Mileage rates increase for 3 million workers

The Chancellor of the exchequer, John Healey, as part of ‘Everyday fixes to ease household costs’ as part of a package to tackle costs people face every day, supporting people who rely on their cars for work has announced an increase to the own car business use rates prior to his Autumn Budget 2026. Making … Continue reading Mileage rates increase for 3 million workers →

New, easier way to share your online basic DBS check result

Applicants can now share their basic DBS check result directly with an employer or other third party, helping to make recruitment checks quicker and easier. Quicker, simpler sharing The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has introduced a new way for applicants to share their online basic DBS check result. Previously, applicants had to forward emails and instructions … Continue reading New, easier way to share your online basic DBS check result →

Stronger protections for pregnant women and new parents against unfair dismissal

Tribunals to use a new, stricter, approach for dismissal cases involving pregnant women and new parents from 2027 Pregnant women and new parents will now have stronger safeguards to protect them from unfair dismissal, requiring employers to go further than ever before. • New protections will also extend to employees on adoption, shared parental, neonatal … Continue reading Stronger protections for pregnant women and new parents against unfair dismissal →

HMRC – Help to prevent payroll errors and PAYE RTI disputed charges — GfC22

HMRC provide new guidance on errors HMRC have issued new promotional information on help to prevent RTI errors on HMRC systems. Although they state it as ‘Help to prevent payroll errors’, often there are no errors in the payroll yet the employers account at HMRC does not balance leading to what may be termed a … Continue reading HMRC – Help to prevent payroll errors and PAYE RTI disputed charges — GfC22 →

SSP1 form updates – zero average earnings exclusion

The DWP and DHSC Joint Work and Health Directorate have updated form SSP1 on 12th October 2026 with an added reason for use by employers for non-payment of SSP. This relates to the changes introduced from 6th April 2026 where waiting days and earnings tests were removed. The form has been adjusted to include an … Continue reading SSP1 form updates – zero average earnings exclusion →

Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 – when are the Bank Holidays and what about paying early?

For the third year running, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day don’t fall on weekends, however, Boxing Day is a Saturday and so the following Monday becomes a substitute day. And for Scotland the extended New Year celebrations which normally include the 2nd January which for 2027 is also a Saturday creating a substitute Bank … Continue reading Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 – when are the Bank Holidays and what about paying early? →

Real Living Wage increases to £14.10 in UK and £15.45 in London

Half a million workers are set for a pay boost worth over £1,250 a year as nearly 17,000 employers are signed up to pay the real Living Wage, including IKEA, Uniqlo and Everton FC. One in seven UK employees works for a Living Wage Employer.  This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Living Wage campaign, … Continue reading Real Living Wage increases to £14.10 in UK and £15.45 in London →

New action to crackdown on bogus self-employment loopholes

Over 900,000 people could benefit from new plans which include measures to crack down on bogus self-employment. More workers to gain access to the National Minimum Wage and holiday pay. Proposals will also make it easier for 900,000 people to access rights they should already be entitled to and improve the rights of the genuinely … Continue reading New action to crackdown on bogus self-employment loopholes →

7 million in the dark about their State Pension

HM Revenue and Customs is encouraging people to check their State Pension forecast using the HMRC app during Pension Awareness Week. Research shows 45 to 54-year-olds are more likely than any other age group to have never checked their State Pension, despite it being a key time for retirement planning. One in eight adults have … Continue reading 7 million in the dark about their State Pension →

658 employers shamed for illegally “Short-changing staff”

Around £4 million has been repaid to 27,000 workers. Latest list of employers who have underpaid workers revealed as Government hands enforcement powers to new dedicated body.  658 employers named for failing to pay staff the National Minimum Wage, with £4 million returned directly to workers.  Thousands of workers given more room to breathe as … Continue reading 658 employers shamed for illegally “Short-changing staff” →

Free bus travel 24/7 for disabled people

Eligible disabled people across England will get free bus travel all day, every day, after the Prime Minister announced Tuesday 18th August 2026 that the government will lift time restrictions on concessionary passes. Disabled people across England can soon travel on buses for free all day, every day Time restrictions on concessionary passes to be … Continue reading Free bus travel 24/7 for disabled people →

April 2027 Student Loan Plan 1 Repayment Threshold announced

The Department for Education has announced on 10th August 2026 the annual update to the repayment thresholds for Plan 1 Income Contingent Student Loans The repayment threshold for Plan 1 loans will rise to £28,005 from 6th April 2027 to 5th April 2028.  What are the different student loan repayment plans? There are five student loan repayment plans for … Continue reading April 2027 Student Loan Plan 1 Repayment Threshold announced →

