One step forward

The recent news that the lockdown is being eased for certain businesses is good news. Unfortunately, there are many other businesses that are still closed and unable to trade. And there is always a background risk that any relaxation of the lockdown will increase the...

New HM Treasury instructions re CJRS

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has made a further Treasury Direction under sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 concerning the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS currently helps employers furlough their employees with significant...

Tackling redundant stock

Many retailers and manufacturing businesses have stock on their shelves gathering dust. There are compelling reasons for tackling this issue as we cautiously emerge from lock-down. For example, freeing up storage space will enable you increase the volume of goods that...

Winding-down the furlough scheme

Without a doubt, the furlough scheme has provided small businesses with the means to retain staff that would otherwise have been laid-off. The government is paying 80% of furloughed employees’ wages (subject to a £2,500 maximum). From 1 August 2020, this...