News

Businesses failing to support employees undergoing fertility treatment risk high staff turnover and rising sick leave, according to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

One in seven couples now experience fertility challenges, NHS figures show, prompting calls for formal workplace policies that include flexible working hours, paid time off for treatment, and compassionate leave where necessary.

Ann Francke, CMI chief executive, warned: “The significant stresses of fertility treatment can lead to employees quitting or reducing their responsibilities if they feel their workplace offers no other choice. Without skilled management support, employers risk losing good people.”

A new survey of more than 1,000 managers revealed that just 19% of organisations have a formal fertility policy, despite nearly two-thirds of respondents considering such policies vital. Separate research indicates a lack of support for fertility treatment can prompt as many as one in five employees to resign.

Sharon Martin, interim chief executive at Fertility Network UK, which advises on employer policy, said: “A policy ensures immediate clarity on what help is available, even if employees choose not to disclose treatment details. It can outline specific leave allowances, flexible hours and direct staff to appropriate support charities.”

With the Workplace Fertility Campaign Group now pushing for legislative reform to grant paid time off for IVF appointments, many employers are seeking expert advice on drafting fertility policies. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said plans to make flexible working a “genuine default” aim to help staff navigate challenges such as fertility treatment more easily.

Read more:
UK employers urged to adopt fertility policies or risk losing talented staff

British companies are gearing up for a stronger start to 2025, with fresh data suggesting that the majority expect higher turnover and increased hiring in the new year—welcome news for Labour’s pledge to revive the country’s sluggish economic growth.

Surveys from Lloyds and KPMG indicate that 70 per cent of firms anticipate revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025, marking a rise on sentiment levels from the same period a year ago. Lloyds polled 1,200 companies and found nearly three quarters projected higher profits over the coming 12 months. One in five respondents forecasts revenues climbing by more than 10 per cent, while a quarter expects turnover to increase by between 6 and 10 per cent.

The City’s financial services sector is also showing confidence in Labour’s plans to boost competitiveness and attract more foreign investment. Two thirds of the 160 financial services leaders surveyed by KPMG say they are optimistic about the government’s new financial services strategy, despite looming pressures such as an increase to employers’ national insurance contributions from April.

“Financial services is the backbone of the UK economy,” said Karim Haji, global and UK head of financial services at KPMG, noting that half of the surveyed firms intend to recruit more staff in 2025. Nevertheless, challenges remain. A quarter of respondents cited higher NI costs as a potential drag on hiring, while a third warned that finding skilled candidates could still hinder expansion.

Official data revealed Britain’s economy was flat in the third quarter after a strong start to 2024, amid concerns over higher interest rates and global uncertainties. Even so, many economists predict the UK will avoid recession thanks to anticipated interest rate cuts next year and a government spending boost in healthcare and local government. According to traders, four cuts to the Bank of England’s base rate could reduce it to 3.75 per cent, easing borrowing costs for businesses.

Contradicting the KPMG and Lloyds surveys, the CBI reported that its members’ growth expectations for early 2025 remain at their lowest since November 2022, citing persistent uncertainty. Regardless, a fifth of the firms surveyed by Lloyds say they plan to hire new staff and invest in AI or other digital tools, while a quarter aim to raise wages and upskill current employees.

“The sector will want more details on the government’s competitiveness strategy in the first half of 2025,” said Haji. “That clarity will help financial services firms plan more effectively for attracting foreign capital and strengthening the UK’s global standing.”

Read more:
UK businesses expect revenue surge and ramped-up hiring in 2025

Britain’s petrol station tycoons, Mohsin and Zuber Issa, are weighing up a potential £13 billion listing of their forecourt empire, EG Group, on an American stock market.

The move would mark another blow for the London Stock Exchange, which has been hit by a raft of high-profile companies choosing to float abroad.

Sources close to EG Group say the brothers and their private equity backer, TDR Capital, are scoping out a possible listing as early as 2025, with the US market seen as the most appealing thanks to EG’s extensive American operations. Formed in 2001 from a single site in Bury, Greater Manchester, the company has rapidly expanded via a series of high-debt acquisitions, amassing thousands of service stations worldwide.

The Issas acquired 800 convenience stores from US retailer Kroger for $2.2 billion in 2018, elevating America to EG’s most important market. In the UK, much of EG Group’s presence was sold to Asda for £2 billion last year. Zuber Issa subsequently sold his 22.5% stake in Asda, using the proceeds to take ownership of the remaining UK forecourts and establish a separate venture, EG on The Move, although he continues to hold shares in EG Group and sits on its board.

