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COVID-19 Business Support

We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful. Updated: 24 July 2020   Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures announced by the Chancellor today include: A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January

COVID-19 Business Support

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Jeweller raises funds for Covid-19 Memorial Garden

After learning of the recent campaign in The Glasgow Herald to construct a memorial garden to commemorate those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Scotland, Caitlin Hegney was inspired to get involved and fundraise for the project.  The jeweller was particularly moved by the proposal for the creation of a memorial garden in Pollock Country Park, having worked in Geilston Garden herself, recognising the profound effect that such an outdoor space can have on an individuals’ wellbeing and mental health.  Hegney believes that it is essential to have a dedicated tranquil place that people can go to, where

COVID-19 Business Support - Additional Funding Sources

We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful. Updated: 19 June 2020 Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures announced by the Chancellor today include: A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January VAT

Hoffmann Group UK launches remote consultation service during COVID-19 outbreak

Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has today announced the launch of its remote consultation offering to support manufacturers keeping the UK running during the COVID-19 epidemic.   Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has today announced the launch of its remote consultation offering to support manufacturers keeping the UK running during the COVID-19 epidemic.   Using a suite of digital technologies, such as Microsoft Teams and Skype, manufacturers are able to enlist the support of a specialist consultant remotely. With the

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council reports on Covid-19 survey results

A survey with 120 respondents carried out by  The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council  has found that Covid-19 is adversely impacting designer-makers across the UK, driving it to announce a series of new initiatives to support, connect and inspire isolated craftspeople during this time. In a survey shared with silversmiths, jewellery designers, manufacturers, apprentices and those working in allied trades, The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) sought to understand the current needs, concerns and mood of its audience in order to best support them during this time. Among key results and feedback from over 120 respondents, the GC&DC reports:

The Luxury Institute recommends building brand equity through generosity and kind deeds in light of Covid-19

The Luxury Institute has published two White Papers in light of the Covid-19 global pandemic crisis. ' Luxury Institute Insights And Recommendations During The Covid-19 Crisis From The Global Luxury Expert Network ’ (23 March 2020) and ‘ Preparing To Reignite Your Luxury Business Post Pandemic’ (1 April 2020). An abstract of the White Papers reads: Build brand equity through generosity and kind deeds "Many mass marketing experts are advising brands to continue their advertising and public relations campaigns throughout the pandemic crisis. Some of that advice is triggered by the fact that the advertising and public relations industries are

Jeweller Stephen Saliba tells Benchpeg what its like in Italy during Covid-19

Jeweller Stephen Saliba has been a resident in Bristol for over 40 years. In the last year he took the plunge and re-located to Italy. He tells Benchpeg what its been like to relocate and set up a business during a pandemic. With over ten years of teaching experience, Stephen decided to set up a workshop and school of jewellery ‘Art Lab Todi’ in the historic town of Todi in Umbria. The school and workshop are located on the ground floor of a palace, within a town full of architectural gems and history. The Jewellery School is set up with

Silver Market Review 2019: Silver prices plummets to lowest level in more than ten years in early 2020 due to COVID-19 impact

GFMS team at Refinitiv publishes annual Silver Market Review 2019, which includes provisional supply and demand estimates for 2020. Investment demand records healthy growth in 2019, while industrial demand declines as trade wars impact orders across the supply chain. After rising to a five-month high by late February, the silver price experienced a calamitous fall in March, as precious metals got caught up in a broader market sell-off amidst the deteriorating virus outbreak according to the annual Refinitiv GFMS annual Silver Market Review 2019. As a result, silver lost 30% of its dollar value in the first three weeks of

Randox Grand National 2021 trophy pays tribute to COVID pandemic key workers

The headline sponsor of the Randox Grand National has unveiled the trophy for the 2021 event with a tribute to key workers of the COVID-19 pandemic design and made by female silversmith Cara Murphy, the trophy was presented to the first female jockey winner of the Grand National on Saturday. Shown to the public for the first time on Saturday 3 April during ITV Racing’s Opening Show, the 2021 trophy has been designed for the second year by Silversmith Cara Murphy from Northern Ireland. The unique design of the silver and gold trophy, which includes illustrations of the COVID-19 virus on

The Goldsmiths Company Charity helps to address the cost-of-living crisis

£197,380 awarded in donations and grants to support jewellers and those working in the allied trades The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity has issued multiple cost-of-living grants to charities and apprentices within the trade to support them during this difficult period, using the remainder of the funds from its Covid-19 Fund. Originally created to address the impact of the pandemic, the Covid-19 Fund provided financial support to individuals working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades to help them through a period of hardship and help sustain the craft, skills and future of the industry during what was an unprecedented period in most

Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers - Scotland

Creative Scotland Hardship Fund *Please note that applications open midday on 10 November, you will only be able to apply from then* What is this fund for? This fund has been provided by Scottish Government to support freelance craft practitioners working in Scotland who are experiencing immediate financial hardship due to the loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund offers a one-off bursary to those who are most deeply impacted and disadvantaged as a result of COVID-19. This includes practitioners who operate using a personal service company (PSC) or ‘loan-out’ type structure, sole traders and

British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Board announce cuts to NAJ,Giftware Association and Head Office

The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) has announced that measures are set to be put in place to ensure the finacial security and longevity of the trade body in the wake of Covid-19 and the resulting econonomic impact for 2021 going forward. A statement released by the NAJ from the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Board interim CEO reads: "As I am sure all of you are aware, the recent Covid-19 crisis has had a massive impact on the economy of the UK. The government has invested billions of pounds in the Furlough scheme to help support companies and individuals through this

Facebook Small Business Grants Programme

Facebook small business grants programme Facebook are offering £1,929 in cash grants and £1,157 in ad credits to help during this challenging time. To be eligible to apply, you must: Be a for-profit business Have between 2 and 50 employees Have been in business for over a year Have experienced challenges from COVID-19 Be in or near a location where Facebook operates For more information: apply-aims-grants.com Terms and Conditions: apply-aims-grants.com/aims/

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020 25 October 2020 - 6 January 2021 Academies around the world had to close their doors last Spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final exams of a lot of the graduating students needed to be postponed for this reason as well. In previous years the Marzee International Graduate Show was held in August, but this year we moved it to the end of October to make sure that we could still make this show happen. We are very pleased with the end result – it is yet again an amazing show with a great

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust raise funds through raffle

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Raffle  is an opportunity for the Incorporation of Goldsmiths to raise funds for its charitable work. As a small arts charity operating in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Incorporation is now having to diversify and fundraise for all of its projects and programmes. This fundraiser, along with donations and grants, will support the work at The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and help preserve it during this challenging year and for the future. Funds raised through this raffle will be targeted to directly support Jewellers and Silversmiths at student and emerging maker level through three

Maker Needs Survey, Crafts Council

Maker Needs Survey, Crafts Council   The Crafts Council's annual survey of maker needs has landed, and we want to hear from you! Now in its sixth year, the survey gathers vital intel from craft makers and business owners to inform future resources and initiatives and influence government policy. Complete the survey Understanding what you need to maintain and further your practice is vital to developing our work for artists, designers and makers at all career stages. This is particularly important in the context of COVID-19, Brexit and the future sustainability of your craft businesses. The survey takes 10-15 minutes

A Post-College Guide with Sarabande

What Now? A Post-College Guide with Sarabande Matty Bovan joins panel to talk to new graduates about post-pandemic work life 22 & 23 June 2022   This June, Sarabande Foundation will host What Now? - a series of talks and workstations to help recent and soon-to-be arts and fashion graduates tackle post-university panic. The COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected the creative industries and had a huge impact on job prospects for new graduates. Job openings fell by 66.5% - some 128,000 fewer jobs than pre-pandemic, and recent graduates who were self-employed or freelancing had their work opportunities crushed. Building on the

Applications Open for Elements 2021

Call for Applications: Elements 2021 Applications are now open for Elements 2021. This years’ event will operate in a ‘blended’ style of online and in-person events, including a new Elements e-commerce platform to run from September - November, pop-up selling events, an exhibition and talks. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to produce our festival in November at the Lyon & Turnbull showrooms as we would have pre-COVID due to capacity and social distancing restrictions that may still be in place for large events. We are developing some in-person events along with well-curated digital opportunities. The health

Scotland’s Annual Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold Pops Up in Aberdeen

Scotland’s Annual Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold Pops Up in Aberdeen The highly successful Elements Festival – Scotland’s biggest celebration of jewellery, silver and gold – is staging its first ever event in Aberdeen this weekend. While most of this year’s festival is digital, due to COVID-19, a series of pop-ups are taking place which will allow people to meet some of the finest emerging and established designers and makers from Scotland and the rest of the UK.   This Saturday and Sunday Aberdeen Art Gallery will be hosting four Scottish makers selected for this year’s festival: Christina Hirst

