Legislation
Legislation is a critical area for the UK jewellery industry, shaping how jewellers, suppliers, and manufacturers operate within legal and regulatory frameworks. From hallmarking requirements and precious metal standards to anti-money laundering rules and environmental regulations, staying compliant is essential for trade professionals. Jewellery Focus provides comprehensive coverage of legislative updates, consultations, and their implications for businesses across the supply chain. Our insights help jewellery professionals navigate legal changes, minimise risk, and maintain best practices in an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Jul- 2024 -17 JulyNews
Starmer vows to ‘make work pay’ in King’s Speech
The new Labour government has outlined its main goals for the new parliament as part of the King’s Speech today (17 July) with a central focus of “ improving living standards for working people through economic growth”. Key points outlined in the speech, read by the King but written by…
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Apr- 2024 -23 AprilTrade Organisations
The NAJ launches Codes of Practice for whole UK industry
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced that its Codes of Practice are now available to all jewellery businesses in the UK, irrespective of whether they are a member of the association or not. In 2022, the NAJ launched its strategy centred around compliance, profitability, and responsibility. This strategy…
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Mar- 2024 -6 MarchNews
Chancellor cuts NI by a further 2p as part of Spring Budget
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced a further 2p cut to National Insurance falling from 10% to 8% from 6 April, as part of his Spring Budget for “long-term growth”. The reduction in National Insurance is expected to save the average worker £450 a year, or £350 for those who are…
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Aug- 2022 -17 AugustRetailers
NAJ takes step to elevate pricing code of practice
The National Association of Jewellers has taken the step to elevate its pricing code of practice to ‘assured advice’ with its primary trading standards partner. Working with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards team, the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has said it aims to continue its proactive approach to educating…
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Mar- 2022 -18 MarchFeatures
13 Spring Statement predictions
With both the global and UK economies coming under pressure from the rising cost of living crisis, which has only been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, all eyes will be on the chancellor when he makes his Spring Statement speech on 23 March 2022. Here, Christy Wilson, tax associate…
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Feb- 2021 -12 FebruaryTrade Organisations
NAJ urges housing secretary to scrap new legislation
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has written to housing secretary Robert Jenrick warning against plans that could see town centre businesses premises converted into housing without approval by the local planning authority. The trade association, as well as 26 other business organisations, is urging the government to scrap the…
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Dec- 2020 -8 DecemberCurrent Affairs
British Hallmarking Council updates EU guidance
The British Hallmarking Council has updated its guidance on hallmarking requirements from 1 January 2021, ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU. The council said that obligations to recognise equivalent EU hallmarks will end in Great Britain. EU hallmarks will continue to be recognised in theNorthern Ireland market, however,…
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Sep- 2020 -3 SeptemberAdvice
HMRC and Covid-19: One hand giveth, the other taketh away
One hand giveth HMRC was responsible for overseeing and implementing the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) and other furlough schemes. Its ensuring that monies were paid under the Government’s various furlough support schemes has been impressive. Although the guidance on who was entitled to monies under the CJRS was…
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Aug- 2020 -19 AugustRetailers
Usdaw leader launches petition to protect retail staff from violence and abuse
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis has today (19 August) launched a House of Commons petition calling on the Government to legislate to protect shopworkers. The trade union said the petition has been launched in response to “continued growing assaults, threats and abuse against shopworkers and the doubling of such incidents…
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Jul- 2020 -23 JulyRetailers
NFRN urges retailers to follow guidance on face coverings
The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN), which represents 15,000 stores in the UK and Ireland is urging its members to follow its guidance on mandatory face coverings being introduced in retailers from tomorrow (24 July). The association said as some rules vary across England and Scotland, such as who is…
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