smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Short-term finance

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores the options...
Have your say »

RSS

Redundancies set to rise

Aug 07 2009

Email a friend

More than half of companies will make redundancies in the next six months, suggests a survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Adam Marshall, director of policy at the BCC, says: ‘Policies to help businesses retain jobs, and increase employment, will be critical over the next 12 months. Scrapping plans to raise National Insurance contributions in 2011 is an obvious place to start.’

Of the 450 companies surveyed, none plans to increase stock holdings, while 17 per cent will cut down on stock in the next three months.

According to the latest figures, unemployment now stands at 2.2 million.

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Polls

Latest News

Help with be available for small businesses

Government advice scheme to help SMEs

A government scheme designed to help up to 26,000 of England’s brightest small businesses has launched.

Small businesses best at customer service

Four fifths of consumers in the UK believe that small, independently or locally-owned businesses provide the best customer service experience.

FSB demands broadband improvements for rural businesses

The implementaton of superfast broadband in less populated areas will revitalise the rural economy, says the Federation of Small Businesses.

Tech issues top office frustration list

Technical problems including email and internet failures have been voted the most stressful office issue.

Apprenticeships proving effective for SMEs

Britain’s apprentices are getting promoted, improving their confidence and taking on more responsibility in the workplace, according to a report.

SME revenue fall a ‘blip’

Small business domestic turnover decreased by 7 per cent between Q4 2011 and Q1 2012, research finds.

Calls to address sickness absence

The government is being urged to reinvigorate its efforts to tackle sickness absence.

Jobs outlook promising for SMEs

The short-term jobs outlook has ‘turned positive’ for the first time in more than a year, research finds.

Queen's Speech 'missed opportunity' for business

The Queen’s speech could have delivered more for enterprise, according to business commentators.

Businesses to comply with new website privacy laws

UK small businesses could face fines of up to £500,000 if they fail to meet tough new website privacy laws which come into force this month.

SMEs could be in line for tax rebate

Hundreds of thousands of UK small business owners are due a sizeable tax rebate from HMRC, according to a tax specialist.

Guides & Tips

Small businesses should take care to choose the right solicitor

Choosing a solicitor: How to avoid the pitfalls

Stephen Newman, managing partner of Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, gives advice on taking on a solicitor.

Make sure you get your HR right from the start

HR for start-ups – how to get it right

Margery McBain, MD of Gravitate HR, outlines the key human resources considerations for a small business owners starting up.

Insolvency is clearly a harrowing time, but there are certain procedures that must be undertaken

How to approach insolvency

Mark Wilkinson, of law firm Lee & Priestley, explains the insolvency procedure and the possibility of continuing to trade.

Don't Miss

Edward Fanshawe on growing waste management company Skiptrips

Edward Fanshawe set up waste management bidding site Skiptrips in 2012 and looks to turn over £250,000 in his first year of trading.

Gem Misa on launching food brand Righteous

Gem Misa started natural food company Righteous in 2009 and turned over £120,000 in 2011. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to her about funding, marketing and future plans.

Charlie Marshall, founder, The Sleep Room

Sleep of faith

Charlie Marshall launched bed provider The Sleep Room in 2009 and the company now turns over £7 million.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.