Although reports have circulated about tensions between the brothers, Mohsin Issa, 53, refuted rumours of a falling-out. Despite diminishing UK interests—EG Group still owns the Cooplands bakery chain and a Starbucks franchise—it has built a sizeable American network across 31 states. Analysts say floating in the US could deliver a generous valuation in line with recent transatlantic trends: Ashtead Group, Flutter Entertainment, and Ferguson have all shifted their listings stateside.

Banks named in connection with a potential EG Group float include Rothschild, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley, though no final decision has been made. EG Group itself declined to comment.

Read more:
Issa brothers consider £13bn flotation of EG group in the US

William Vereker, the chairman of Santander UK and a former business envoy under Theresa May, has attributed Britain’s soaring benefits bill and long-term worklessness to weak numeracy and a poor grasp of financial fundamentals.

Speaking against the backdrop of a fast-rising sickness benefit budget, Vereker warned that many people overlook the long-term career gains of work simply because the immediate income boost appears marginal compared to benefits.

Vereker said:“One of the challenges of worklessness is that people look at benefits and the job they can get and think, ‘I’m only making £5 or £10 extra a week—why bother?’ But, of course, the reason is that the following year you’ll make more, and then more again. You’ll create an opportunity for yourself.”

He criticised the lack of practical financial education in UK schools, arguing that this shortfall leaves many young people ill-equipped to assess the benefits of steady employment. Rather than viewing a low-paying job as a stepping stone, he suggested, those with minimal financial literacy often perceive little incentive to abandon the security of state aid.

The comments come as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves seek to reduce Britain’s soaring sickness benefits and the number of economically inactive working-age adults, which stands at more than one in five. Critics say that generous welfare payments encourage dependency. The Centre for Social Justice recently found that annual sickness benefits can exceed the income from a minimum-wage job by £3,000.

Long-term sickness claims have surged by 650,000 since the pandemic, climbing to 2.8 million, with a Boston Consulting Group study suggesting that tens of thousands of young people enter unemployment benefits directly from education. Ministers have unveiled initiatives ranging from job centre reforms to a “youth guarantee” withdrawing benefits from those who refuse work or training, but detailed measures to rein in sickness benefits remain pending until next year.

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett, now a Labour peer, has indicated his own strong stance on the matter, saying: “We have an obligation to help people. We don’t have an obligation to help people if they’re not prepared to help themselves.”

Read more:
‘Poor maths skills’ blamed for rising benefits bill, says Santander UK boss

The UK’s struggling high street has shed nearly 170,000 retail jobs this year—the biggest annual toll since pandemic lockdowns in 2020—as shops grapple with higher taxes, surging costs and weakening consumer spending.

Figures from Altus Group and the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) reveal a 42 per cent jump in job losses compared with 2023, bringing the total to 169,395 so far this year.

High-profile administrations at The Body Shop, Ted Baker, Homebase, Carpetright and Lloyds Pharmacy underscore the mounting pressures on retailers. According to CRR director Joshua Bamfield, government caution around the economy has further dented consumer confidence, compelling households to tighten their budgets.

Retailers are bracing for a tough 2025, with more than 200,000 additional roles expected to go. Two looming policy measures—a cut in business rate relief and a sharp rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions (NICs)—threaten to hit the industry with a double blow in the spring.

Altus Group calculates that retailers’ annual business rates will rise by £688 million when the current 75 per cent discount falls to 40 per cent, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s plan to raise employer NICs from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, and lower the threshold to £5,000, adds further strain. Bamfield warns that part-time workers, making up half of the retail workforce, will bear much of the impact.

Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows 3.6 million people currently employed in retail, wholesale and motor repairs—down from more than 4 million in 2019. November’s retail sales volumes remain 1.6 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, and Boxing Day footfall slipped by nearly 5 per cent against the same day last year, according to MRI Software.

The Treasury has defended its approach, highlighting that 40 per cent business rates relief for 250,000 properties will remain in place, and a permanent, lower rate is set to launch in 2026. It also notes that over half of employers will see no change or a reduction in their NICs bill.

Read more:
High street job losses climb to 170,000 amid rising tax burdens

Luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker has sought to reassure employees that it “deeply values” their contributions, after the firm announced a series of temporary layoffs affecting production staff in early 2025.

