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Vital information, resources and support LAW
Employer resources for new immigration routes The Home Office has published resources to help employers understand and prepare for the new points-based immigration system coming into effect from 1 January 2021. Anyone from the EU wanting to come to the UK for work will need to meet job and salary requirements. The Home Office previously revealed the core principles with a statement in February. The key features are: Immigration routes for prospective employees from outside the UK The application process for becoming a Home Office licensed visa sponsor Information on digital status and right to work checks The new global talent route; and intra-company transfers Read more at bit.ly/2YJjiPp
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
New trade advisory groups launched The Department for International Trade has established 11 trade advisory groups (TAGs) to provide
knowledge, insight and experience from industry experts that will inform the UK’s negotiating position and deliver trade deals that benefit the whole country. The 11 TAGs are: agri-food; automotive, aerospace and marine; British manufacturing and consumer goods; investment; life sciences; tech and telecoms; chemicals; financial services; professional advisory services; transport services; and creative industries. A list of members will be published on the gov.uk website. Read more at bit.ly/2Qvd419
LAW
Covid-19 refund updates The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its views on the law in relation to cancellations and refunds during the pandemic. The CMA believes that a consumer will generally be entitled to a refund when they have paid in advance for services or goods that cannot be provided because of the pandemic. It has provided detail on the difference between lockdown laws and Government guidance, and their impact on refunds.
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Lockdown laws: If contracts cannot go ahead because of lockdown laws, the CMA would expect a consumer to be offered a full refund. If contracts are partially affected then, depending on circumstances and impact, consumers may be entitled to a refund or a price reduction. Government guidance: As this is guidance and not law, whether a consumer is entitled to a refund will vary. For example, if a package holiday is cancelled in light of Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice against travel to the country, there are protections that mean consumers should be entitled to a full refund. It will not always be the case that a full refund is due as Government guidance does not create legal restrictions. However, it is important to follow Government guidance, and the CMA believes businesses should treat customers fairly. Read more at bit.ly/34Kcnt0
FINANCE
New body to drive economic recovery Three core missions for the new Scottish National Investment Bank have been
laid before the Scottish Parliament for consultation. The core missions focus the bank’s activities on addressing key challenges and creating inclusive, long-term economic growth. This will enable the bank to play a significant role in supporting Scotland’s economic recovery from coronavirus. The proposed missions aim to support: The just transition to net-zero emissions by 2045 Creating opportunities and reducing inequalities Harnessing innovation. The bank is on schedule to launch by the end of the year and the Scottish Government has committed to capitalising it with £2 billion over 10 years. Read more at bit.ly/2QzYYeJ
TAX
Loan charge deadline passes The deadline to apply to HMRC for a refund or waiver for the loan charge review has now passed. Following HMRC’s Independent Loan Charge Review recommendations, certain voluntary payments made as part of a disguised remuneration settlement with HMRC can be refunded. The voluntary payments that can be refunded are those made on or after 16 March 2016, in relation to loans made in unprotected years. An unprotected year is one where HMRC did not take action to protect the year, for example, by opening an enquiry. Read more at bit.ly/3i1yvTK firstvoice.fsb.org.uk
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