Information provided by the Business Support Team – Invest East Yorkshire. www.investeastyorkshire.co.uk
We are now in the new tax year, check out the business news section which summarises the various changes which have come into effect which may be relevant to your business.
With changes also due around public procurement, if you are within the construction sector and looking to win more work, then don’t miss out on hearing from Stefanie Wright, from East Riding of Yorkshire Council and YORcivil Framework Manager NE, who will be giving an overview on the construction process for East Riding and surrounding areas. Focusing on how to work for Tier 1 contractors via the frameworks and tendering for direct contracts, insights will also be given on the new Common Assessment Standard (CAS) and the differences from PAS 91.
Book your place now by visiting Winning More Work through Tenders workshop | Eryc (evolutive.co.uk)
New flexible working rules for employees
On 6th April the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 was updated giving employees the ability to request flexible working from day one of their employment.
Flexible working isn’t just about working from home or an office – it can also mean job-sharing, flexitime, compressed hours, annualised or staggered hours.
Further guidance can be found at:
https://www.acas.org.uk/acas-
New HMRC guidance on tax for training costs
HMRC has updated its guidance for self-employed individuals to provide clarity on the tax of training costs. Check if the cost of your training could be an allowable business expense by visiting:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/
Fully funded apprenticeships in small businesses
The Government announced in March that from 1 April 2024, it would fully fund apprenticeships for under 21’s in small businesses. Small businesses will no longer need to cover part of the training cost, making apprenticeships more accessible to small businesses. Changes to the apprenticeship levy also means that larger organisations can transfer up to 50% of their levy to other organisations.
Further details can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/
Reminder Payroll and National Insurances changes
The new increased minimum wage rates that have come into effect are set out below:
| 2023/24 rate | 2024/25 rate | |
| 21 and over (previously 23 and over) | £10.42 | £11.44 |
| 18 to 20 | £7.49 | £8.60 |
| Under 18 | £5.28 | £6.40 |
| Apprentice | £5.28 | £6.40 |
| Accommodation Offset | £9.10 | £9.99 |
For full details visit: https://www.gov.uk/national-
Also, don’t forget the 2% cut in employee national insurance contributions. Employees will now be deducted 8%, rather than 10%, on monthly earnings between £1,048 and £4,189. A 2% deduction on earnings above this amount continues to apply.
There is no change to the rate of employers’ national insurance, which stays at 13.8% on monthly earnings above £758.
For full details visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/
Changes to Paternity Law
The law on statutory paternity leave has changed with leave being able to be taken at any point in the first year after birth or adoption and enabling the two weeks to be taken as non-consecutive if requested.
For further details visit: https://www.acas.org.uk/
AI upskilling pilot fund
Are you a business that operates in the professional business services sector, if so check out the new pilot scheme that will help fund AI training to upskill workers. Available until the 23rd April the £7.4 million fund provides 50% match funding.
For full eligibility, details and how to apply visit:
https://www.find-government-
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