25 years of the Living Wage

The Living Wage Foundation published its report 16th July 2026 exploring the impact of the campaign for a real Living Wage in the UK over its 25-year history.   The report tracks the development of the movement, from its creation by low paid workers in East London in 2001, all the way through to the present day. Today, … Continue reading 25 years of the Living Wage →

Why Living Hours Employers guarantee 16 hours’ work

The Living Wage foundation For over 20 years, the Living Wage Foundation has championed decent wages, working with nearly 16,000 employers, securing over £4.2 billion in pay rises for low paid workers and changing millions of lives. But high levels of insecure work are trapping millions of people in poverty, which makes it impossible to … Continue reading Why Living Hours Employers guarantee 16 hours’ work →

Do not to ignore Simple Assessment letters

HMRC is urging those who receive a Simple Assessment letter this summer to check it carefully and pay any tax owed by the deadline. HMRC will send Simple Assessment letters for the 2025 to 2026 tax year this summer. The letters are sent to those who have tax to pay on income that has not been … Continue reading Do not to ignore Simple Assessment letters →

Equal pay system to be improved

Government launches consultation, inviting businesses, workers, and civil society to help shape the next steps on equal pay reform. Further progress being made on commitment to end pay discrimination Businesses, workers, and trade unions to have a say on equal pay reform 15-week consultation aims to root out unfairness from the equal pay system so that … Continue reading Equal pay system to be improved →

Electric Company Car Tax increased by a third from April 2026 and more increases for the future

When the New Tax Year day 6th April 2026 arrived, so did a plethora of changes to taxation. For those who have Electric Cars through employer schemes, the company car tax is increasing by a third. A salary sacrifice car is, for taxation purposes, treated as a company car Whether provided as a normal company … Continue reading Electric Company Car Tax increased by a third from April 2026 and more increases for the future →

Millions reminded to get £150 off energy bills this winter

Households eligible for the Warm Home Discount must be named on their energy bill by 23 August to receive it automatically this winter. People receiving means-tested benefits must be named on their energy bill by 23rd August 2026 to receive the £150 Warm Home Discount  Around six million households will get the rebate this winter, including around 250,000 automatically for the first time in Scotland  Reminder follows immediate action to remove VAT from … Continue reading Millions reminded to get £150 off energy bills this winter →

Summer holiday savings – free buses for kids

The Summer Bus Fare Offer is part of the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme. starting Saturday 1st August 2026, under 16s can travel on local buses for free during August 2926 to help tackle the cost-of-living  this announcement builds on the £2 bus fare cap which will save millions of people up to a third … Continue reading Summer holiday savings – free buses for kids →

Holiday Pay enforcement consultation open

Make Work Pay: holiday pay compliance and enforcement The government has opened a consultation on: the proposed approach to holiday pay compliance and enforcement some of the important design features what support and guidance the Fair Work Agency can provide to help support compliance Right to holiday leave and pay Paid holiday or annual leave … Continue reading Holiday Pay enforcement consultation open →

Is your payslip missing?

The legal requirement Most employees and workers are required to be issued with a payslip on or before each time they are paid. Whether called a payadvice, pay packet, pay statement or payslip, employers are legally required to provide them. The. payslips can be used as proof of earnings, tax paid and any pension contributions. … Continue reading Is your payslip missing? →

Great British Summer Savings: Tax cut on kids’ meals and days out goes live

Every family across the UK will pay less tax on meals and days out as new VAT cut helps families enjoy trips to the seaside and making memories with loved ones. “I cannot think of a simpler and more accessible way to bring some affordable treats into family life this summer” – more businesses back … Continue reading Great British Summer Savings: Tax cut on kids’ meals and days out goes live →

Driving bans for those who refuse to repay benefit debts

People who have stopped receiving benefits but still refuse to repay money owed to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be banned from driving under sweeping new powers that have come in.   Fraudsters and debtors who refuse to pay face tough new consequences including direct deductions from bank accounts, as new laws come into force.   Debtors will begin receiving updated letters from Tuesday 24th June 2026, warning them to get in touch and pay up.   This is part … Continue reading Driving bans for those who refuse to repay benefit debts →

The Student Loans Company (SLC) is contacting some Plan 2 customers about corrections to their balances

Correction to some Plan 2 student loan balances. The Student Loans Company (SLC) is contacting some Plan 2 repayment employees about corrections to their balances. Around 71,000 (approximately 1.3% of current Plan 2 debts) have been affected by technical issues.   SLC and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are very sorry that this happened.   Those affected … Continue reading The Student Loans Company (SLC) is contacting some Plan 2 customers about corrections to their balances →