The move, prompted by what Sunseeker describes as “cash-flow challenges” linked to supply chain disruption, has drawn criticism from Unite the Union and local MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, who labelled the timing “outrageous”. However, Sunseeker says it aims to “minimise” the impact on affected employees, pledging a review of the layoffs on 2 January.

In a statement, the Dorset-based company, which employs about 2,000 staff, said: “Due to restrictions in its supply chain which have heightened during December, Sunseeker has had to make the decision to implement temporary layoffs for a limited number of employees within production operations. This decision is focused on ensuring the long-term viability of operations and does not reflect on employee performance or contributions.”

Unite the Union described the move as “Scrooge-like” and “abhorrent”. Sunseeker, however, says affected employees will receive statutory payment or the option to use their paid holiday entitlement. It also confirmed that staff continuity of service will be preserved, alongside other non-monetary benefits.

Sunseeker changed ownership earlier this year when it was acquired by Orienta Capital Partners and Lionheart Capital for an undisclosed amount. Despite the temporary measure, the company insists it remains committed to supporting its workforce and will keep the situation under review.

Read more:
Sunseeker insists it ‘deeply values’ workforce despite temporary layoffs

Leading audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg has warned that eBay sellers and other online traders could face substantial tax demands if they fail to register for self-assessment by year-end.

Under the new reporting rules, platforms such as eBay must provide HMRC with details of sellers who use their services in 2024—reports that must be submitted by 31 January 2025.

Fiona Fernie, a Partner at Blick Rothenberg, said: “Now that winter is here, we are well over halfway through the first year of the online sales platform reporting regulations. HMRC will compare reported seller income with self-assessment records, so anyone not declaring income could face significant penalties of between 20% and 70% of the tax owed—plus interest.”

The deadline for registering for self-assessment for trading income in the 2023/24 tax year was officially 5 October 2024. However, Fernie says that sellers who have missed that date should still come forward: “It’s unlikely there will be adverse repercussions if they file their tax returns by 31 January 2025.” Failure to notify HMRC of a tax liability makes it “extremely easy” for HMRC to identify discrepancies, especially given the new reporting regime.

Small-scale sellers receiving gross trading receipts below £1,000 in a tax year benefit from a trading allowance, though they must still include their income on their tax return. Those earning more than £1,000 should seek professional advice to determine whether they are operating a trade or liable for capital gains instead.

Read more:
Online traders face crucial HMRC deadline as eBay sellers risk large tax bills

Tax season is stressful, especially when you’re staring at your HMRC bill.

You might be wishing you could put it on your credit card for rewards, just like the old days. It’s frustrating that HMRC no longer accepts personal credit cards directly. Fortunately, some workarounds still offer perks.

Navigating HMRC Payments in 2024

HMRC’s decision to stop taking personal credit cards directly impacted individual and business taxpayers alike. Many relied on credit cards for convenience and reward points. What options are left for those wanting similar perks while fulfilling their tax obligations? Let’s explore how you can optimize your HMRC payments.

Using a Tesco Bank Debit Card

Consider a Tesco Bank current account debit card. Many debit cards offer few rewards. However, this one earns Clubcard points—one point for every £8 spent. These points are worth 2.4 Avios, 2.5 Virgin Flying Club miles, or 3p of Hotels.com credit.

Paying £1,000 in taxes earns 125 Clubcard points (300 Avios). Be aware of potential account opening restrictions with Tesco Bank currently.

Leveraging Billhop

Billhop is helpful for large tax bills, especially if you like American Express rewards or are aiming for a spending bonus. Billhop charges your credit card as a purchase, not a cash advance, so you still earn rewards. There’s a 2.95% fee.

The table below breaks down Billhop’s fees, illustrating the cost implications associated with varying income tax amounts.

HMRC Tax Amount (£)
Fee @ 1% (£)
Fee @ 2% (£)
Fee @ 2.5% (£)
Billhop Fee @ 2.95% (£)

1,000
10.00
20.00
25.00
29.50

5,000
50.00
100.00
125.00
147.50

10,000
100.00
200.00
250.00
295.00

15,000
150.00
300.00
375.00
442.50

Utilizing Curve

You could use Curve, which is a debit Mastercard linked to your credit cards. It transforms debit transactions into credit transactions, thus earning you points. While previously a simple way to gain rewards on HMRC payments, even with the free version, there’s now a 1.5% fee.

