Announcement: Government Regulation Changes

Companies will soon only need to make their records available for public inspection in one place.   This new simplified procedure, along with other changes that will affect businesses from 1st October 2009, have been published on the Business Link website – www.businesslink.gov.uk/ccd.   Most changes to legislation that affect businesses are coordinated to occur twice a year, on 1st October and 6th April (these dates are known as Common Commencement Dates or CCDs).    To make it easy for businesses to keep up-to-date, businesslink.gov.uk, the official website for business publishes future changes as early as possible at www.businesslink.gov.uk/ccd.    Changes coming into effect on 1st October 2009 include: •   Companies will only need to make their records available for public inspection in one place, rather than multiple locations. •   The national minimum wage (NMW) will increase; rising to £5.80 an hour for workers aged 22 and above and to £4.83 an hour to workers aged 18-21. The rate for those under 18 but above compulsory school age rises to £3.57 an hour.   Tips paid to a worker through the employer's payroll will no longer count towards it. •   Public companies will now need to file their corporate governance statement at Companies House (unless it is already included in the Directors’ report). •   It will become mandatory for cigarette retailers to sell cigarette packets with picture warnings. Business Link are urging businesses from every sector to check online (www.businesslink.gov.uk/ccd) so that they can plan ahead for any legislative changes that may affect the way they do business.   Jonathan Hollow at businesslink.gov.uk, said: “Leading up to the Common Commencement date, we are urging all businesses to look at our site and check whether coming changes could affect their business. To secure peace of mind for the future, they can sign up to the free alert service so that they are automatically advised of changes to legislation every time. Adapting to laws after they have taken effect is often more expensive and always more stressful, so planning in advance is the best course of action.” To view a summary of all the regulation changes and to sign up to the alert service visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/ccd. You can also call Business Link for guidance on 0845 600 9 006. Ends Press Enquiries to: PR4: Jan McGinley or Kat Adams firstname@pr4.com / +44 207 637 3845 / 07789 905304 (out of hours)


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About Business Link • Business Link is a regional network of highly skilled and qualified business advisers and businesslink.gov.uk is the official website for all business services. • Business Link helps people succeed in business. • Business Link services are available online at www.businesslink.gov.uk and through a helpline number, 0845 600 9 006.

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