Low earner’s pension payment

As part of the employers bulletin June 2026 articles, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued information on the Low Earners Pension Payment (LEPP). Contact imminent From August 2026, HMRC will be contacting around 1 million eligible individuals directly about the low earner’s pension payment, previously referred to as the low earner’s anomaly. This … Continue reading Low earner’s pension payment →

Cycling and walking boom with thousands of new routes and safer crossings

Aim to deliver 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings over the next 5 years. more than half (55%) of short journeys in towns and cities to be walked or cycled by 2035  £4.5 billion projected to be invested over 5 years for thousands of new routes and safer crossings connecting homes with schools, high streets, workplaces and local … Continue reading Cycling and walking boom with thousands of new routes and safer crossings →

New tools to help employers maximise AI productivity gains

Skills England report shows what works for AI training and new tools will help employers build the AI skills their workforce needs. Skills England report shows what works for AI training, as skills gaps hold back adoption New tools will help employers build the AI skills their workforce needs, drawing on first-hand experience from early adopters. They follow recent launch of … Continue reading New tools to help employers maximise AI productivity gains →

Workplace protections for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children

The Government has launched a consultation on new workplace protections for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, as part of the ongoing work to implement the Employment Rights Act.  The consultation, launched by the Minister for Employment Rights Kate Dearden, sets out several proposals that could significantly change the rights of those with caring responsibilities in the … Continue reading Workplace protections for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children →

Seafarers across the Channel set for better pay and protection

New laws will extend and strengthen seafarer protections beyond UK territorial waters. thousands of seafarers working across the Channel are to benefit from proper rest periods, fair pay, and stronger protections as the government goes further to make seafarers’ lives fairer, safer and better the consultation on mandatory rights for seafarers follows the introduction of … Continue reading Seafarers across the Channel set for better pay and protection →

Zero hours! Ending one sided flexibility

The government have launched (Tuesday 2nd June 2026) the consultation on Ending one- sided flexibility: reforms of zero hours and similar contracts. The consultation - Zero Hours contracts - give your view The consultation explores key aspects related to new rights for eligible workers to: Guaranteed hours Reasonable notice of shifts Payment for shifts cancelled, moved, … Continue reading Zero hours! Ending one sided flexibility →

Supporting families and businesses with the Cost of Living.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 21st May 2026 updated the House of Commons on the Government's economic response to the war in Iran, and the action they are taking to support families and businesses with the Cost of Living. With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the Government’s economic response to the war … Continue reading Supporting families and businesses with the Cost of Living. →

Business mileage for employees’ own vehicles increase by 10p to 55p

Mileage Allowance Payments (MAPs) are what an employer can pay employees for using their own vehicle for business journeys. They’re allowed to pay employees a certain amount of MAPs each year without having to report them to HMRC. This is called an ‘approved amount’. As part of the Chancellor Rachel Reeves update to the House of Commons on … Continue reading Business mileage for employees’ own vehicles increase by 10p to 55p →

Lifelong Learning Entitlement for adults who were locked out of education

Government announces first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer new bite-sized courses, with applications opening September 2026. Adults balancing responsibilities such as work and childcare will now have a new route into university and college due to reforms which create changes to the student finance system. From September 2026, for the first time ever … Continue reading Lifelong Learning Entitlement for adults who were locked out of education →

5.4 million workers have employment rights breached

The final independent report of Director of Labour Market Enforcement (DLME) commissioned assessment on the scale and nature of labour non-compliance and other work-based harms in the UK has been published with some shocking results. The report was to question: How many workers have their rights breached in the UK labour market? What issues do … Continue reading 5.4 million workers have employment rights breached →

Statutory Payments uprating error

The HMRC Software Developers Support Team (SDST) have notified software developers on a difference in this year Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uprating order to prior practice and original expectations. Under a notice issued to developers ‘Payroll 2026-27: Correction to uprating dates for certain Statutory Parental Pay entitlements’, the SDST have provided the following: … Continue reading Statutory Payments uprating error →

Thousands to be supported into work with reforms to welfare system

Hundreds of thousands of sick or disabled people will be offered voluntary help towards employment as part of a package of measures coming into force 6th April 2026 that will encourage work and save taxpayers around £1 billion. Incentives that discourage work and trap people on benefits to be removed via legislation coming into force 6th … Continue reading Thousands to be supported into work with reforms to welfare system →

