If your employee is called for jury service, you must allow them time off—but you're not required to pay them. Here’s a clear look at your responsibilities, options, and how to handle disruptions and pay during their absence.

If your staff members are called to serve on a jury, you are required to grant them the necessary time off for jury service. If their absence would significantly disrupt your business, you may ask them to request a postponement of their jury service. The employee must agree to this request and provide written justification for the delay. A postponement can only be requested once within a 12-month period, and the employee must specify on the jury summons when they will be available.

While employers are obligated to allow time off for jury service, there is no legal requirement to pay employees during their absence. However, employers may choose to continue paying employees as usual. If this occurs, the employer cannot reclaim the wages paid to the employee or the business losses incurred during the jury service.

If the employer does not provide pay, the employee can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court. To do so, the employer must issue a certificate of loss of earnings, which is provided along with the jury service letter. Employers may also opt to supplement the loss of earnings allowance by reducing the court allowance from the employee’s regular take-home pay.

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 5 February and in a 7-2 vote decided to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5%. The two remaining members voted to reduce the rate further to 4.25%. This was the third interest rate cut since August 2024.

This means that the late payment interest rate applied to the main taxes and duties that HMRC charges interest will be reduced to from 7.25% to 7%.

These changes will come into effect on:

• 17 February 2025 for quarterly instalment payments
• 25 February 2025 for non-quarterly instalments payments

The repayment interest rates applied to the main taxes and duties that HMRC pays interest on will also decrease by 0.25% to 3.50% from 25 February 2025. The repayment rate is set at the Bank Rate minus 1%, with a 0.5% lower limit.

Stopping future payments from being made on your debit or credit card is crucial for avoiding unwanted charges and managing your finances effectively. Here’s how you can do it:

The first step is to contact the company taking the payments. Request that they cancel the recurring charge and provide confirmation in writing or via email.

If the merchant refuses to stop the payments, you can contact your bank or card provider. Under UK law, you have the right to cancel recurring payments (also known as Continuous Payment Authorities, CPAs) at any time. Banks are legally required to stop the payment when requested.

Many banks allow you to manage subscriptions and regular payments through their online or mobile banking services. Look for options under “Manage Payments” or “Recurring Transactions” to cancel them yourself.

If all else fails, cancelling your debit or credit card and requesting a new one can be an effective way to stop unauthorised charges. However, this should be a last resort, as it can cause disruption to other legitimate payments.

Regularly checking your bank statements ensures that no unauthorised payments slip through. If you spot an issue, report it immediately to your bank.

Taking these steps will help you stay in control of your finances and prevent unwanted payments from continuing.

In a significant move to enhance trust in online reviews, Google has agreed to implement substantial changes to combat fake reviews, following an investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This initiative aims to ensure consumers can rely on genuine feedback when making purchasing decisions.

Background

The CMA launched an investigation into Google over concerns that it wasn't doing enough to detect and remove fake reviews, address suspicious behaviours, or properly sanction those involved in fraudulent review activities. Given that online reviews can significantly influence consumer spending—with estimates suggesting that up to £23 billion of UK consumer spending is potentially swayed by online reviews annually—ensuring their authenticity is crucial.

Google's Commitments

In response to the CMA's concerns, Google has committed to several key actions:

• Enhanced Detection and Removal: Google will implement rigorous steps to identify and eliminate fake reviews swiftly.
• Sanctions for Offenders:
  • Reviewers: Individuals who repeatedly post fake or misleading reviews about UK businesses will have their reviews deleted and will be banned from posting new ones, regardless of their location.
  • Businesses: Companies found to be artificially boosting their star ratings through fake reviews will have prominent 'warning' alerts added to their Google profiles. Additionally, their review function may be deactivated, preventing new reviews. Repeat offenders could see all their reviews from the past six months or more deleted.
• User Reporting: Google will establish a robust reporting system, allowing consumers to easily flag concerning reviews, including those where incentives were offered in exchange for positive feedback.

To ensure compliance, Google will report to the CMA over a three-year period. This move is part of a broader effort to promote fair practices online and protect consumers from misleading information.

The UK government offers a robust safety net for savers through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This scheme is designed to protect individuals, small businesses, and charities if a bank, building society, or credit union fails, ensuring greater financial security and peace of mind.

How the Scheme Works

The FSCS guarantees deposits of up to £85,000 per person, per authorised institution. For joint accounts, the protection doubles to £170,000, as each account holder is covered individually. This means that if your bank or financial institution collapses, you will not lose your money up to this limit.

Temporary High Balances

In certain situations, the FSCS provides additional cover for temporary high balances, such as when you’ve recently sold a house, received an inheritance, or a large insurance payout. These balances are protected up to £1 million for six months, offering reassurance during significant life events.

Eligibility and Scope

The FSCS covers accounts held in UK-authorised institutions, including current accounts, savings accounts, ISAs, and certain fixed-term deposits. However, it’s essential to check that the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) regulates your bank. Many banks operate under the same authorisation, so splitting funds between accounts at institutions under one licence won’t increase your protection.

Beyond Deposits

While the FSCS is best known for protecting deposits, it also covers investments, insurance, and pensions under specific terms. However, these protections are subject to separate limits and conditions.

Why It Matters

The FSCS strengthens trust in the UK’s financial system, ensuring that consumers feel confident about saving and investing. For more detailed information, you can visit the FSCS website or check your bank’s coverage status directly.

The scheme stands as a cornerstone of financial stability, giving UK savers valuable protection in uncertain times.