Government news and archive

Petition to launch Shop Out to Help Out scheme is launched

A new petition for implementing the Shop Out to Help Out scheme hopes to raise 100,000 signatures to qualify for a Government-funded cashback to shoppers in a bid to support struggling independent retailers. The idea is to give customers a 50 percent cashback on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a limited time and offer a smaller cashback...

14 Jul 2021

Retail

Petition to launch Shop Out to Help Out scheme is launched

14 Jul 2021

Business

US threatens tariffs on UK clothing exports in tech tax row

A new trade war could be ensue if the US imposes a 25 percent tariff on some UK exports, including clothing. The tariffs would be a retaliatory move over the UK’s tax on big tech companies. Last April a digital services tax was introduced to ensure companies including Google and Facebook – the big social media platforms, search engines and...

30 Mar 2021

Business

UK launches Brexit Support Fund for small businesses amid border disruption

The UK government has announced a new 20 million pound fund to help small and medium-sized businesses deal with changes to trade rules with the EU. The Brexit Support Fund will help businesses adjust to new customs, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the block, cabinet office minister Michael Gove said Friday. It will also help...

12 Feb 2021

Business

Retailers affected by the pandemic protected from eviction until March 2021

Retailers struggling to pay their rents and leases will be protected from eviction until end of March 2021. A government review of commercial landlord and tenant legislation will also be launched. The announcement comes as part of the 280 billion pound government support for businesses during the pandemic The extension to protections from the...

10 Dec 2020

Business

UK government expands Covid-19 support package

UK chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced additional financial support for jobs and businesses as the country grapples with a growing number of Covid-19 cases and new lockdown restrictions. As part of the new measures, the Job Support Scheme, which will come into effect on 1 November and looks to replace the furlough scheme, has been made “more...

22 Oct 2020

Business

BRC 'deeply concerned' by Boris Johnson's no-deal Brexit comments

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said it is “deeply concerned” about a statement made by prime minister Boris Johnson that the country should prepare for a no-deal Brexit in January. Johnson said Friday that unless the EU demonstrates a “fundamental change of approach”, UK businesses and consumers should plan for a no-deal Brexit -...

19 Oct 2020

Business

Pre-pack administration deals to face mandatory independent scrutiny

The UK government has announced new laws requiring mandatory independent scrutiny of pre-pack administration deals. Pre-pack sales are a type of rescue deal that involves arrangements to sell part or the whole of a struggling company’s business or assets prior to it entering into administration. The sales are typically secured on or shortly...

12 Oct 2020

Retail

Businesses to get 1,000 pounds per furloughed employee returning to work

UK employers will receive a one-off bonus of 1,000 pounds for each furloughed employee that returns to work, the government has announced. It's part of a wider 30 billion pound package unveiled Wednesday by chancellor Rishi Sunak to support jobs and boost the economy after months of lockdown. The Jobs Retention Bonus can be accessed by employers...

8 Jul 2020

Retail

UK government launches 50 million pound Reopening High Streets Safely Fund

The UK government has launched a new 50 million pound fund to help the high street recover following the lockdown. The new reopening High Streets Safely Fund aims to help councils in England with the costs of introducing new health and safety measures for shoppers and retail workers. These new safety measures will come in the form of new signs,...

28 May 2020

Retail

Eligible retailers to receive cash grants from local councils

In response to the Coronavirus, Covid–19, the Government announced there would be support for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. This grant scheme will offer a lifeline to companies who are struggling to survive due to the corona virus shutdown. Local Authorities are advised to make payments as quickly as possible to...

7 Apr 2020

Business

Government to enforce labour laws in fashion supply chains

The government has warned rogue bosses that it plans to impose tough measures on large employers’ supply chains that breach labour market laws, particularly those in the fashion, construction and cleaning sectors. Director of Labour Market Enforcement Sir David Metcalf, who was appointed in January to oversee a government crackdown on...

25 Jul 2017