Millions get new access to sick pay and parental leave

Landmark employment rights reforms kick into force.  Millions of employees to benefit from reforms to Statutory Sick Pay, ensuring they can take time off when sick without worrying about going without pay.    New rights to paternity leave from the first day in a new job, helping families balance work and home life.   Changes are part of the Employment Rights Act, which will benefit … Continue reading Millions get new access to sick pay and parental leave →

Crackdown on subscription traps

Hard working Brits will keep more of their cash under a new government crackdown on unwanted and misleading subscriptions New measures set out to make subscriptions clearer and far easier to manage or cancel  Changes will help tackle the cost of living, by saving consumers around £400m annually with new rules to stop “free trials” turning into pricey surprises     Consumers at the heart of action, with protections against daily grinds such as endless … Continue reading Crackdown on subscription traps →

National Living Wage rises to £12.71

(c)2025 PAYadvice Ltd New minimum wage rates come into force [for pay reference period starting{ from 1st April [2026], following Low Pay Commission recommendations. Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living wage came into force for pay reference period from 1st April 2026. These rates bring into effect recommendations made by the … Continue reading National Living Wage rises to £12.71 →

Employers required to keep holiday records

Holiday pay clampdown is on its way with new employer recording obligations and Holiday Pay compliance being introduced alongside the Fair Work Agency enforcement duties. Holiday entitlement and pay rights All employees and workers across the United Kingdom have rights to holiday entitlements and pay. Statistical analysis has shown that in excess of 1.8 million … Continue reading Employers required to keep holiday records →

Save on Easter childcare egg-spenses with Tax-Free Childcare

Families encouraged to use Tax-Free Childcare to save thousands on their childcare bills. Working families encouraged to cut the cost of Easter childcare by signing up to Tax-Free Childcare Latest figures show 542,700 families saved on their childcare bills in December 2025 More than £46 million in government cash helped with childcare costs for almost … Continue reading Save on Easter childcare egg-spenses with Tax-Free Childcare →

Mileage rates review to support working people

Millions of drivers who claim motoring expenses could benefit from a review of approved mileage rates. Millions of drivers who claim motoring expenses from their employer will see approved mileage rates reviewed ahead of a future Budget.  Approved mileage allowance payment rates have not changed since 2011, despite motoring costs evolving significantly.  Part of a plan to help keep prices down … Continue reading Mileage rates review to support working people →

SSP Qualifying Days – April 2026 no change

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) changes on 6th April 2026 as a result of the Employment Rights Act. More employees will now qualify for Sick Pay SSP as a result of: The Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW) being reduced from 4 calendar days to 1 The number of initial Qualifying Days (QD) which act as … Continue reading SSP Qualifying Days – April 2026 no change →

SSP1 form readied for April 2026 changes

With new Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules applying from 6th April 2026, the DWP have updated form SSP1 for use when an employer is not or will stop paying SSP. From 6th April 2026, new changes come into play for SSP: Period of Incapacity for Work (PIW) is reduced to 1 calendar day (previously 4) … Continue reading SSP1 form readied for April 2026 changes →

Two-child limit removal becomes law

Historic legislation to end the two-child limit has become law, putting 450,000 children on a pathway out of poverty in the final year of this Parliament. Two child-limit – which pushed 100 children a day into hardship – to be scrapped as child poverty bill becomes law. 450,000 children to be lifted out of poverty … Continue reading Two-child limit removal becomes law →

Minimum wage shock – penalties for some big names

389 employers … named for failing to pay workers the minimum wage to tens of thousands of workers. Employers told to repay over £7.3 million in wages owed to workers to aid the cost of living for some of the lowest earners.  389 named employers, including well-known brands, faced consequences for failing to pay the minimum wage through £12.6 million in penalties.  Around 60,000 workers found to have been underpaid as employers who break the rules are … Continue reading Minimum wage shock – penalties for some big names →

AI apprenticeship to close digital skills gap holding back millions of workers

First apprentices starting on AI and automation practitioner apprenticeship. It's open to all employers and supporting drive to upskill millions by 2030. Skills England launches Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner apprenticeship to help businesses boost productivity and adopt emerging technology safely and responsibly  Wider AI training now available also includes new apprenticeship unit and … Continue reading AI apprenticeship to close digital skills gap holding back millions of workers →

Help with the cost of living in 2026

taking action to help families with the cost of living The government claim they know that families across the country are feeling the impact of the cost of living - it’s the number one issue impacting working people.  It’s why they say they are taking action to reduce everyday costs, whether it’s freezing rail fares … Continue reading Help with the cost of living in 2026 →

