Despite governmental pledges to address the overriding problem of unfeasible amounts of red tape, costing British businesses £112 billion to administer, 2011 did not prove to be the year in which the promised positive changes became a reality. On the contrary, newly introduced sets of rules and regulations collectively phased in by the Department for the Environment, the Government Equalities Office and the Home Office resulted in an additional £100 million worth of red tape.

The government, and HR payroll professionals at businesses across the UK, have been left reeling by the forthcoming changes the EU is proposing to the working time directive. If the proposals are passed and take effect, from October 2012 employees will be entitled to take additional time off work if they fall ill whilst on annual holiday entitlement. It is estimated that the proposed changes could cost businesses in excess of £100 million annually.

Many people have friends or relatives that live abroad and will, from time to time, visit and stay as guests in their home. For expats returning home to catch up with old acquaintances, the arrangement can sometimes be a little awkward if the host is unable to drop everything (i.e. work) to act as a tour guide.

Payroll is an essential part of any business. However, very few people would claim they enjoy the task and many would wish that it was handled externally by an outside party separate from the business. Aside from feeling that it’s a tiresome task, you may find that, financially, it makes sense for your company to consider payroll outsourcing.

Individuals who take out long or short term car insurance, including one day car insurance, sometimes have to make claims. These vary considerably in nature and, as one firm has revealed, some are positively bizarre.

There are many forms of indemnity insurance which can help protect the modern business from legal action and protect against the potential cost of compensation. Employer’s liability is a legal requirement if you have any employees within your organisation while public liability may also be a legal requirement and is, at the very least, a vital consideration for many businesses.

When you are taking out house and contents insurance you do need to calculate the costs of cover. There is no point paying for cover you do not actually need. This can push the prices of your premiums up unnecessarily.