companies house made easy

staff parking "stealth tax"

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has spoken out against a proposed Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) which will charge businesses for providing staff parking spaces.

one in one out with red tape

The Business Secretary, Vince Cable has announced plans to implement a 'one in, one out' system for regulation, to ensure that small businesses aren't burdened with higher costs for compliance.

an end to fixed retirement age

The government plans to scrap the fixed retirement age of 65 from October 2011.

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The rise in unemployment from June to August was 7.6%, a slight fall on the increase in the previous three months, showing signs that the recession may be slowing.

2.47 million people are currently out of work, according to the official figures from the Office of National Statistics, with 1.63 million claiming jobseekers allowance.

“Unemployment has risen at a much slower pace than expected in the three months to August, confirming our assessment that the recession is ending. However there is no room for complacency and a sustainable recovery is not guaranteed,” stated David Kern, Chief Economist for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

"Although confidence is strengthening, businesses are still facing serious pressures, particularly small and medium sized firms. Lending is still too weak, and many are struggling to retain their skills base.”

Amongst young people the news is not so promising, as the rate of unemployment for those aged 16-24 rose again from July to August, to a total of 946,000 – an increase of 19,000.

Part-time work seems to have had a large impact on these figures, with women the most likely to undertake part-time employment. 79,000 more women started part-time work in the three months to August than in the three months to May.