October 2009 | November 2009
RETURN TO CONTENTS
FSB Policy
I know small businesses have been doing all in their power to retain, and in some cases create, jobs. But the government needs to be bold and give them the support they need to continue to do so. The FSB is urging the government to put in place a
package of measures to help stem rising unemployment and to help small businesses do what they do so well: to be the country's job-creators.
First among these measures is a scheme to get school leavers and graduates into jobs, to prevent them becoming what is being called ‘the lost generation' of jobless young adults.
We want to see just 10 per cent – £3 million – of a £32 million pot of money given to universities to develop internships and jobs within small firms and open up internships
to graduates in small businesses. This would create 5,000 extra placements this year and the government would save around £600 for each graduate on the scheme in the longer term.
We are also calling for a rise in the national minimum wage for apprentices from £95 to £123 per week, on the understanding that it would give apprentices more of an incentive to complete the traineeship.
--------------------------------------------------------------
There is never a good time for tax increases, but it couldn't really be worse at the moment. From the 2p rise in fuel duty, which came in on September 1, there are a series of tax increases that will hit small businesses hard. In January, VAT goes back
up to 17.5 per cent, which will also create an administration burden; in April, corporation tax increases by one per cent to 22 per cent. Next year, employees'
national insurance also increases from 11.5 to 12 per cent. We will be lobbying hard to ensure there aren't any other nasty surprises from the taxman in the Pre Budget Report.
--------------------------------------------------------------
As reported on page 17, we have teamed up with independent research agency ICM to establish the FSB's new Annual Survey: The Voice of Small Business – a chance for our members to make their voices heard at this crucial time. At the same time, we are inviting all our members to join a National Panel of Business Owners who will contribute their views more regularly. Small business owners are often overlooked by
government, but together we represent a formidable voice. Help us ensure that the interests of small businesses are at the top of the political agenda!
‘With unemployment now at 2.4 million, the FSB is doing its bit to remind everyone that small businesses are key to tackling the challenge of unemployment'
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4 - FSB Policy round-up
FSB on the job
The FSB has brought out new proposals to get more apprentices into work – and to create 5,000 new internship placements to tackle soaring graduate unemployment.
More pubs call time
One in eight tied pubs is struggling to survive, hit hard by inflated prices of beer imposed on them by the pub company (Pubco) that owns them, according to a new report by the FSB.
Call to end late payments 'plague'
Small firms are waiting up to four months for invoices to be paid by several big brand names, FSB research has revealed.
Wales business conference launched
The FSB in Wales had a busy summer, attending many shows and events – in particular the Royal Welsh Show, the Eisteddfod and the Anglesey Show.
Page 7 - FSB Policy Round-up
FSB's envelope of post office ideas
The government is being urged to transform post offices into small business hubs around the country.
Rates relief reality for Northern Ireland
After sustained lobbying by the FSB, Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) will become a reality in Northern Ireland in April 2010.
Image rights warning
With an increasing number of businesses using the worldwide web, the FSB has issued a reminder about the danger of using images without permission.
Funding for disabled employees
Companies are being reminded that they are now eligible for government funding to support employees who have physical occupational health problems.
What's ina name?
A snack-bar owner has praised the FSB after gaining free legal service to fight a trademark claim.
Page 8 - More from the FSB Policy Round-up
French port blockades come under FSB fire
An official complaint by the FSB against the French government, for failing to
prevent port blockades by fishing fleets, has received cross-party support.
£5m security fund for retailers
FSB members in the retail industry are being urged to take advantage of a £5 million fund to allow them to buy security devices.
Protect status for UK foods?
The FSB has backed calls from the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for more UK producers to apply for protected status for their products.
FIdentity Fraud Week is on the way
Members are reminded that 12 to 16 October is National Identity Fraud prevention Week, an awareness campaign aimed at protecting business from one of the country's fastest-growing crimes.
Westminster Sketch
As the partypolitical conference season kicked off, the FSB launched its new report on job creation – Small Businesses, Big Employers - at it's 'Employment Centre' - style exhibition.
Read these articles
Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors and omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by the FSB which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.
Copyright NFSE (Sales) Ltd 2009