Employment – British SME

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small employer, charity worker and job applicant planning workplace support, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

Pathways to Work Innovation Fund: what SME partners should prepare before September

by Alistair Cowen-Page
14 July 202615 July 2026

The government says bids for a new GBP60 million employment support innovation fund will open in September. SME partners should start shaping evidence, partnerships and practical delivery ideas now.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small business owner and a college tutor reviewing a local skills plan beside workshop tools, with a small tucked-away England flag as the only coloured element

Local skills plans: what small employers should check now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
11 July 202615 July 2026

Skills England has published 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans across England. Small employers should check whether their sector, vacancies or training needs are reflected locally.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK employment agency reviewing payroll documents, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

HMRC agency rules update: what labour-supply SMEs should check now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
8 May 202615 July 2026

HMRC has updated its guidance for employment intermediaries, adding information about PAYE rules where labour supply chains include umbrella companies. For recruitment agencies, staffing firms, contractors using labour suppliers and small businesses that place workers…