right from the start.
Recent immigration enforcement activity has highlighted the need for employers to ensure their workers have the right to work in the UK. With thousands of enforcement visits, arrests, and hefty fines being issued, businesses that neglect their responsibilities risk serious consequences.
The government has announced that it will provide an additional £5 million of support to Bradford, which is the 2025 UK City of Culture. The funds, which bring total support provided to £15 million, will be used to help in delivering a programme of events and support a legacy of cultural regeneration. It is expected that 6,500 jobs will be created in the area as a result of Bradford being UK City of Culture.
The government has unveiled some significant reforms to employment support, underpinned by a £240 million investment. The measures aim to address deep-rooted issues of unemployment, economic inactivity, and barriers to work, as detailed in the recently published Get Britain Working White Paper.
© 2018-2024 DPC Accountants, part of the SUMER Group
. All rights reserved.
Sumer Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer | Cookies Policy
In accordance with the disclosure requirements of the Provision of Services Regulations 2009, our professional indemnity insurers are AXA Insurance UK Plc, 20 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0BG. The territorial coverage is worldwide excluding professional business carried out from an office in the United States Of America or Canada and excludes any action for a claim brought in any court in the United States Of America or Canada. Our professional indemnity insurance does not provide cover for claims arising from referrals by DPC to promoters of tax mitigation schemes that fall in to DOTAS or the Disguised Remuneration rules.