SIERAAD 2022

Overwhelmed by two difficult years of Corona, there is now a beautiful 19th edition of SIERAAD Art Fair, International Jewellery Fair. Despite all the Covid-19 troubles, the lockdowns etc. we have participants from all over the world for this edition who will soon be shining in the beautiful Gashouder in Amsterdam. There will be about 130 designers/makers on display. Two academies, one from Maastricht, Maastricht Institute of Arts in the Netherlands and one from Lithuania, Vilnius Academy of Arts, with enormously talented students. This year there is a group of jewellery designers from South Korea, which we are also looking

Milano Jewelry Week

Milano Jewelry Week Milan, Italy 20 to 23 October 2022 The second edition of the widespread event dedicated to jewelry will be held from 20 to 23 October 2022. Milano Jewelry Week - week already sponsored by the Municipality of Milan and by C.N.A. Federmoda and Club degli Orafi - returns, after the obligatory stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year in October from 20th to 23rd 2022. About 200 events will animate high jewelry ateliers, goldsmith workshops, academies, schools, art galleries, fashion boutiques and design showrooms in the center of Milan. From Brera to Porta Venezia, passing through

Public Art Commission, Medway Council

Public Art Commission, Medway Council Medway Council is seeking multiple artists/companies to create a range of temporary public artworks across our five town centres of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham to reinforce essential safety and wellbeing messages relating to COVID-19. These include social distancing, hand washing, staying alert to symptoms, test and trace, using contactless payment where possible, wearing face coverings. This opportunity is open to professional artists or organisations, and would also suit a student, graduate or emerging artist at the beginning of their career. We are particularly keen to hear from artists or organisations based in Medway. 

News Edit: 28 March 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   1970s model, muse and jewellery designer, Elsa Peretti, dies aged 80 Tatler: The Florentine jewellery designer who helmed Tiffany & Co was a regular on the New York social scene at Studio 54 alongside Halston, Andy Warhol and Liza Minnelli. www.tatler.com Why an artist is turning pandemic waste into jewellery Live Mint: Argentina's Marcelo Toledo is collecting recycled covid-19 waste, including masks and syringes, to make accessories and sculptures. livemint.com Jewellery Distributor On The Move Insider Media: A Cambridgeshire-based jewellery service distributor has acquired new premises after reporting

Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme

Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme  A twenty first century silversmith is a maker, designer, problem solver and independent thinker; qualities of the Contemporary British Silversmiths membership that have enabled the organisation to quickly adapt and diversify in the face of Covid-19. Where face-to-face courses sadly were cancelled, our team of volunteers and staff came together to develop online silversmithing educational content which we are really excited to be developing further. The Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme is entering a new era; we are committed to continuing to provide essential skills training for graduate and professional members as we

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension The UK Government recognises the continued impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the self-employed and has taken action to provide support. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of 2 further grants, each available for 3 month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021. 1.  Who can claim To be eligible for the grant extension self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, must: have been previously eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme first and second grant (although they

Coronavirus: Responsible Jewellery Council orders workers to go remote

As the new coronavirus disease, officially named COVID-19, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization the Responsible Jewellery Council has ordered its staff to work remotely. They issued the following statement: Members of the jewellery and watch industry are going through a challenging time, affected by the current health and economic climate. The Responsible Jewellery Council team would like to extend its thoughts to all stakeholders and their families around the world. As the virus continues to spread extensively, we have taken additional precautionary measures. We need to be proactive and minimise the risk of the virus

CANCELLED: Handwerk & Design 2020

CANCELLATION: Internationale Handwerksmesse 2020, Handwerk & Design and Garten München 11 to 15 March 2020 Neue Messe München, Munich, Germany The organising company GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH has decided to cancel the 2020 edition of the Internationale Handwerksmesse, including Handwerk & Design and Garten München. This decision was made in light of the spread of the Coronavirus/Covid-19 and the urgent recommendation of the Bavarian government’s crisis team to cancel or postpone any large international trade shows until further notice. This also applies to the Internationale Handwerksmesse, which will take place again in 2021. The Internationale Handwerksmesse, scheduled to take

Experts share insight on non-essential retail shops reopening and provide reassurance on how to shop safely

This week, all non-essential retail shops re-opened after 12 weeks of closure since the COVID-19 outbreak. Hundreds of thousands of non-essential retail shops across England are set to reopen including Shopping centres and shops will look and operate differently compared to three months ago, when the public were last shopping in them.  To inform the public on what to expect and showcase the new changes that have been implemented, shopping expert and TV star Gok Wan along with media doctor Dr Zoe Williams were granted early access to some stores on London’s iconic Oxford Street to find out more before they

