Monthly Archives: décembre 2020

Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes until the end of April 2021

We are sure that you will be aware that the Government has announced a one-month extension to the furlough scheme and given further time to apply for Government bank loans. Unfortunately, in the Chancellor’s announcements yesterday, there was nothing about extended help to the business community, either by extending the self-employed support scheme or bringing in something new to help those companies who now are in real difficulty.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-and-loan-schemes

Farewell to the EC Sales List

We have recently received, and you may also have received a similar communication, a letter from H M Revenue & Customs confirming that following the end of the transition period for the UK leaving the EU on 31 December 2020, that EC Sales Lists will no longer be required except in very restricted circumstances.

The last EC Sales List that you will normally be required to complete will be for the quarter ended 31 December 2020.

These documents will only be required after that date when supplies are made to EU member states under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

This will apply to very few of our clients – if any.

Preparing for 2021 and Brexit

Many SMEs are unaware that there are some key things they need to do before the end of the year to ensure they can continue to trade from 1st January 2021.

The UK left the EU on Friday 31 January 2020. There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. From 1st January 2021 there are some significant implications for SMEs.

There are many guides, tools and checklists available to help you. The online government tool Check how to get ready for new rules in 2021 will guide you through a series of questions and provide you with a list of results to support you getting ready for the new rules.

To help SMEs prepare for Brexit, we have produced some useful materials including:

• Preparing for Brexit: A Guide for SMEs (including helpful links to tools and further resources); and
• A 15-point Action Plan.

If you would like a copy of the guide or the 15-point Action Plan, please get in touch.

Brexit impact on your workforce

Brexit will impact on your workforce in a number of ways, including:

• From January 2021 there will be a new immigration regime
• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to live and work in the UK
• Recognition of qualifications
• Travel (visa requirements, passport rules)

Existing employees of UK companies who are EU nationals will need to apply for settled status.

It is important to plan for cut-off dates and any differential status that might apply to new arrivals to the UK.

Do you employ UK nationals living in the EU/EEA/Switzerland? If so, check out this government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-europe

Do you have staff that travel to the EU for work, if so, check out the guidance for travel and visa requirements for the EU here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021

For employees who are EU citizen but who will be coming to the UK for work, you can find more information here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employing-eu-citizens-in-the-uk

To help SMEs prepare for Brexit, we have produced some useful materials including:

• Preparing for Brexit: A Guide for SMEs (including helpful links to tools and further resources); and
• A 15-point Action Plan.

If you would like a copy of the guide or the 15-point Action Plan, please get in touch.

Brexit and Contracts

Some of the terms in existing contracts may no longer be relevant post-Brexit or may raise legal or practical questions in the future.

If your contracts – e.g. terms of business, sale of goods, employment contracts – make reference to the UK being a member state of the EU or rely on EU regulation, then they may need revising.

Contact your legal adviser and conduct a review of all your contracts and terms.

To help SMEs prepare for Brexit, we have produced some useful materials including:

• Preparing for Brexit: A Guide for SMEs (including helpful links to tools and further resources); and
• A 15-point Action Plan.

If you would like a copy of the guide or the 15-point Action Plan, please get in touch.