News and Information
The world of Payroll can be confusing at times, particularly as legislative changes and updates happen so frequently.
Your Payroll Manager Is On Holiday. Relax.
What happens when the person responsible for payroll goes on holiday? Discover how outsourced payroll helps businesses avoid disruption, reduce risk and enjoy complete peace of mind.
Small Employers' Relief
As an employer, you can reclaim statutory payments made to employees, including Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP), Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP), Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP), Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay, and Statutory Neonatal Care Pay.
Apprenticeship Levy
Unsure whether your business needs to pay the Apprenticeship Levy? This guide explains the £3 million pay bill threshold, levy calculations, reporting requirements, allowances and common employer obligations.
Employment Allowance: What Employers Need to Know
From April 2025, more employers can claim a higher Employment Allowance, worth up to £10,500 off their annual employer National Insurance bill.
Auto-Enrolment Pensions
Discussing automatic-enrolment pensions with clients and colleagues is one of the most time-intensive aspects of payroll administration.
Pay Rises and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Legislative changes introduced in 2005 significantly altered how backdated pay awards are treated when calculating average weekly earnings for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
Payroll Fraud in the UK: Real Cases, Real Risks - and How to Protect Your Business
Payroll is one of the most trusted functions in any organisation.
But recent UK cases show just how easily that trust can be abused — and how costly the consequences can be.
National Minimum Wage: What Employers Need to Know for 2026–27
Each April, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates increase, but complying with the new figures involves far more than simply adjusting an hourly rate. Employers must consider working hours, deductions, bonuses, accommodation, and pay reference periods to ensure full compliance.
Below is an overview of the key points employers should understand for the 2026–27 National Minimum Wage year.
Annual Leave and Pay Records
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 6 April 2026, introducing a number of changes with phased enforcement dates.
Warning: 2026 Umbrella Company Tax Changes
From April 2026, a major change in tax law means companies can no longer “outsource” their tax risk to umbrella companies.
What is a P60 and who receives one?
A P60 is a form issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that summarises an employee’s total pay and tax deductions for the tax year.
Is It Worth Outsourcing Payroll?
Wondering whether to outsource payroll? Discover the benefits (and drawbacks) of making the switch.
Statutory Sick Pay April 2026
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is changing from this April. For some organisations, this will be a major change and potentially increase their wage bill dramatically, but other employers will see little difference.
What to Look for in a UK Payroll Bureau
Choosing a payroll bureau? Here’s what to look for to ensure compliance, accuracy, and support.
How to Switch Payroll Providers Before April
Thinking of switching payroll providers before the new tax year? Here's how to do it smoothly—with no stress or disruption.
The salary sacrifice pension announcement in the Autumn Budget 2025
The Autumn Budget 2025 introduced a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice pension contributions—set for April 2029. Full details are yet to be confirmed, but it could mean big changes for payroll and pensions.
Managing Seasonal Staff and Payroll Over the Festive Period: Best Practice for Employers
For many employers, the run up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year. Retailers take on temporary staff, hospitality venues extend their opening hours, and many businesses see shifts, overtime and bonuses increase.
Payrolling vs P11Ds: What Employers Need to Know
The deadline for submitting P11Ds about money owed for the tax year ending 5 th April 2025 to
HMRC was the 6 th July and Class 1A National Insurance paid by 22 nd July. If employer have still
done either of these they need to submit and pay as soon as possible to avoid further penalties.
New Student Loan Plan 5 Explained: What It Means for Payroll from April 2026
There is a new student repayment plan, Plan 5, for Student Finance England whereas Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency Scotland and Student Finance Northern Ireland remain the same.
SSP changes
Proposed SSP changes are making the news at the moment. The current position is that employees qualify for SSP based upon earnings or expected earnings.
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