The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, CRC (was the ‘carbon reduction commitment’) is a mandatory scheme which starts in April.

To make sure you’re compliant with your electricity usage, check the Net Regs website! It will effect mainly larger companies but its worth a check whatever your business…

http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/legislation/future/97515.aspx

The government has employed a new ‘rapid response team’ to ensure all cases are investigated as quickly as possible in relation to non-compliance of minimum wages. The minimum wage was upped last October; for more information go to http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=410026&NewsAreaID=2&ClientID=431

A useful checklist: Don’t forget…

1. To set up ‘Out of Office’ emails and Answer phones – but try not to specify any actual closure dates…it’s inviting burglars!

2. Cancel your milk orders

3. Time your heating to come on for an hour each day – and avoid a burst pipe

4. Ask your cleaners to do some extra cleaning – this is the perfect time for a carpet clean!

5. Empty all the bins and back up your computers just in case of fire

6. Do a final check before leaving the building, ensuring valuables are put away and doors/windows are properly locked!

These days sending a Christmas card is not quite as simple as it used to be! Electronic or not electronic? Is it a waste of paper? Is it an environmental ‘no-no’ - or is it a bit stingy not to send one?!! What about designing it? How much will that cost? Personalisation?!

Why not send an electronic message to your customers with your festive message, and donate a sum to charity instead…everyone’s a winner!

There’s a new system available where you can report on both businesses and individuals you believe to be suspicious of unlawful activity pertaining to taxes.

It’s led to all sorts of criminal activity being quashed already. Just visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/tax-evasion

Latest guidance issued by the The Department for Children, Schools & Family:

http://publications.everychildmatters.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/Child_employment09.pdf

Here’s an interesting new document presented recently to the Government, shouting the case for Employer Engagement… Have a look: http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file52215.pdf

I’m just wondering why do I have to submit proposals, tenders and quotes to very strict timetables when the contractors often delay the results by months?

The Government has confirmed that the new national minimum wage rate will come into effect in October this year. For those aged 22 or over it will increase from £5.73 to £5.80 per hour. For 18 – 21 year olds it will increase from £4.77 to £4.83. For 16 – 17 year olds it will increase from £3.53 to £3.57.

There are some simple steps to take for businesses to be prepared …just in case!

Check out the advice from Business Link at www.businesslink.gov.uk/swineflu/