Statutory Sick Pay transitional guidance further updates (v3)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided an update to their transitional protection guidance (version 3) via the HMRC Software Developers Support Team. The update is regarding Statutory Sick Pay Transitional Protections for the Employment Rights Act measures coming in from April 2026. “Following final review of Government issued information ahead of implementation, … Continue reading Statutory Sick Pay transitional guidance further updates (v3) →

New figures reveal 7 million started a new job in 2025

Jobseekers and those starting new jobs encouraged to download the HMRC app for essential job-related information. With National Careers Week under way, jobseekers are reminded to use the HMRC app for essential information when applying for or starting a new job More than 7 million people started new jobs in 2025, an increase of 300,000 from the … Continue reading New figures reveal 7 million started a new job in 2025 →

Unpaid Parental Leave – April 2026 a day one right

From 6th April 2026, employees will be eligible for unpaid parental leave from their first day of employment. Unpaid parental leave Eligible employees can take unpaid parental leave to look after their child’s welfare, for example to: spend more time with their children look at new schools settle children into new childcare arrangements spend more … Continue reading Unpaid Parental Leave – April 2026 a day one right →

Paternity Leave and Unpaid Paternity Leave from April 2026

From 6th April 2026, employees will be eligible to give notice to take Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave from their first day of employment. This change supports working parents and is claimed to help businesses attract and retain talent. What are the changes?: Employees can give notice of Paternity Leave from day one of … Continue reading Paternity Leave and Unpaid Paternity Leave from April 2026 →

Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave

From 6th April 2026, a new right to Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave will support employees who lose the mother or primary adopter of their child within the first year of their child's life or adoption. This is a day one right, meaning employees are eligible from their first day of employment. Key changes The right to take time off work will apply … Continue reading Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave →

New Employment Rights – February and April 2026

From 18th February 2026, upgraded employment rights will begin to take effect. These changes will be introduced gradually between 2026 and 2027, giving employers time to prepare and ensuring workers have clear information about their new rights. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have created resources for employees and employers on these changes (click … Continue reading New Employment Rights – February and April 2026 →

Implementation of the Employment Rights Act

HMRC as part of the February edition of the Employer Bulletin is reminding employers to get ready for the changes introduced as part of the Employment Rights Act. The Employment Rights Bill became law on 18th December 2025 and is now the Employment Rights Act 2025. Employers should start getting ready now for changes that … Continue reading Implementation of the Employment Rights Act →

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) changes — what employers need to know

The February edition of the HMRC Employers Bulletin out lines the changes to Statutory Sick Pay which applies from 6th April 2026 and forms one of the measures from the Employment Right Act 2025. PAYadvice.UK has published a series of articles and resource pages (see below links) on the changes which are to soon come … Continue reading Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) changes — what employers need to know →

Added Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) transitional guidance

Monday 9th February 2026, the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) have further clarified added areas of transitional arrangements with the new SSP rules that commence from 6th April 2026. The DWP issues a further update to the transitional guidance on Tuesday 10th March 2026 Prior guidance has been confirmed: Calculating 80% average weekly earnings … Continue reading Added Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) transitional guidance →

Number of new and expectant parents losing their job or facing unfair treatment at work “alarmingly high”

NEW TUC POLLING: 1 in 7 women (14%) have lost their job - or felt forced to leave their job - due to expecting a child or becoming a parent.  Over one in five women (21%) who have or are expecting a child also report unfair treatment at work.  More than 1 in 10 new fathers (14%) also report experiencing unfair treatment at work.    The … Continue reading Number of new and expectant parents losing their job or facing unfair treatment at work “alarmingly high” →

Stronger working rights to give millions of families the “security they deserve”

New day one rights to parental leave set to enter force from April 2026. Over 18 million workers across the UK are expected to benefit from stronger protections at work, with most insecure workers set to gain the most.    New day one rights from April 2026 confirmed for parental leave, whilst bereaved partners set to gain further rights to paternity leave.  Changes are claimed … Continue reading Stronger working rights to give millions of families the “security they deserve” →

Scottish Budget 2026 – Income Tax

Majority of [Scottish] taxpayers will pay less income tax than in rest of the UK. Changes to the basic and intermediate rate income tax thresholds will protect lower-income households in 2026-27, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced. She also confirmed there would be no changes to rates or the number of tax bands in the … Continue reading Scottish Budget 2026 – Income Tax →

HMRC app surge on those taking control of their tax

Over 4.2 million HMRC app downloads in 2025. More than 136 million logins, a 20% increase on 2024. Older and retired people are the biggest growth area for app engagement. Millions more people are choosing to make managing their tax easier and simpler, with use of the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app continuing to accelerate nationwide. … Continue reading HMRC app surge on those taking control of their tax →

New Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – what is the 80% rate?

