Business Link: Checklist of April Regulation Changes

Small Business News

21^st March 2011

Small businesses can check how to comply with regulation changes coming in on 6 April, following the publication of an online guide by Business Link.

Most laws that affect businesses are implemented on one of two common commencement dates (CCDs) — 6 April and 1 October. The April 2011 CCD will bring with it several reforms that small firms must comply with, and Business Link has published a summary.

The changes will include:

• A lower rate of corporation tax — the main rate will fall from 28 to 27 per cent, and the small business rate from 21 to 20 per cent.
• Payment of corporation tax must be made electronically from 1 April 2011.
• Additional paternity leave and pay — eligible partners of those due to give birth or adopt on or after 3 April will gain the right to additional paternity leave and pay.
• The right to request flexible working will be extended to parents of all children under 18.
• Positive action in recruitment will be allowed where there is a shortage of staff from a particular group.

“The common commencement date is an important date in the business calendar, and the Business Link website helps people from all business sectors understand how to comply with the changes.”

said Businesslink.gov.uk programme director, Ray Lambe.

• For more information on complying with the changes, visit the Business Link website for the April 2011 regulation changes.