Government
Government policy plays a critical role in shaping the regulatory and commercial environment for the UK pet industry. Under this tag, Pet Gazette covers legislation, consultations, and regulatory updates affecting pet retailers, wholesalers, and distributors — from pet food labelling and animal welfare standards to licensing rules, trade regulations, and business rates. We also report on government-backed initiatives, support schemes, and local authority actions that influence retail operations or supply chain logistics. This tag keeps industry professionals informed about political and regulatory developments with direct implications for commercial petcare businesses.
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Mar- 2020 -24 MarchVeterinary
RCVS and BVA release joint statement following PM address
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have released a joint statement following last night’s briefing from the Prime Minister. Following the news that the public are required to stay at home, while non-essential shops and community spaces are closed, both leading bodies urged for…
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24 MarchCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Advice for Employers
Key points include: Furloughed workers should not undertake any work for the company, including answering calls or emails JRS should not interrupt an employees’ continuity of service Annual leave will continue to accrue Grants should be structured so no PAYE tax or national insurance contributions are due The grant is…
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20 MarchCurrent Affairs
Covid-19: Government to pay 80% of salary to staff unable to work
Chancellor Sunak Rishi has said the government will pay 80% of wages for employees who aren’t able to work due to the coronavirus, up to £2,500 a month according to the BBC. The “unprecedented measure” comes as the government has unveiled more plans to protect jobs and businesses amid the…
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20 MarchVeterinary
BVA calls on government to support veterinary practices
The BVA has written to the government asking them to include veterinary practices in their support of businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The plea follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiling of a £350bn package of measures, including rates relief and grants to support retail and hospitality businesses affected by the…
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19 MarchEconomy
Bira welcomes temporary abolition of business rates in Scotland
The Scottish Government’s move to temporarily abolish business rates in a bid to minimise the impact of coronavirus has been welcomed by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP has unveiled a new economic package to the Holyrood Parliament in response to coronavirus, including 12 months…
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16 MarchFeatures
What will the spread of coronavirus mean for businesses?
The serious health concerns brought about by the coronavirus outbreak (officially Covid-19) have been well documented, as nations impose travel restrictions and enter quarantine to tackle the spread. The UK Government recently confirmed that sick employees will receive statutory sick pay from the first day off work, not the fourth,…
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13 MarchEconomy
Government to introduce 2% digital services tax
The UK Government has confirmed plans to introduce a new 2% tax on the revenues of online marketplaces which “derive value from UK users”, starting 1 April 2020. The new tax also applies to search engines and social media services, and these businesses will be liable to the tax when…
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11 MarchBusiness Bites
ROUNDUP: Business rates holiday announced by chancellor Sunak
In his maiden budget, the new chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced a £30bn fiscal stimulus package to help combat the impact of coronavirus on the British economy including a one-year total suspension of business rates for small retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. Headline measures include: A £12bn plan to provide…
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10 MarchBusiness
Calls for ‘discretionary business rates relief’ amid Coronavirus outbreak
Colliers International has called on the UK Government to consider and to fund a system of “discretionary rate relief” for businesses impacted by the Coronavirus. The commercial real estate company said this is one of the measures that could “alleviate business pain” in this week’s Budget. It added that against…
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9 MarchGovernment & Legislation
BVA renews call for action on puppy smuggling
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has renewed its calls for tighter restrictions on pet travel following the government’s response to the Efra Select Committee report on illegal puppy smuggling. The Efra Committee praised the government’s ‘Petfished’ awareness campaign but raised concerns that some of the regulatory and delivery recommendations had…
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