The King’s Speech detailed proposals for a number of areas of new legislation that are likely to affect small employers.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) subsequently reported that nine-in-ten employers surveyed by them had said they have concerns that the costs and risks associated with employing people would be increasing.
The FSB also noted that there was no legislation announced to tackle the poor payment practices of big businesses toward their small suppliers. FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said late payment “hampers cashflow and stifles investment, and we call on the Government to look again.”
See: https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/fsb-weekly-brief-newsletter-friday-19-july-2024.html
It has been announced that eligible pubs and live music venues in England will receive a 15% discount on their business rates bills in 2026/27. Rates bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.
UK wage growth eased to 4.5% between September and November 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, reflecting a notable slowdown in private sector pay.