Law firm says staff can work from home – for 20% less pay
A London law firm has offered staff the option to work from home permanently, but the convenience comes at a price.The firm would allow staff to work remotely but pay them 20% less than their current salary. There is a big debate on who benefits from staff working from home; the employee saves time and money, whereas the employer could save money on office space and costs.Research has shown that there is a concern that staff don’t work as hard working from home, but the pandemic has proven that staff can work from home well.
For the full story, click here.
Independent shops ‘open’ to idea of online sales tax
Independent retailers say they are “open to the possibility” of introducing an online sales tax to finance a big cut in business rates.Tesco is one of many retail businesses suggesting a 1% online sales tax could fund a 20 per cent cut in business rates for physical stores. Out-of-town online distribution centres pay far lower business rates per square metre than struggling high-street businesses.
For the full story, click here.
Help to Grow scheme losing traction with small businesses
Only 2,500 small businesses have enrolled on the £520m scheme, falling short of the government’s target of 30,000 by 2025.
Rishi Sunak set up this scheme last year to help boost productivity, offering a 90% discount on a management course. Then in March, it was announced that people on the scheme could gain one to one mentoring. The downside to this scheme is that it leaves out most small businesses, with the stipulation that you need more than five employees to be eligible.
For the full story, click here.
