The Autumn Budget is unlikely to kickstart the UK economy with the nation’s growth outlook remaining subdued, according to research from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The UK economy is expected to grow by 1.4% in 2025, revised slightly up from the previous forecast of 1.3%, driven by strong public spending, according to the
A £725 million package of skills reforms to the apprenticeship system with the aim of helping to tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth, has been announced by the UK government. The government says the reforms will create 50,000 additional apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships over the next three years. As part of the package, the
The removal of full tax-free salary sacrifice on pensions with a new £2,000 limit will hit over three million employees at 290,000 companies, according to government figures. The change to pension salary sacrifice is due to come into effect from 6 April 2029 and will see a new £2,000 limit on the amount of contributions
Taxpayers lost £10.9 billion to fraud and error as the UK government’s pandemic response left the front door open to fraud, according to an independent report. The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, Tom Hayhoe’s, final report to Parliament finds many schemes – including Bounce Back Loans and Eat Out to Help Out – were rolled out
Although there are less than two months until the self assessment deadline there is still time to start an accurate return, says HMRC. In addition, the tax authority is asking people filing their tax return for the 2024/25 tax year ‘What’s your filing style?’. HMRC is launching an online poll asking people to pick how
The majority of sole traders do not have a clear understanding of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, according to research from IPSE, the self-employed association. A survey conducted by IPSE found that 70% either have not heard of the initiative or do not realise it requires digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions through approved
Reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection is a sensible move, says the Resolution Foundation. The government is amending the Employment Rights Bill to reduce the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection from two years to six months, rather than scrapping altogether for a ‘day one’ right. This is a sensible move that will
The mandatory introduction of e-invoicing for all VAT-registered businesses selling to UK business customers from April 2029 will be a fundamental change, says the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT). The government announced the requirement in the Autumn Budget 2025 policy documents. It said: ‘Continued collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential for
Self assessment taxpayers due to join Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax next April will not face penalties if late filing quarterly updates. In the Autumn Budget 2025 documents, the government said it will not charge penalty points if those joining MTD submit any of their compulsory quarterly updates of income and expenses late
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 December 2025. The guidance states: ‘you can use the previous rates for up to one month from the date the new rates apply’. The rates only apply to employees using a company car. The advisory fuel rates for journeys undertaken on