Mounting Employment Tribunal backlogs are causing major delays in dealing with ongoing claims, leading to additional pressures for businesses and claimants, according to a leading employment lawyer. Tim Jones, Head of Employment Law at Higgs LLP, said the Employment Tribunal continued to suffer severe delays due to the amount of claims being issued and insufficient…
Social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses seeking to reach and engage their target audiences. However, creating compelling content is only one part of the equation; knowing when to post that content is equally crucial. Welcome to the world of perfect timing—where strategic scheduling of your social media campaigns can maximize their impact…
The Treasury Committee is challenging the lack of diversity in the venture capital industry as only 2 per cent of funding goes toward female founded and ethnic minority businesses, according to new report. The Committee also found that 80 per cent of investments went to the “Golden Triangle” of London, Oxford and Cambridge, with the…
New research finds that women SME owners are more likely than men to suffer cashflow challenges, undermining their growth and ambitions. Only half of women business owners report that their cashflow is stable and meets their needs, compared to a significantly higher two thirds of male respondents. In addition, four in ten female business leaders…
Parliament has launched a new inquiry into British film and high-end TV, examining issues around skills and retention as well as challenges posed from the rise of artificial intelligence. MPs on the culture, media and sport committee will investigate what needs to be done to maintain and enhance the UK as a global destination for…
Strikes by London Underground staff that were due to take place next week have been called off, the RMT and Aslef union has announced. The unions said a breakthrough had been achieved after “intense” negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) bosses in the days leading up to the walk outs. Both the drivers union, Aslef,…
Employers are still struggling with labour shortages and would need the entire population of Birmingham twice over to fill every vacancy, according to the latest snapshot of Britain’s labour market. Employers ran active job advertisements for 2.25 million jobs in the week to July 9 — 53 per cent more than in the equivalent period…
Business confidence in the HMRC’s competence has fallen markedly as accountants raise “significant concerns” about the accuracy of the information it provides. Official annual surveys of SME-sized businesses released by HMRC has revealed that those with fewer than 20 staff are least confident, with confidence levels down from 63 per cent in 2021 to 54…
Over 50s who are out of work should be given support to start their own businesses, MPs have said. A report by the Work and Pensions Select Committee has suggested a self-employment support programme could help reduce the level of economic inactivity in people over 50, as well as disabled people. The scheme, if implemented,…
Cheaper mortgages could be available within weeks on the back of better than expected inflation figures that suggest interest rates are close to peaking. In the first piece of good economic news for the government in months, the Office for National Statistics said that consumer price inflation had fallen from 8.7 per cent in May…
Hiring confidence amongst UK employers has risen to a two-year high as new research shows applications have surged and the time to hire decreased over the last quarter. The latest Totaljobs Hiring Trends Index, which surveyed 1,005 HR Decision Makers in the UK reveals an 8% increase in hiring confidence looking into Q3. With hiring…
Insolvencies increased again in June as businesses continued to continue to grapple soaring interest rates and stubborn inflation. Data from the Insolvency Service revealed that there were 2,163 insolvencies in June, which is a 27 per cent rise on the same period last year and above pre-pandemic levels. The majority of insolvencies listed were creditors’…
James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary will today chair the first ever UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Taking place in the Security Council Chamber in New York, the high-level briefing will discuss the potential implications of AI on international peace and security and how to promote its safe and responsible use….
Transport & Environment’s research results suggest that smaller cars could reduce the requirement for raw materials such as lithium, manganese, cobalt and nickel by almost a quarter. Smaller cars could ease the demand for battery materials such as cobalt, lithium, nickel and manganese by almost a quarter, according to the Transport & Environment think tank…
The National Audit Office (NAO) has launched an investigation of Financial Conduct Authority’s effectiveness and ability to manage a growing list of responsibilities, including the overseeing of online fraud, crypto and risks surrounding artificial intelligence. The review is understood to include examining the FCA’s governance, strategy, and culture and well as its approach to regulating…