This fee is waived with the paid Curve Metal version (around £15/month). Weigh the costs and benefits to see if this approach aligns with your national insurance and tax planning strategies.

The Miles & More Global Traveller Mastercard

This Mastercard is treated as a prepaid card, not a credit card. This allows HMRC to process payments from it, with a rate of 1.25 miles per £1 spent. You will also need to file accurate VAT Registration forms.

However, be aware of HMRC’s scrutiny towards business and VAT payments via this card. Individual international tax or income tax filings may fare better with this method, provided it complies with local bank holidays.

Exploring Fintech Solutions (Use With Caution)

Some fintech solutions link credit cards to accounts that are processed as purchases. These options are unreliable because policies change frequently. New apps may emerge offering similar services. Businesses, both small and large, and sole traders, find value in credit card payments for HMRC (indirectly). Rewards, convenience, and occasionally extended lines of credit for covering tax debt are some of the attractive features.

Paying HMRC with a credit card directly is no longer possible. However, workarounds exist for those seeking rewards and flexible payment options. Research thoroughly before choosing a method. You can find additional information onpaying your VAT, paying self assessment tax bills, and paying corporation tax online.

Read more:
How to Pay HMRC with Credit Card

Designers prefer to download their projects in PSD format, as it supports high-resolution visuals.

However, there are various challenges they can face when working with Photoshop documents, and the most frustrating one is file corruption. Whether it is because of a sudden software crash, a power outage while saving the file, or a corrupted transfer, it can ruin your hours of hard work.

However, there are tools available that can help you restore your design and PSD repair with ease. These tools can bring back the lost data while ensuring the designs’ resolution remains unchanged. Hence, in this article, we’ll explore the common corruption issues PSD users face and the tool that can fix the damaged files.

Part 1. What Type of Corruption/Damage Problems You Can Face With Your PSD Files?

Before learning about the solution and tool to fix corrupt PSD files on Mac, let’s explore the main reasons for the corruption of PSD files.

Main Reasons for the Corruption
Description

Forced Shutdown
When your computer shuts down abruptly while Photoshop saves the file, the result can lead to a crash.

As a result, this sudden interruption disturbs the saving process and leaves your PSD incomplete or damaged.

Memory Card/USB Corruption
Storing your PSD file in a full-storage memory card or errored USB drive can lead to crash files.

Furthermore, these devices may develop errors over time and cause file loss.

File Name Error
Renaming your Photoshop documents incorrectly, such as altering or removing their extensions, can make them unrecognizable.

These small mistakes can prevent Photoshop from identifying and opening the file.

Corrupted Image Resources
Photoshop document files with broken or corrupted image links can display blank or distorted visuals.

Moreover, missing resources like images, fonts, text, or textures can compromise the entire project’s structure.

Incomplete File Download
If your PSD files get interrupted or fail while you are downloading, it may result in missing or broken data.

This partial download can often cause the file to ruin the quality of remaining images and cause frustration when you try to open it.

Part 2. How to Repair Damaged or Corrupted PSD Files on Windows PC or MacBook?

Being a versatile and beginner-friendly tool, Wondershare Repairit allows you to repair PSD files with its advanced and AI-powered algorithms. It scans the corrupted document while repairing it to ensure no data is lost and the integrity of the file. After that, it repairs the damaged file and restores your hours of work in a few clicks to regain access to your important data.

Using this PSD repair toolbox, you can extract the original content from the Photoshop document without modifying the quality of the images. In addition to that, it fixes the Photoshop document image resources, layers, masks, channels, etc. With this tool, you can repair documents from all Photoshop versions, as it supports both old and new versions.

Key Features of Repairit File Repair

Retain the File Layout: The overall layout, appearance, and format of the file can be repaired and fixed using this tool.

File Not Opening: If the file is not opening or does not even load on compatible files, Wondershare Repairit can repair any kind of file.

Advanced Repair: With its advanced features, it allows you to repair unclear, mixed, and or distorted files. Besides, it can process multiple files simultaneously, leaving the effort of repairing files one by one.

Step-by-Step Manual to Use Wondershare Repairit to Fix Damaged/Corrupted PSD Files

To know more about this tool, it is crucial to learn the stepwise guide on how to use the PSD repair kit of Repairit. Hence, follow the instructions below and repair your damaged PSD files on Mac or Windows seamlessly:

Step 1. Download the Tool and Select the File Option:

Install the tool on your Windows or macOS device and go to the “File Repair” tool from the main interface after accessing the “More Types Repair” tab.

