Rent control is one several ideas being considered by a Commons Select Committee looking into the quality and regulation of rented housing. The committee is inviting interested parties to submit views on issues such as the quality of rented housing and how to ensure that standards remain acceptable. It will look at levels of rent,
The number of firms going out of business reached its highest level for two years in the first quarter of 2012 as the economy hit a “period of stagnation”. Figures released by the financial services firm RSM Tenon showed that more than 400 companies became insolvent every week. This was a 5% increase on the
Pubs and clubs that open late can now be made to contribute to the cost of dealing with alcohol related crime and disorder, as part of a Government clampdown on irresponsible drinking. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 gives local authorities more discretionary power to restrict the sale of alcohol. They will also
The Government has announced a series of employment law changes designed to reduce the burden on businesses while retaining reasonable protection for employees. Ministers are planning to reduce the compensation cap for unfair dismissal claims, reduce the number of vexatious claims and promote the use of settlement agreements. However, they have decided against introducing compensated
A Government minister has publicly named a company that failed to pay an employee the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The move is part of an initiative by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to name and shame companies that don’t adhere to NMW regulations. It shows the Government’s determination to get tough on
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has started to name and shame firms that flout National Minimum Wage regulations. To help employers comply with the regulations, BIS has outlined the following seven points that could put a firm at risk. An employer only has to meet one of these points to be named:
The directive is due to be implemented next year. Businesses from all the participating member states will then be under the same obligation to ensure that invoices are paid on time. The main points in the EU Directive are: Public authorities will be required to pay suppliers within 30 calendar days of receipt of an
The Government says it will reduce health and safety regulations to promote economic growth and protect businesses from ‘compensation culture’ claims. There are more than 6,500 regulations that the Government inherited through the Red Tape Challenge Process. They intend to scrap more than 3,000. One of the key changes involves health and safety inspections. Businesses
Tenancies are lasting longer and landlords are increasing their portfolios as the private rental sector continues to grow, according to the National Landlords Association. The research shows that 54% of tenancies are now lasting between two and three years, and 32% last longer than four years. It also showed that 10% of landlords had added
A company has been awarded £50,000 compensation from a former director after he breached a restrictive covenant preventing him setting up a rival business within a set period. The case was brought by a security company against its former business development director. The director’s contract had contained a restrictive covenant stating that if he left,