From today, employers will have to pay national insurance contributions (NICs) and pension contributions for furloughed staff. From next month, the percentage of employee wages paid through the Job Retention Scheme to furloughed staff will be reduced in stages, with employers taking on …

Further help needed for employers, say small firms, as furlough wind-down begins Read more »

Responding to a reversal of plans to allow more small firms in England to re-open from tomorrow, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Today’s announcement will come as a massive blow to thousands of small firms, soon-to-be newlyweds, …

Business support must reflect restrictions, say small firms Read more »

Responding to the announcement from the Government that face coverings are to be made mandatory in shops across England, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Mike Cherry, said: “All small firms that are planning to or have already opened back up …

Small firms hope face coverings announcement will bring confidence back to shoppers Read more »

  Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) calls for a “jobs first” approach from government as new study shows substantial share of smaller firms forced to let employees go Recommends broad job market support measures as well as targeted interventions for young people …

One in ten small firms making redundancies as lockdown takes its toll ahead of Chancellor intervention Read more »

Responding to the announcement of a fresh easing of lockdown restrictions in England from 4 July, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Thousands of restaurants, hairdressers, pubs, hotels and campsites will be breathing a huge sigh of relief …

Fourth of July can’t come soon enough, say small firms, as they call for new support Read more »

Responding to new details about future plans for the job retention scheme (JRS) and self-employment income support scheme (SEISS), Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “The Chancellor has today given thousands of small business owners the certainty …

Chancellor gives hope to small firms and self-employed with flexible furlough and income support Read more »