Wages
This coverage examines wage trends and policies in the UK retail sector, focusing on pay levels, employer contributions, labour cost management, and compliance. Reporting highlights how changes in wages impact staffing budgets, recruitment, retention, and operational planning — offering insight for executives, HR leaders, and finance professionals managing workforce investments.
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May- 2020 -5 MayCoronavirus
Chancellor promises no ‘cliff-edge’ end to furlough scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has promised there will not be a “cliff-edge” end to the Government’s furlough scheme. Speaking to ITV News, Sunak attempted to reassure a number of business groups who warned of the potential of mass redundancies if the scheme was to suddenly end and not be extended in…
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1 MayCoronavirus
Iceland boss hits back at HMRC over minimum wage probe
The boss of Iceland has hit back at HMRC for “harassing” the business in regards to a previous minimum wage tax dispute amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to the Times, Sir Malcom Walker, who founded the businesses over 50 years ago, said in a letter that HMRC should be…
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Apr- 2020 -30 AprilCoronavirus
Next and Dixons urge government for furlough clarity
Retailers Next and Dixons Carphone have called on the UK Government to clarify the exit strategy for its furlough scheme. According to The Telegraph, bosses at the firms are concerned that a quick shutdown could lead to a high level of redundancies before they can fully resume regular operations. Currently…
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29 AprilBusiness Bites
The aviation industry is now in very serious trouble
In a sign of just how distressed the aviation industry is, British Airways has announced plans to lay off 30% of its workforce, or about 12,000 employees, and says it expects it to take several years before passenger volumes return to 2019 levels. The chief executive, Alex Cruz, wrote to…
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28 AprilBusiness Bites
Job support to be wound down, M&S dividend suspended, ventilator production slows, property market halts
Chancellor Rishi Sunack says he will wean the economy off his support schemes in a “gradual” wind-down, to help prevent soaring unemployment on ‘expiration day’. His announcement, made to MPs, came in response to concerns that a definite cut-off date would produce an explosion in redundancies and layoffs. Currently, the…
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27 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor announces 100% guarantee on small business loans
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the launch of a new ‘bounce back’ emergency loan scheme for small businesses, which will offer 100% guarantees on emergency loans. Today (27 April) Sunak told the House of Commons that the scheme would begin next week, offering SMEs loans of up to £50,000. The…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor extends furlough scheme deadline
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the deadline for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme after it was found that many people who had recently changed jobs were set to miss out. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee,…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
HMRC adds new guidance on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
HMRC has issued new guidance regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme and clarifies eligibility for those returning from sick leave and TUPE staff. Issued at the end of last week the third update to the scheme has provided clarification on all aspects of sick leave including those returning from maternity…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: Amazon seeks 75,000 new hires
Amazon announced that it is looking to hire an additional 75,000 employees across its operations in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The group said that it continues to see “increased demand” as its teams support communities amid the ongoing pandemic, and for this reason will create the additional 75,000…
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