The number of data security breaches by private companies has risen by 58% over the last year, according to figures released by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This is in spite of the fact that three quarters of businesses surveyed understand that the Data Protection Act (DPA) obliges them to keep personal information secure –
The Government has put forward proposals to allow more small firms to avoid the need to submit audited accounts – saving businesses in the UK an estimated £206m a year. EU regulations list three criteria by which firms can be regarded as small for accounting purposes. These are: no more than 50 employees balance sheet
The changes to the regulations covering agency workers have now come into effect. It means that agency workers who fulfil the same role with a firm for 12 continuous weeks are entitled to the same basic employment conditions as employees. The regulations apply even if the person only works for a few hours each week.
The need for employers to have the correct legal and training procedures in place was shown in a recent case in which a child was injured as she walked under a street light. The accident happened as the light was being repaired. The workman detached the reflector to inspect it but it fell just as
The new National Minimum Wage rates have now come into effect. The rate for adult workers has risen by 15p to £6.08 an hour. The rate for 18-20 year olds goes up by 6p to £4.98 an hour. The rate for 16-17 year olds has increased by 4p to £3.68 an hour. The rate for
The renewed interest in buy to let properties is spreading from London to other areas throughout the UK, according to new research. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) conducted a survey of their members. The results showed that 30% of buy to let landlords in the North East
Debtors may soon have to owe £3,000 or more before creditors can petition for bankruptcy. The current level is £750. The proposal to raise the threshold has been put forward by the Business Minister Edward Davey as part of the Government’s review of debt advice and personal insolvency. It follows a public consultation and call
The Licensing Act is the latest set of regulations to come under the scrutiny of the Government’s “red tape challenge”. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has begun a public consultation seeking views on whether Section One of the Act should be reformed. This is the section that covers regulated entertainment. It has often
When a business is transferred from one owner to another, the rights of employees are protected by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE). This means the employees of the previous owner become employees of the new owner on the same terms and conditions. But what happens when the services provided by the
The overall number of employment cases being brought to tribunals has fallen by 8%, but the number of age related claims has continued to rise. The latest figures from the Tribunals Service cover the period from 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011. There were a total of 218,100 claims during that period, a fall