Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak, as the UK’s Prime Minister and Chancellor (formerly), plays a significant role in shaping political and economic policies that affect the jewellery industry. His decisions on taxation, trade agreements, import duty rules, and consumer purchasing power have direct implications for UK jewellers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Jewellery Focus provides detailed coverage of Sunak’s policies, fiscal statements, trade negotiations, and regulatory reforms—analysing how shifts in government direction impact business costs, consumer sentiment, and growth opportunities. Our reporting equips trade professionals with insights to adapt to evolving political frameworks.
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Sep- 2020 -24 SeptemberCoronavirus
Chancellor set to unveil furlough replacement after Budget cancellation
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has cancelled this year’s Budget but is set to unveil new measures aimed at protecting employment and the UK economy in parliament later today (24 September). It is thought the new measures will replace the current furlough scheme, which is set to expire at the end of…
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Aug- 2020 -13 AugustRetailers
Bira thanks government’s #ShopLocal Week
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has thanked the government for the launch of #ShopLocal Week. The #ShopLocal campaign, which started on Monday (August 10) and runs until Sunday, August 16, aims to celebrate the British high street by encouraging customers to return to their safe, local shops, supporting the…
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7 AugustRetailers
Usdaw warns business rates increase could risk more jobs
Retail trade union Usdaw has expressed “major concerns” over reports that the government is considering increasing business rates for premises with a rateable value over £51,000. The news comes as reports suggest Rishi Sunak is considering increasing business rates in an effort to boost the UK economy. Instead, Usdaw is…
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Jul- 2020 -9 JulyRetailers
Bira ‘disappointed’ mini-budget does ‘not help indie retailers’
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has expressed its “disappointment” that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s mini-budget does not “directly help retail business owners”. Sunak announced a raft of further measures to support the recovery of the economy following the coronavirus lockdown, in Parliament yesterday (8 July). Features of the budget included…
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8 JulyCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new £9bn retention scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a new scheme to pay companies £1,000 bonus per employee for those they keep on until January on part pay. Sunak said if employers bring back all nine million people who have been furloughed, this will be a “£9bn policy to retain people in work”.…
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Jun- 2020 -30 JuneCurrent Affairs
Government confirms changes to ‘flexible’ furlough scheme
The UK government has confirmed the latest set of changes to its “flexible” furlough scheme – dubbed CJRS V2 – ahead of its launch of the 1 July. HM Revenue and Customs has set out the new guidance as the current version of the Coronavirus Job retention Scheme (CJRS) ends…
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26 JuneNews
Google UK launches support package for small UK businesses
Google UK has pledged to support small businesses across the country with a new package of products, tools and services to support the reopening and growth of British retail. From today, small businesses can sign-up to access the support package through Google, who has committed to helping one million small…
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22 JuneEconomy
Chancellor mulls VAT cut and could follow up with autumn tax rises
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering cutting VAT in order to help stimulate the economy but could follow the move up with a set of Autumn tax rises. According to the Financial Times, Sunak is planning deferred tax rises and cuts to public spending in his autumn Budget as a follow up to further stimulus…
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May- 2020 -12 MayCoronavirus
Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has extended the Government’s furlough scheme until the end of October. Announcing the decision in the house of commons today (12 May) Sunak revealed that “no changes whatsoever” will be made to the current scheme until the end of July. However he noted that…
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4 MayCoronavirus
Government launches new Bounce Back loans
Thousands of small firms and sole traders will be eligible for 100% government-backed Bounce Back Loans to help them make it through the coronavirus outbreak. From today (4 May), small business owners can apply to accredited lenders by filling out a simple online form, with only seven questions. The government…
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