Following the passing of the Employment Rights Bill and the Royal Ascent of the Employment Rights Act on Thursday 18th December 2025, one of the major changes are the new rights to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from Monday 6th April 2026 (Easter Monday). The Statutory Sick Pay measures include: Removing the Lower Earnings Limit to … Continue reading New Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – what is the 80% rate? →

New Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Transitional Protection April 2026

Following the passing of the Employment Rights Bill and the Royal Ascent of the Employment Rights Act on Thursday 18th December 2025, one of the major changes are the new rights to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from Monday 6th April 2026 (Easter Monday). The Statutory Sick Pay measures include: Removing the Lower Earnings Limit to … Continue reading New Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Transitional Protection April 2026 →

Employment Rights Act receives Royal Assent

Over 15 million people across the UK are expected to benefit as New laws bring the world of work into the 21st century Over  15 million people across the UK are to benefit from new worker protections, including those on the lowest pay and in the most insecure jobs.   New rights confirmed including day one paternity leave and parental leave, statutory sick pay, protections for pregnant workers, increased protection from unfair … Continue reading Employment Rights Act receives Royal Assent →

Automatic Enrolment: the Earnings Trigger and Qualifying Earnings Band Review 2026/2027

The automatic enrolment earnings trigger determines at what point an eligible person gets automatically enrolled into a workplace pension. The qualifying earnings band sets minimum contribution levels for money purchase pension schemes. The minimum of the band is also relevant for defining who can opt in if they earn under the earnings trigger. The government … Continue reading Automatic Enrolment: the Earnings Trigger and Qualifying Earnings Band Review 2026/2027 →

Multiple Student Loan Plan type hierarchy agreed

The Collection of Student Loans consultation group has confirmed since all the repayment thresholds for 2026/2027 have been confirmed and announced. (c)2025 PAYadvice Ltd The hierarchy setting out the applicable repayment threshold to apply when a borrower holds multiple plan types is set out in the attached plan type hierarchy matrix. (C)2025 PAYadvice Ltd New … Continue reading Multiple Student Loan Plan type hierarchy agreed →

New PAYE responsibilities in labour supply chains – Umbrellas

As part of the December 2025 Employer Bulletin, information on Labour supply change responsibilities have been issued: From 6th April 2026, significant changes to PAYE responsibilities will come into effect for labour supply chains, that include umbrella companies. An agency or end client are responsible for making sure PAYE is operated correctly when an umbrella company employs their workers. … Continue reading New PAYE responsibilities in labour supply chains – Umbrellas →

Grocery Salary Sacrifice! Buyer beware

As part of the December 2025 Employer Bulletin, HMRC have shared information on promoted Salary Sacrifices Grocery Schemes. They confirm that they are neither approved or promoted by HMRC and are unlikely to qualify for the savings that the promoters indicate. There is no 8% employee NI saving. The following has been issued as part … Continue reading Grocery Salary Sacrifice! Buyer beware →

2026/2027 New Starter Checklist – getting prepared

The HMRC Software Developer Support Team have kindly issued the new adjusted HMRC ‘New Starter Checklist’ to software developers to aid preparation for the 2026/2027 tax year. This new format comes into operation for payroll paying from 6th April 2026. Many years ago these were referenced as a P46 and that name continues to sometimes … Continue reading 2026/2027 New Starter Checklist – getting prepared →

Day 1 sick pay for all going ahead

The government are progressing the Employment Rights Bill through Parliament. Although some elements are being ping ponged between the commons and the Lords, a number of measures are agreed. One such measure is the change to Statutory Sick Pay from 6th April 2026. Statutory Sick Pay Reform As part of a number of initiatives to … Continue reading Day 1 sick pay for all going ahead →

April 2026 Statutory payment rates announced

I have concluded my statutory annual review of …. benefit rates under the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The new rates will apply in the tax year 2026-27, with most increases coming into effect from 6 April 2026. …. benefit rates covered by my statutory review will be increased by 3.8%, in line with the … Continue reading April 2026 Statutory payment rates announced →

Employment Rights Bill – Dismissal agreement reached

Agreement reached with key stakeholders on the unfair dismissal elements of the Employment Rights Bill. The Government convened a series of conversations between trade unions and business representatives. On the basis of the outcome of these discussions, the Government will now move forward on the issue of unfair dismissal protections in the Employment Rights Bill … Continue reading Employment Rights Bill – Dismissal agreement reached →

