If your business is storing an electronic database of customers for such reasons as promotions or accounts, you need to act now to avoid risking a four figure fine. Any business that electronically handles people’s personal information, such as names and addresses, must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or risk a fine up to £4,000.
Companies need to pay the annual data protection fee, unless the organisation has qualified for an exemption. The fee helps to fund the work of the ICO, and the amount is based on an organisation’s nature, size, and turnover.
Currently, for any organisations with 10 or fewer employees, the fee is £40 per year. Failing to pay the fee or register for an exemption could result in a £4,000 fine. More information is available on the Informationation Commiser’s Office website – www.ico.org.uk.
LATE PAYMENTS
The Government has also acted on the Federation of Small Business’ recommendations by committing to introduce new measures to tackle late payments. The crackdown, announced in September, include proposals to require payment practices to be included in annual reports, and consulting on new legislation on audit requirements for large firms and audit committee responsibilities in this area.
A new, beefed-up, Fair Payment Code will replace the Prompt Payment Code in autumn. “This is what real change looks like – the Business Secretary has clearly recognised the importance of eradicating bad payment culture,” said FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie.
In other moves, small employers, who want to find out more about T Level industry placements can register for a series of online and in person events being held by the Department for Education and Strategic Development Network. Each session will look at the Government support available and hear.
T Level industry placements allow teenagers to experience a real working environment for themselves. Along with the sector and subject- specific knowledge they learn through the T-level course, they’ll also gain valuable basic skills needed for the world of work; from timekeeping and organisation to teamwork.
