Sirius Bulletin - 4th October 2021
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Hospitality
All tips must be passed to staff
The Government has announced plans to make it illegal for employers to withhold tips from workers. Under the plans, all employers would have to pass on tips to workers without any deductions and workers would be able to request information about an employer’s tipping record.
Read more about the plans at: www.gov.uk/government/news/all-tips-to-go-to-staff-under-government-plans-to-enhance-rights-of-2-million workers
Pubs
Cask beer sales down
The British Beer & Pub Association has revealed that sales of cask beer in pubs are down 40% since pubs reopened in April 2021. This has resulted in a loss in revenue to pubs and brewers of £243 million.
Read more about the fall at: https://beerandpub.com/2021/09/24/the-plight-of-cask-cask-beer-saIes-down-by- 76-mi11ion-pints-since-pubs reopened/
Residential care
Sector demands energy bill support
Care home operators facing 100% increases in their energy bills to keep residents warm this winter have demanded urgent government intervention to avoid home closures. Care homes are not covered by the price cap which protects domestic consumers.
Read more about the issue at: www.theguardian.com/business/2021Isep/24/care-homes-wa rn-crippling-energy-bi11s-couId-force-closures?
Small businesses are employing their own drivers
In a survey of small on line retailers, 64% have invested in their own delivery fleet to meet customer demand due to driver shortages, supply chain issues and Covid-19 restrictions. The research also found that one in five have hired between five and ten new drivers.
Read more about the survey at: www.alphabet.com/en-gb/auto-digest/almost-two-thirds-smes-deliver-goods-using-their-own-drivers
E-scooters should be legalised under strict measures
A new report calls on the Government to legalise e-scooters alongside a package of measures to ensure their rollout is safe and affordable. Measures include ensuring all vehicles meet minimum safety standards, and operators providing access to shared schemes in areas with poor public transport.
Read more about the report at: www.centreforlondon.org/publication/micromobility
Uber
Drivers to receive backdated pension payments
Uber is set to pay out millions of pounds in missed pension payments to UK drivers. Earlier this year the Supreme Court ruled that the company must guarantee its 70,000 UK drivers will receive pensions, holiday pay and a minimum hourly wage.
Read more about the ruling at: www.reward-strategy.com/news/top-stories/uber-launches-pension-scheme-for-all-uk-drivers-19964
Tech
Consumers don’t trust tech platforms
A survey of 2,000 UK adults has revealed that 68% have little or no trust in online platforms to protect them from scams, dangerous products or fake reviews. Which? believes that urgent action is needed to make platforms legally responsible for harmful content on their sites.
Read more about the survey at: www.which.co.uk/news/2021 /09/two-thirds-dont-trust-tech-giants-to-protect-them-against-either-seams dangerous-products-or-fa ke-reviews/?
Business insurance
Amazon partners with broker
Amazon will soon offer insurance to its small and medium-sized UK business customers. Members of Amazon’s Business Prime programme will be given access to cover from broker Superscript, which will include contents, cyber and professional indemnity insurance.
Read more about the announcement at:
www.sharecast.com/news/international-companies/amazon-preps-insurance-offering-for-uk-sme-business customers—8125571.html
Tax
Making Tax Digital delayed
HMRC have confirmed that Making Tax Digital for income tax for the self-employed will be delayed until 6 April 2024. The start date for business partnerships will be put back to 2025.
Read more about the delay at: www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2021Isep-2021/MTD-ITSA-an d-basis-period-reform-postponed
DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date.