The Fair Work Agency is set to enforce employment rights, make savings on childcare costs, and the CMA supports pet owners in the fight against rising vet care bills
Today’s blog post covers a huge range of topics, from how the Fair Work Agency is enforcing employment rights, HMRC’s advice for working families regarding the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, tackling the issue of the rapid increase in vet care bills, and much, much more!
Why getting minimum wage calculations right matters more than ever
Matthew Taylor CBE, author of the influential Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices, has been appointed as the first Chair of the new Fair Work Agency – a body that’s set to change how the UK enforces employment rights.
The Agency, which launches in April 2026, will become a single point of contact for workers and employers.
Government figures suggest that 900,000 UK workers have holiday pay withheld each year and nearly 20% of minimum wage workers are underpaid.
The Fair Work Agency will be given stronger powers to investigate and tackle employers. These include workplace inspections, civil penalties for underpayments, and the ability to bring proceedings against an employer on behalf of a worker.
At the same time the Agency is being tasked with providing support to businesses on following employment laws so that employers who want to do the right thing aren’t being undercut by those who don’t.
With the Agency not being launched until next April, now is the time to review how your business calculates pay.
If you’re unsure whether your pay systems are up to date or need help understanding how upcoming changes in employment law might affect your payroll, we would be happy to help you! A quick review now could save a costly investigation later.
What the CMA’s new powers over Google mean for UK businesses
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that Google has been designated with strategic market status (SMS) for its general search and search advertising services – marking a major moment in how the UK regulates big tech.
This follows a detailed investigation and consultation that confirmed that Google has substantial and entrenched market power in general search and search advertising. It appears that more than 90% of searches in the UK take place on Google’s platform.
The new designation doesn’t accuse Google of any wrongdoing, nor does it introduce immediate changes. But it gives the CMA the power to step in with targeted, proportionate interventions to ensure that general search services are open to effective competition. It also means they can make sure that businesses that rely on Google can be confident they are being treated fairly.
The move is part of the UK’s new digital markets competition regime, which came into force at the start of 2025.
For small and medium-sized businesses, the potential benefits are significant. Over time, we may see fairer advertising pricing, more transparency in how search results and ad placements are managed, and fewer barriers for newer platforms and services trying to compete.
Nothing changes immediately, but consultations on possible interventions are expected later this year. It’s a space worth watching – especially for businesses that depend heavily on Google Ads or organic search visibility.
How to Save on Childcare Costs with the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme
Running your own business often means juggling a lot – and for many, that includes childcare. With autumn school breaks rapidly approaching, HMRC is reminding working families that the Tax-Free Childcare scheme can be a good way to make some savings.
What’s on offer
Through the scheme, you can get up to £2,000 a year toward childcare costs for each child up to the age of 11, or up to £4,000 (up to the age of 16) if your child is disabled. The government adds £2 for every £8 you pay into your childcare account – and you can use that money to pay for approved childcare, such as nurseries, wraparound childcare, after-school clubs, or holiday clubs.
Your childcare provider needs to be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them, so you do need to check with them to see that they’re signed up.
It’s completely flexible: you can pay in whenever you like, use it straight away, or leave it in the account until needed. If your plans change, any unused money can be withdrawn.
Who can use it
You don’t need to be on a payroll to qualify – self-employed parents can use the scheme too. Your family may be eligible if:
- Your child is 11 or under (or 16 if they have a disability).
- You and your partner (if you have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week on average.
- You each earn less than £100,000 per year.
- You’re not claiming Universal Credit or childcare vouchers.
How to get started
You can apply online by visiting the Tax-Free Childcare section of GOV.UK. Each child needs their own account, and the government top-up is added to each one separately.
Once your account is open, you’ll need to reconfirm your details every three months to keep the top-up payments coming.
With school holidays around the corner, now’s a good time to check if you’re eligible and set up your account – especially if you’re self-employed or running a small business and need reliable childcare to keep work flowing smoothly.
New funding announced to help UK communities showcase local traditions
A new £1 million “Best of British” fund has been launched by Airbnb, supported by VisitBritain, to help communities and small tourism businesses turn local customs and traditions into memorable visitor experiences.
The fund, which will offer grants of up to £100,000, aims to help local businesses develop experiences that celebrate Britain’s culture, heritage and creativity – from centuries-old customs like maypole dancing and cheese rolling, to regional food, music and arts events.
The initiative follows research showing that, while many holidaymakers are keen to find authentic local experiences, half of UK adults have never taken part in a traditional British event. There’s also a clear appetite for change – 61% of people said they would be more likely to book a UK break “off the beaten track” if these traditions were better promoted.
VisitBritain’s Chief Executive, Patricia Yates, said, “We encourage all eligible tourism businesses and organisations to apply to the fund.
The scheme will award funding in four categories: Nature & Outdoors, Food & Dining, Music & Arts, and Culture & Heritage. Applications are open until 23 November 2025, with funding to be distributed next year.
For small tourism operators, community groups or heritage sites, this could be an opportunity to secure investment, attract more visitors, and strengthen local identity – all while contributing to the growth of sustainable, experience-led tourism across the UK.
For details and to apply, see: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/e/bestofbritishfund
CMA Publishes Review and Proposals for the Vet Industry
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published proposals to overhaul how the veterinary market works. While this review focuses on vet businesses, its findings provide some useful insights for businesses of all types – particularly around transparency, communication, and customer confidence.
What’s happening
The CMA’s investigation found that many pet owners struggle to understand what they’re paying for when they visit the vet. Prices are often unclear, comparisons are difficult, and complaints can be hard to make when things go wrong.
The market has also changed dramatically in recent years. Independent practices have been bought by larger corporate groups, and yet many clients don’t realise who actually owns their local surgery. Between 2016 and 2023, average vet prices rose by more than 60% – well above inflation – and in some cases, prices increased faster after businesses were taken over by bigger groups.
The CMA concluded that the current regulatory system doesn’t keep up with how the sector now operates. It regulates individual professionals, but not the businesses behind them.
The proposed changes
To address these issues, the CMA has suggested a wide-ranging package of 21 measures. The proposals include:
- Requiring vet businesses to make ownership clearer and to be more open about their services and fees. A price cap of £16 on prescriptions is also proposed.
- Requiring vets to explain where clients might find cheaper medicines and to provide prescriptions automatically, with a cap on what practices can charge for issuing them.
- Providing clear price information when pet owners are choosing a treatment, putting estimates of prices for treatments over £500 in writing and providing itemised bills.
- Making it easier for customers to compare local options through an improved “Find a Vet” website that will include price information.
- Modernising the regulatory framework to cover veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, to ensure proper standards and fair handling of complaints.
The CMA’s consultation runs until 12 November 2025, with their final decision expected by March 2026. They are encouraging vet businesses to carry on and make changes that would benefit their customers in the meantime.
What it means for other business owners
Even if you’re not in the pet care world, there are some good lessons here.
The CMA’s proposals underline how crucial transparency and clear communication have become in building client trust.
Customers increasingly expect to understand how a service is structured, who owns the business, and what they can expect to pay.
The CMA’s final decision is due in early 2026, but the message for business owners is already clear: transparency builds trust, and trust sustains long-term client relationships.