Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
The small business legal advice section provides in-depth guides and features on tax, company and employment law for UK SMEs and sole traders.
I am a care worker and do 24-hour shifts with any breaks spent with the clients. My employer has imposed a no-smoking policy and employees are not allowed to smoke on the premises, although the clients are allowed. What are my rights?
Legal advice
Legal advice
I am about to employ two apprentices and was wondering if the minimum wage still applies and if there are any special laws or regulations I must follow?
Legal advice
An employee has left the business and refuses to return a company laptop. How can we recover it?
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You cannot just change employees’ contracts irrespective of the change you wish to bring in or the reasons for it.
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I am unsure as to how much time off I should be giving my employees. What are their legal rights in terms of a weekly rest period?
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I took on an employee under TUPE in April 08 but work has since dropped off. Can I legally make him redundant?
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Question: My husband is a sole trader and subcontracts from a big company. We have outstanding invoices (some as old as over 300 days). Can we charge interest on them until they are paid?
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I have a small shop and one of my staff is off work with a long term illness. He has indicated that he will not be returning to work. Am I still obliged to pay his statutory sick pay and is there any help for small business to cope with this cost?
Legal advice
Question: My husband is a sole trader and subcontracts from a big company. We have outstanding invoices (some as old as over 300 days). Can we charge interest on them until they are paid?
Legal advice
I have a small shop and one of my staff is off work with a long term illness. He has indicated that he will not be returning to work. Am I still obliged to pay his statutory sick pay and is there any help for small business to cope with this cost?
Legal advice
What rights do employees have with regard to smoking, and does the employer have a legal obligation to provide a smoking area off the premises?
Legal advice
Chris Ingram started CIA in 1976 with 3 people and £10,000. It grew into Tempus Group and was sold for over £430 million. He talks to SmallBusiness.co.uk about negotiating.
Legal advice
Running a successful company requires negotiating prowess. When it comes to getting the best deal for contracts, ensure you're not letting yourself down.
Legal advice
The UK has come up with more than its fair share of iconic products. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to an inventor about the sources of her inspiration, and how she has commercialised and protected her idea.
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis
Investing in a franchise
Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.