International Jewellery London 202 Cancelled

Reed Exhibitions has announced that International Jewellery London, scheduled to take place at Alexandra Palace, London, from 13 to 15 September 2020 will be cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Reed Exhibitions issued the following statement: "Following UK government guidelines and comprehensive discussions with our customers, public health authorities and partner organisations, we do not believe that we are in a position to host a large scale gathering of the community in September without compromising the key valuable elements of IJL. T he health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, partners and staff is our number one priority.  Therefore, a

Cancelled: IJL 2021

Reed Exhibitions, the organiser of International Jewellery London, announced this week that the jewellery industry event, which has run consistently for over 60 years, will in addition to the cancelled 2020 show, also cancel the show scheduled for 2021. A statement from Reed Exhibitions said: "Reed Exhibitions has announced that International Jewellery London (IJL) will not take place in 2021 as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Following the cancellation of IJL 2020 on 9th June; we have taken the even more difficult decision to not run IJL in 2021. Both the UK live events and jewellery industries are

Visual Capitalist:: Charting the Rise and Fall of the Global Luxury Goods Market

The Visual Capatalist has reported on a post pandemic overview of the global luxury goods market predicting a decline in purchases. The Rise and Fall of the Global Luxury Goods Market - the Executive Summary Global demand for personal luxury goods has been steadily increasing for decades, resulting in an industry worth $308 billion in 2019. However, the insatiable desire for consumers to own nice things was suddenly interrupted by the coming of COVID-19, and experts are predicting a brutal contraction of up to one-third of the current luxury good market size this year. Will the industry bounce back? Or

Insta hashtags prompt sales in lockdown

The artist Matthew Burrows set up an artist-led movement and network on 16th March 2020 to support artists struggling financially during Covid-19 using the social media platform Instagram – with a simple pledge. The pledge #artistsupportpledge created a much needed route to market in lockdown for artists and makers. He released a statement saying that within a month “…from making the first sales pledge I am a little awe struck yet completely delighted by the momentum and viral take up of this campaign. It is not just an important network and survival mechanism for artists: It has become a global Hear

New format for JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects 2020

Call for Applications: JOYA 2020 JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects is the main art jewellery and art objects event in Spain. Normally held at the Design Museum, this year, due to the actual circumstances following the spread of COVID-19, the format will be adapted respecting the safety of the public that will attend and promoting online. JOYA 2020 will take place from September 19th to November 01st at ARTESANIA CATALUNYA  and will offer the designers a pleasant new space and environment to increase their contact lists and exhibit their pieces. The event is organized by Le Département Interiors S.L and

Covid Forces Fashion Industry to Explore Virtual Reality Alternatives

As industries across the world have been forced to innovate and be creative in the challenges of COVID-19, one sector which was surprisingly quick to adapt was that of fashion buying. BrandLab, a unique virtual reality showroom developer, saw 500% increase in profit between May and June, as brands moved their physical showrooms to virtual. The growth has led to international investment, with new offices being launched in LA, Paris and New York and plans to expand their business beyond the fashion industry and develop direct-to-consumer platforms for everything from shopping centres and art galleries to car showrooms and football

Small Business Leadership Programme and Peer Networks

Small Business Support Schemes: Small Business Leadership Programme and Peer Networks The Small Business Leadership Programme and Peer Network scheme aim to enhance resilience and recovery from the impact of COVID-19, and enable SMEs to develop their potential for future growth and productivity. These complementary initiatives are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in England improve their leadership skills and enable learning with peers. The 2 schemes represent a £20 million investment by BEIS. Small Business Leadership Programme The Small Business Leadership Programme is a fully-funded programme delivered by a consortium of leading university business schools. You will

Luxury Institute: The 7 Rules For Reinventing Your Luxury Business Model Post Pandemic

Citizens of the world have endured months of living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. When we are past the worst of the crisis, we will not be the same, but we know from history that there will be many major opportunities for economic prosperity. How can luxury business leaders take creative, effective steps right now to shift the growth curve to a higher plane, with a steeper growth trajectory? To help brands achieve their well-intentioned purpose and values, here are seven rules from the Luxury Institute for reinventing the luxury business model for post pandemic success. Rule 1: From Disruption

GIA open up free online courses to earn GIA diploma

As the global gem and jewelry industry navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is making access to its introductory courses easier than ever before. From May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, the GIA Essentials online courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry will be available at no cost for first-time enrollments. For additional details and to apply, visit GIA.edu/elearning-offer . This limited time opportunity teaches the fundamentals needed for a profession in gems and jewelry. By completing the three GIA Essentials eLearning courses, students may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional™ (AJP) diploma. Eligible

Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund Grant

Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund Grant The Arts Council has published guidance for the Culture Recovery Fund: Grants programme. This fund forms part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) wider Culture Recovery Fund of £1.57 billion, set up to protect the UK’s culture and heritage sectors from the economic impacts of Covid-19. Grants from between £50,000 to £3 million will be available. Eligibity - Cultural organisations (both profit and not for profit) based in England that are properly constituted and are registered at Companies House and/or Charity Commission, and are able to produce at least one year’s

How are you? A little note from us to you

Hello How  are  you? We’ve missed you. You may have been wondering where we have been. Like all of us, Benchpeg has had to acclimatise to a ‘new normal’ and this has taken some time. We’ve had to weather a few storms before but this global pandemic is something none of us have experienced in our lifetimes. For Benchpeg, this has meant a number of personal and professional issues including the hospitalisation of one of our children with a Covid-19 scare, who is thankfully fine now. Unfortunately, this meant putting Benchpeg on hold temporarily while we hunkered down and dealt

BFC Foundation Fashion Fund For The Covid Crisis Reopens Applications

BFC Foundation Fashion Fund For The Covid Crisis Reopens Applications British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that following the initial £1,000,000 made available for the BFC Foundation Fashion Fund, the organisation raised an additional £500,000, allowing applications to reopen for a second round. The BFC Foundation Fashion Fund was established in March, to support creative fashion businesses and individuals to survive the Covid-19 crisis. In May 2020, the BFC gave financial support and mentoring to 37 British designer businesses, with grants taken from the £1,000,000 emergency fund allocated to viable businesses depending on their urgency and capability to

News Edit: 2 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   The Ethical Jewellery Labels To Put On Your Radar Marie Claire: While ethical fashion and jewellery were once pegged as 'having a moment', the reality is that now more so than ever consumers are becoming increasingly aware of where their pieces are coming from. marieclaire.com.au The jewellery you've been buying in lockdown AFR: Los Angeles designer Irene Neuwirth has garnered a loyal following with her whimsical designs and COVID-19 has proven no barrier to sales. afr.com Jeweller to the stars lost job after head-on bike crash with Uber

School of Jewellery Artist in Residences 2020-2021

Call for Applications: School of Jewellery Artist in Residences 2020-2021 The School of Jewellery is welcoming portfolio applications for Artists in Residence. This is an opportunity for graduates to develop new work and technical skills in a creative environment, working collaboratively within the Artist in Residence team, engage with the vibrant and rich community in the School,in exchange for helping support students within studios and workshops. Subject to an evolving COVID-19 UK situation and our future position in 2021, the residency scheme aims to continue to offer agreed access to facilities from January 2021 to August 2021. To apply please

Wisley Craft Fair Goes Virtual

The annual Contemporary Spring Craft Fair held at RHS Garden Wisley may have been cancelled this year due to Covid-19 but the organisers, Craft In Focus, have moved the fair online.   Visitors who were planning to attend this, the UK’s most popular craft fair, will not need to miss out and can now find all their favourite exhibitors online and discover a fabulous selection of professional contemporary craftmakers and artists selected from the finest in the UK.  They will not even have to queue to enter! The virtual craft fair can be found on the Craft In Focus website www.craftinfocus.com

News Edit: 19 July 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Richemont quarterly sales halve as luxury sector absorbs body blow Cartier owner offers no financial guidance but says China offers bright spot www.ft.com Meet the clickbait craftmakers How to Spend It: Millennials are now more likely to buy handmade wares than any other generation, says the Crafts Council. Here’s why howtospendit.ft.com Chaumet’s New Perspective On 240 Years Of Jewellery History Vogue: Usually at this time of year, we’d be in Paris marvelling over haute couture and high jewellery in person, but Covid-19

Gift card industry launches campaign to drive £2.3 billion high street recovery

The gift card and voucher industry, led by the  Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) , has urged the government  to raise the tax free gift card limit to £500, which could bring the high street an estimated spending boost of more than £2 billion*.  The proposal would involve the government increasing the tax-free gifting allowance of  £50 currently permitted through  HMRC’s Trivial Benefits Allowance  to £500, and encouraging employers across the nation to use the scheme to thank their staff for their hard work over the past few months of COVID-19 uncertainty. This  permanent increase  initiative follows similar proposals