Latest News
Red tape on training needs to be reduced
Small businesses could face additional regulation by the government if they are forced to undertake formal meetings with employees who request time off to train, warns the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Female workers need supportive legislation, entrepreneur claims
Despite the work of campaigners and legislators there remains a 'massive, massive under-representation of women in senior positions', an online resource for female entrepreneurs says.
London mayor 'has significant economic powers' to protect business
The new mayor of London will have significant power over the economic development of the city, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Bosses face damages for third party sexual harassment
A top employment lawyer is warning employers they could face unlimited damages if they fail to protect employees from sexual harassment by third parties, under new laws now in force.
Small firms face 'difficulties' in taking a dispute to tribunal
Taking a dispute at work to an employment tribunal will 'definitely be more difficult' for employees and employers in small businesses compared with a larger company, according to an industry expert.
Self-employed 'need full life insurance'
The self-employed have a particular need for life insurance as "they are responsible for all their own benefits", say insurance experts.
Illegal practices in the workplace can result in 'serious penalties'
Both employers and employees in SMEs can face 'serious penalties' for engaging in illegal practices in the workplace, according to employment law specialists.
Firms still facing red tape burden
Small firms are still facing excessive amounts of regulation, new research has revealed.
Get prepared for regulation changes
With changes to employment regulations coming on 1 October, Business Link is advising employers to act now to get to grips with the legislation.
Government to simplify small business advice schemes
The government has announced proposals to simplify the process for small businesses to receive business advice.
FSB slams family tax
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has attacked HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in a family tax case heard in the House of Lords.
FSB in road pricing row
A draft bill to allow local authorities to introduce pilot road charging schemes is to be tabled in Parliament. The move comes after the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), called on the Government to put this road charging policy to the democratic test before implementation.
Don't smoke and drive
More than one in ten businesses in England do not realise that their smoking room will have to be closed by 1 July 2007 and over half are unaware that work vehicles will be covered by the new anti-smoking law, says research from the Department of Health.
Big change afoot for small business
Many entrepreneurs are unaware of three significant pieces of legislation due to be implemented this year that could have a dramatic impact on their businesses, believes David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services.
SMEs unprepared for new phone law
Nearly one in three small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not have a policy for in-car mobile phone use, meaning they could be liable to prosecution if their employees make business calls from their mobile while driving, says new research by YouGov for communications specialist Jabra.