Latest News | Orchard Accountants

Welcome to the Orchard Accountants blog. This is our hub of information where we will detail company developments as well as provide news and insight into the ever-changing world of finances and accounting. If you read something which strikes to your interest, and you’d like to learn more about a particular topic or service we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Chancellor requests OBR forecasts without setting Budget date, raising the prospect of delay

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has taken the unusual step of requesting economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) without setting a date for…

HMRC sends thousands of letters to employers for ‘incorrect’ CJRS claims

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has been writing to thousands of employers, asking them to review the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims they have…

Government reinstates advice to work from home ‘if you can’

The Prime Minister has reinstated the advice for people to work from home if they can, following an increase in the incidence of Coronavirus in…

Government introduces legal duty to self-isolate, with big penalties for employers that prevent staff from following the rules

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has announced a legal duty to self-isolate for people who have tested positive for…

Event and conference re-openings no longer allowed to go ahead

Plans for the phased reopening of stadiums, business events and conferences on 1 October will now no longer go ahead. The Government’s ‘rule of six’…

Hospitality industry faces new restrictions to curb second wave

In recent weeks, many businesses within the hospitality sector have been enjoying a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. However, from 24 September 2020 pubs, bars and…

Government to reinforce COVID Secure guidance with new direct legal obligations

To ensure workplaces that remain open prevent the spread of Coronavirus, the Government will introduce a direct legal obligation for businesses in England that requires…

Businesses return £215 million furlough payments to the Government

According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), more than £215 million of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) payments have been willingly returned to the Government…

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme rejects claims after employer accounting errors

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has warned businesses to get “their data right” or face delays receiving grants under the…

Ban on commercial evictions extended until the end of 2020

The Government has announced that it has extended the ban on commercial evictions until the end of 2020, meaning businesses cannot be evicted by landlords…