Reform of non-compete clauses in employment contracts

This working paper seeks views on different options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts. Non-compete clauses are inserted into employment contracts to restrict an individual’s ability to work for, or establish, a competing business after they have moved on from a job.  The government is interested in views on different options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts to support the … Continue reading Reform of non-compete clauses in employment contracts →

Budget 2025 – Working from home relief abolished

Employees who are required to work from home to perform the duties of their employment are entitled to tax relief on their actual costs under section 336 ITEPA2003. Section 336 ITEPA allows for a deduction from earnings for allowable expenses that meet certain criteria that is set out within legislation. As an administrative easement, HMRC allowed eligible employees … Continue reading Budget 2025 – Working from home relief abolished →

Student Loans Repayment Threshold Announcement for Plan 2 and Post Graduate loans for April 2026

(c)2023 PSP The Department for Education… (26th November 2025) confirmed annual updates to repayment thresholds for Plan 2 and Plan 3 [Postgraduate] Income Contingent Student Loans. Income Contingent Student Loans for Plan 2 (2012-2023) undergraduate loans The income threshold and the lower interest rate threshold for repayment of Plan 2 loans to apply from April … Continue reading Student Loans Repayment Threshold Announcement for Plan 2 and Post Graduate loans for April 2026 →

Budget 2025 – Pension Salary Sacrifice to be subject to National Insurance April 2029

As part of budget 2025, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has announced that earnings sacrificed for increased employer pension contributions will now be subject to National Insurance contributions. Any contributions over an annual £2,000 threshold will be subject to NIC from April 2029. So no immediate impact but significant change for employers to … Continue reading Budget 2025 – Pension Salary Sacrifice to be subject to National Insurance April 2029 →

Extra Christmas working hours and minimum pay

As the festive season approaches, many businesses rely on staff working longer hours, picking up extra shifts or staying late to meet demand. But are your clients confident they’re paying them correctly? Join HMRC’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) team, for a live webinar designed to help employers and their payroll advisers to understand what counts … Continue reading Extra Christmas working hours and minimum pay →

April 2026 National Minimum and Living Wage increases confirmed

(c)2025 PAYadvice Ltd The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has announced on the day before her 26th November 2025 Autumn Budget the acceptance of the Low Pay Commission recommendations on increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. These uplifts are predicted in benefit 2.7 million U.K. workers with a significant increase … Continue reading April 2026 National Minimum and Living Wage increases confirmed →

Know your Rights – Good Employment Week 2025

The Government’s Make Work Pay plan is designed to help more people to stay in work, support workers’ productivity and improve living standards. One of the first significant delivery vehicles for this plan is the Employment Rights Bill which will introduce new legislation. Once implemented, it will represent the biggest upgrade in employment rights for … Continue reading Know your Rights – Good Employment Week 2025 →

First rail freeze in 30 years to help commuters

Rail fares frozen for the first time in 30 years in historic intervention to deliver real savings for millions of commuters. The move from the Chancellor and Transport Secretary is to keep household costs down for hardworking families and drive economic growth by limiting inflation by keeping travel costs down. No price increases for fares … Continue reading First rail freeze in 30 years to help commuters →

Christmas crafters – check the tax rules

Side hustlers selling festive items need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online if earnings exceed £1,000 a year. HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign supports people earning extra income during festive season to understand tax obligations. Online checker tool can clarify if and when side hustlers need to report their additional income. People making … Continue reading Christmas crafters – check the tax rules →

Tackling ill-health and keep Britain working

60 major and many small employers are joining forces with government to tackle the rising tide of ill-health that is pushing people out of work Employers join forces with government to tackle ill-health and keep Britain working Employers and mayoral authorities back plans to support employees to keep people healthy and in work. A three-year partnership, led … Continue reading Tackling ill-health and keep Britain working →

Student Loan Refund requests exceed 1.1 million

SLC has received more than 1.1 million refund requests through its Digital Refund Service, which offers a self-serve route for customers to request Below Threshold refunds. The figure has been announced 29th October 2025 as the Studemt Loan Company (SLC) issues its annual Student loan repayments via PAYE eligible for refund - Tax Year 2024/25. The … Continue reading Student Loan Refund requests exceed 1.1 million →

Bereavement and pregnancy protections to be shaped by businesses and workers

Consultations launched on key Make Work Pay measures including protections for pregnant women and new mothers at work, bereavement leave and trade union reforms The public are invited to share views on reforms including dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers at work, and bereavement leave. Business and workers are to shape trade union … Continue reading Bereavement and pregnancy protections to be shaped by businesses and workers →

