As we are now at the 'living with Covid-19' stage of the pandemic the Government has decided to close the Covid-19-related statutory sick pay (SSP) rebate scheme on 17 March 2022.

All employers can now register to receive free rapid lateral flow Covid-19 tests for employees

Some potentially good news for employers is the Chancellor’s decision to extend the furlough scheme in its current form until 30 June 2021. Employers can continue to claim 80% of each furloughed employee's usual wages for periods the employee is furloughed, up to £2,500 per employee per month.

The Government have announced that they will permit businesses to carry back losses for up to three years.

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) must normally be paid by purchasers when they buy residential property in England or Northern Ireland for more than £125,000.

Many hospitality venues have been closed for almost a year and are still unable to open under the Covid-19 restrictions. To help them survive this period, the Government has given them a 15% VAT reduction on most sales.