Article: Business - notification to council - employees Article Body Businesses which employ any person or persons to work in a shop or office premises have previously been required, by section 49 of the Office Shops and Railway Premises act 1963, to notify the council. Repeals and modifications to the regulations in 2009, mean most new businesses no longer need to register. However, if you work with hazardous substances, such as asbestos or explosives, or in a hazardous industry, such as construction or diving, you may need to apply for a licence or notify HSE or the council. If in doubt, please contact us for advice.