Victims freed from NDA silence

Victims and direct witnesses of crime who sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) will no longer be gagged from speaking out Government clampdown on misuse of NDAs as “gagging orders” to conceal crime.  Change will ensure victims can talk about criminal conduct to anyone, for any purpose, without fear of breaching an NDA. Part of the … Continue reading Victims freed from NDA silence →

Pay deductions can cause minimum wage breaches

As part of the October 2025 shaming list of employers who have been named and fined for National Minimum Wage regulations breaches, 11 of the 491 related to various types of deduction from wages which reduce the average pay rate below National Minimum Wage rates which act as minimum legal amounts to pay for time … Continue reading Pay deductions can cause minimum wage breaches →

Another 103 employers caught not paying for time worked!

Although employers may have set payment rates at or above the National Minimum Wage for their workers and employees, some even using the higher Living Wage (the voluntary living wage foundation rate), many appear to also get their workers to do extra time for free or count certain work activity as unpaid. All work time … Continue reading Another 103 employers caught not paying for time worked! →

In-work poverty causing misery as over half of low-paid parents forced to turn to food banks 

In-work poverty causing misery as over half of low-paid parents forced to turn to food banks  UK workers paid below the real Living Wage face severe hardship as prices rise.  Many have no financial buffer to absorb higher costs or deal with emergencies.  Housing costs in particular are putting pressure on household budgets.  The financial … Continue reading In-work poverty causing misery as over half of low-paid parents forced to turn to food banks  →

Apprentices – not a reason to underpay!

Of the 491 recently shamed employers for breaching National Minimum Wage (NMW) by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) audit teams, the largest failures related to apprentices. Of those caught, 190 were for breaches of NMW related to apprentices. There are some important considerations for those who claim to or do employ apprentices: That there … Continue reading Apprentices – not a reason to underpay! →

Where are October 2025 shamed employer minimum pay breaches happening?

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) audit teams from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have caught and fined another 491 employers across the United Kingdom for underpaying their workers for a variety of reasons. Some are well known household brands. Large numbers of employers are struggling to understand their obligations to their workforces to pay them … Continue reading Where are October 2025 shamed employer minimum pay breaches happening? →

Another 491 employers fined £10million+ for National Minimum Wage breach

£6 million repaid to workers as Government cracks down on employers underpaying their staff Nearly 500 employers fined over £10 million for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage. £6 million put back into the pockets of working people as Government delivers the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation, as part of its … Continue reading Another 491 employers fined £10million+ for National Minimum Wage breach →

Update on the move to eVisas

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are replacing physical immigration documents with a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. Moving to a digital immigration system UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means replacing physical documents with a digital record of identity and immigration status. This is known as an … Continue reading Update on the move to eVisas →

FWA chair appointed to crack down on minimum wage underpayment and worker exploitation

Matthew Taylor to lead Government's new Fair Work Agency from April 2026. Taylor Review author Matthew Taylor appointed as first Fair Work Agency chair to support the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth. New agency to transform labour market enforcement, protecting workers from bad employers who flout minimum wage and other labour laws, levelling the … Continue reading FWA chair appointed to crack down on minimum wage underpayment and worker exploitation →

Free breakfast clubs for half a million extra children

Thousands more families benefit from free breakfast clubs as plans confirmed for 2,000 new schools to join the scheme from April 2026. Thousands more families will soon benefit from free breakfast clubs on their doorstep, as the government confirms plans for 2,000 new schools to join the scheme from April 2026. This milestone will deliver real change … Continue reading Free breakfast clubs for half a million extra children →

Childcare offer exceeds target

New data reveals 530,000 children are now benefiting from government-funded childcare as government exceeds target. New figures reveal over half a million children are now benefiting from the rollout of funded childcare, easing pressure on household finances, giving children access to high-quality early education and supporting parents to work. Already, the rollout has passed the … Continue reading Childcare offer exceeds target →

Digital ID scheme to be rolled out

A new digital ID scheme is to help combat illegal working while making it easier for the vast majority of people to use vital government services. Digital ID will be mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the Parliament. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces plans for free digital ID for those living … Continue reading Digital ID scheme to be rolled out →

HMRC name tax avoidance barrister

HMRC have added a practicing barrister, Setu Kamal, to the HMRC tax avoidance promoters list for the first time. Practising barrister added to GOV.UK tax avoidance promoter list for the first time HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) finds senior legal professional designed four schemes that aimed to avoid Income Tax and National Insurance A practising … Continue reading HMRC name tax avoidance barrister →