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Tax implications of staff parties
Xmas dinner
Generally, if the cost of the function is less than £150 per head, there will not be any tax implications for the employee.
Working out the tax consequences of the Christmas party

As the festive season approaches, it is worth considering the tax implications of Christmas parties for staff at your practice.

On the whole, the cost of staff parties are allowable against the profits of the business, but in some circumstances there may be tax consequences for the employees themselves.

Generally there will be no tax implications for the employee, assuming the total cost of all employee functions in the tax year are less than £150 per head (including VAT).

When you calculate the cost per head, divide the total cost of each function by the number of people who attend. Be sure to include all costs - not just the meal - but also any drinks, entertainment, transport and accommodation you provide for attendees (including non-employees).

If the cost exceeds the £150 limit, then the full cost will be taxable on the employee.

For further information, visit the HMRC website.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.