Step 2. Import the Damage File(s) with Add Button

In the next step, press the “+Add” button on the new window and import the damaged PSD file. On the new screen, you can add more than one file by locating the “Add File(s)” button to repair PSD files in batch.

Step 3. Start the Repairing Process on the Mac

Once you tap on the “Repair” button, the tool will start to scan the documents and work on the damaged file to give you the repaired one.

Step 4. Inspect the Repair Quality and Save Files

Afterward, check the final documents in the “Repaired Results” screen, which you can review with the “Preview” button. Once you are satisfied, hit the “Save All” button to save repaired files at once. Now, choose the desired location on Mac where the file will be downloaded, and then click the “Save” button.

Conclusion

To sum up, users do not have to worry; doing a PSD Repair has become very easy with tools like Wondershare Repairit. You can restore a Photoshop document with the help of advanced features of this tool, which can scan the data inside the document and immediately fix it. So, review the details and learn how to use this innovative tool to repair PSD and other countless file formats.

Read more:
Revive Your Designs: The Power of the One-Click PSD Repair Tool

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a range of processes and techniques used to resolve conflicts and disputes outside of traditional court systems.

As legal proceedings can be time-consuming, expensive, and adversarial, Alternative Dispute Resolution provides a more flexible and efficient pathway for resolving disagreements. It is particularly valuable in fostering cooperation and preserving relationships, whether in personal, business, or legal contexts.

Types of ADR

ADR encompasses several methods, each tailored to different types of disputes and desired outcomes. The most common forms include:

Mediation

A neutral third party, called a mediator, facilitates discussions between the parties involved to help them reach a mutually acceptable solution.
The mediator does not impose a decision but works to guide the conversation, identify issues, and promote understanding.
Mediation is often used in family disputes, workplace conflicts, and business disagreements.

Arbitration

In this process, a neutral arbitrator or panel hears evidence and arguments from the parties and then makes a binding or non-binding decision.
Arbitration is less formal than court proceedings but can still resemble a trial in structure.
It is commonly used in commercial disputes, construction issues, and international trade.

Negotiation

A direct discussion between parties aimed at resolving their conflict without the involvement of a third party.
Negotiation is flexible, informal, and often the first step in attempting to resolve a dispute.

Conciliation

Similar to mediation, conciliation involves a third party who helps the disputing sides to settle their differences.
Unlike mediators, conciliators may offer their own recommendations or propose solutions.

Neutral Evaluation

An expert (often a legal professional) reviews the case and provides an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the likely outcome if it were to proceed to court.
This evaluation can help parties understand their positions and encourage settlement.

Advantages of ADR

Cost Efficiency: ADR processes are generally less expensive than litigation due to reduced legal fees and shorter timelines.
Time-Saving: Disputes can often be resolved in weeks or months rather than years.
Flexibility: The procedures and rules can be customized to suit the needs of the parties involved.
Confidentiality: Unlike court cases, which are typically public, ADR processes are private, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
Preservation of Relationships: By focusing on collaboration and understanding, ADR minimizes hostility and often helps maintain professional or personal relationships.
Control Over Outcome: In mediation and negotiation, the parties retain control over the resolution rather than leaving the decision to a judge or jury.

Limitations of ADR

Non-Binding Outcomes: In some forms of ADR, such as mediation, the result is not legally binding unless formalized in a contract.
Unequal Power Dynamics: ADR may not fully address imbalances of power between parties, potentially leading to unfair agreements.
Lack of Legal Precedent: ADR decisions do not set legal precedents, which can be a disadvantage in cases requiring broader legal clarification.
Limited Appeal Options: Arbitration decisions, in particular, are often final and difficult to appeal.

Applications of ADR

ADR is widely used across various sectors, including:

Family Law: Divorce, child custody, and property division.
Business Disputes: Contract disagreements, partnership disputes, and intellectual property issues.
Employment Conflicts: Workplace harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes.
Community Disputes: Neighborhood disagreements, zoning issues, and public policy debates.
International Disputes: Cross-border trade, treaty violations, and diplomatic disagreements.

Conclusion

Alternative Dispute Resolution offers a valuable alternative to traditional court litigation, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and customized solutions. By understanding its various forms, benefits, and limitations, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions about the best approach to resolving their conflicts. Whether through mediation, arbitration, or negotiation, ADR continues to evolve as an indispensable tool for modern dispute resolution.

Read more:
Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): A Comprehensive Guide