Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is pleased to highlight a free, member led event designed to help local sole traders and small to medium sized employers prepare for major changes coming in from 2026.
Solace Business Management Ltd and HR Dept Ltd are hosting a practical update session, “HMRC’s Making Tax Digital and Employment Rights Bill, What you need to know”, on the 29th January at Taunton Rugby Football Club, from 8:30 am.
The event is aimed at sole traders and small to medium sized employers who want clear, straightforward guidance on two key areas of legislation.
The session will be split into two parts, with time for questions to both speakers.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA)
Karen will lead an informative session on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment for sole traders and landlords with annual income above £50,000. She will:
- Outline key obligations under MTD for ITSA, including digital record keeping, quarterly submissions and software requirements
- Give a practical walkthrough of using Xero to capture income and expenses, maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC
- Explain how business owners and landlords can stay compliant, avoid penalties and streamline bookkeeping with digital tools
- Share what is known about how MTD will affect those with turnover below £50,000 as thresholds are reduced
- Offer practical tips on getting ready for MTD, from choosing software to adjusting record keeping habits and workflows
This part of the session will be relevant to those already within the first phase of MTD and anyone who wants to understand what is coming and how to future proof their processes.
Employment Rights Bill
Helen will provide an overview of the proposed Employment Rights Bill and what it could mean for both employees and employers.
She will cover planned changes including:
- Reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from 24 months to 6 months
- Introducing day one rights for sick pay and paternity leave from April 2026
- Lifting the compensation cap on unfair dismissal to allow for higher claims
- Enhancing protections for those taking industrial action, making dismissals for participating automatically unfair
The aim is to help employers understand the direction of travel, what to expect from the new Bill and how to prepare their policies and practices.
Delivered by experienced professionals in bookkeeping and employment law, this free session is designed to give small businesses clear information, space to ask questions and the confidence to plan ahead.
Local sole traders and employers who would like to attend can reserve a place via Eventbrite:
