Category: Working Time

Budget 2026 – Low Pay Commission (LPC) recommendations take the National Living Wage to £13.21

Screenshot The Government has today announced increases to minimum wage rates from April 2027. The National Living Wage (NLW), the minimum wage rate for all workers aged 21 and over, will rise by 3.9 per cent to £13.21. The minimum wage for 18-20 year olds will increase to £11.27. The rates for 16-17 year olds … Continue reading Budget 2026 – Low Pay Commission (LPC) recommendations take the National Living Wage to £13.21 →

Payroll Question Time – Payroll Podcast

Payroll compliance rarely comes down to one person. But when the rules change, the questions multiply, and the pressure is on, having the right answers matters. On the latest episode of Payroll Question Time, Steve Yardley is joined by Mathew Akrigg MCIPPdip MAAT, Jeni Morris - NMW Specialist, Karen Thomson ChFCIPP MSc FHEA Dip, P … Continue reading Payroll Question Time – Payroll Podcast →

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 →

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 →

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? →

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 →

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 →

Happy New (Tax) Year 2026

Here it is again, the start of a New Tax Year. Often when meeting with payroll and tax professionals from overseas, they wonder why the United Kingdom tax year commences on 6th April annually.  Why is that when so many countries around the world celebrate both the new year and the tax year on 1st … Continue reading Happy New (Tax) Year 2026 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Real Living Wage Rates Increase to £13.45 in UK and £14.80 in London

Half a million workers are set for a pay boost as over 16,000 employers are signed up to pay the real Living Wage, including IKEA, Everton FC and Aviva.  Popular high-street retailer Uniqlo is the latest to announce it is joining the Living Wage movement.  The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate independently calculated based on what is needed to … Continue reading Real Living Wage Rates Increase to £13.45 in UK and £14.80 in London →

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 →

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 →

Bridget Phillipson speech to TUC conference, 2025

Speech delivered by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson at the Trades Union Congress annual conference in Brighton, 2025 Thank you, Congress, for that warm welcome. What a joy it is to be back here in Brighton. And back here with the TUC. Thank you to Mark, and to Paul, and to the whole team, and thank … Continue reading Bridget Phillipson speech to TUC conference, 2025 →

National Living Wage April 2026 projection

The Low Pay Commission has updated its projections for the National Living Wage in 2026. The Government has published the Low Pay Commission’s remit for the rates of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) that will apply from April 2026. £12.71 Read the Low Pay Commission’s remit for 2025 On the … Continue reading National Living Wage April 2026 projection →

Unpaid internships – call for evidence

The government are seeking evidence and views on unpaid internships and internships paid below the National Minimum Wage (NMW), and other roles which may be unpaid or paid below the NMW. Call for evidence They have committed to banning unpaid internships, unless they are part of an educational or training course. This is part of … Continue reading Unpaid internships – call for evidence →

Two million free breakfast clubs meals

The first wave of free breakfast clubs have already served two million meals, delivering on the governments Plan for Change. According to the government, thousands of families across the country are already benefitting from the flagship free breakfast club programme, with two million meals served in its first term.   The programme, which is set to … Continue reading Two million free breakfast clubs meals →

Delivery firms to bolster efforts to stop illegal working

Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat commit to further strengthening security checks on delivery riders to prevent illegal working in the gig economy. Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat are to strengthen verification checks on delivery riders to clamp down on illegal working, following talks with the government.    The commitment comes after ministers convened the … Continue reading Delivery firms to bolster efforts to stop illegal working →

Delivery riders working illegally!

Nationwide clampdown on delivery riders working illegally Ramp-up of arrests and visits set to take place across the UK targeting migrants working illegally in the gig economy The U.K. government Home Office Enforcement teams are gearing up to launch a nationwide blitz targeting illegal working hotspots, with a focus on the gig economy and migrants … Continue reading Delivery riders working illegally! →

Roadmap confirms workers rights for 2026 and 2027

The Government have published the Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap, setting out timelines for measures in the Bill coming into effect. Comprehensive roadmap for Employment Rights Bill to raise living standards across the country whilst giving employers and workers the time to adapt.     Sets out timelines for new landmark rights with 15 million, or half … Continue reading Roadmap confirms workers rights for 2026 and 2027 →

Overtime and the National Minimum Wage

A number of employers appear to be confused on the treatment of overtime and National Minimum Wage. Some believing that overtime does not form part of any assessment of National Minimum Wage (NMW). This view is further confused by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) online tool to check your wage. This article and … Continue reading Overtime and the National Minimum Wage →

Deductions remain a common cause of minimum pay breach

The Department of Business and Trade (DBT) has indicated that the largest reason for the May 2025 named employers breaching National Minimum Wage regulations was because of pay deductions. Paying National Minimum Wage is not about an employees original hourly rate, but about the rate actually received for all working time. Minister for Employment Rights, … Continue reading Deductions remain a common cause of minimum pay breach →

518 employers named for breaching minimum wage

518 Employers who have left workers over £7.4 million out of pocket by failing to pay the National Living and National Minimum Wage named. More money put into the pockets of hardworking people, as government delivers the biggest upgrade to worker’s rights in a generation, as part of the Plan for Change Workers will be … Continue reading 518 employers named for breaching minimum wage →

Thompsons Lecture: Employment law and the fundamental right to security

The RT Hon Lord Hermer KVC On Thursday 8th May 2025, the Attorney General Lord Hermer KC delivered the Thompson Foundation Lecture on “Employment law and the fundamental right to security” Introduction Thank you very much for this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Thompsons Solicitors, a firm that has been a beacon of … Continue reading Thompsons Lecture: Employment law and the fundamental right to security →

Payroll dates – what affects what?

PAYadvice.UK sees a number of social posts and questions around the effective payroll dates when crossing from the 2024/2025 tax year into the new 2025/2026 tax year. Most recently have related to poor business planning by some employers on the impacts of National Insurance increases relating to work undertaken in March 2025 or earlier which … Continue reading Payroll dates – what affects what? →

Has Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) changed?

A number of articles published via a news agencies and news outlets have implied that there were significant changes to the UK statutory sickness scheme from April 2025. However, this is not the case. Period of Incapacity to Work (PIW) Under current rules which continue, only periods of sickness lasting 4 or more calendar days … Continue reading Has Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) changed? →

Am I entitled to pay for Overtime?

On social media groups relating to employment law and others on pay, often there are questions on individual rights to paid overtime. This short article looks to outline the basics of the employees rights, whether the additional time should be paid or not and how the additional work time impacts employment rights under the Working … Continue reading Am I entitled to pay for Overtime? →

Over 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates issued 

More than 100,000 baby loss certificates have now been issued to parents who have lost a pregnancy, allowing them to formally recognise their loss. Thousands more parents have benefited from the scheme since it was extended in October 2024 Over 100,000 certificates have now been issued, helping parents formally recognise the loss of baby during … Continue reading Over 100,000 Baby Loss Certificates issued  →

Holidays and Easter 2025

With the Easter Break coming upon us soon, some workers and employees may be wodnering what their rights are to time off work and to pay. The employment rights part is covered by an PAYadvice.UK article which provides insightful information on the topic of whether workers have a right to bank holiday as paid leave. … Continue reading Holidays and Easter 2025 →

Parents to save thousands through school-based nursery places

300 new school-based nurseries approved in first round of funding, delivering on manifesto pledge with massive boost to early education. Families across the country are set to benefit from thousands of new nursery places from September 2025, as the government delivers the change that people voted for by confirming the first wave of 300 school-based nurseries. … Continue reading Parents to save thousands through school-based nursery places →

Biggest shake up to welfare system

Largest welfare reforms … to help sick and disabled people who can and have the potential to work into jobs - backed by a £1 billion investment, unveiled by the Work & Pensions Secretary Tuesday 18th March 2025 Work Capability Assessment to be scrapped and “right to try” work guarantee to be introduced Changes to … Continue reading Biggest shake up to welfare system →

Employment support to unlock work for sick and disabled people

Work will be unlocked for thousands of sick and disabled people through new measures that will bolster the support offered in Jobcentres and make the welfare system more sustainable, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced Thursday 6th March 2025. New plans to improve employment support brought forward ahead of wider reform package to … Continue reading Employment support to unlock work for sick and disabled people →

Employment Rights Bill latest

The Government… table amendments to the Employment Rights Bill. The Government have laid amendments to the Employment Rights Bill following weeks of consultation with business groups and unions.  The Bill claims to support the Government’s mission to increase productivity and create the right conditions for long-term sustainable, inclusive, and secure economic growth, delivering on the … Continue reading Employment Rights Bill latest →

Call for 35 hours of volunteer leave

Help us make it possible for all UK workers to ask for time off to volunteer and help their communities. A number of charitable organisations who are dependent on volunteers such as Scouts, Sea Cadets, Girlguiding, and St John Ambulance, is calling on the UK government to give all employees 35 hours of paid volunteer … Continue reading Call for 35 hours of volunteer leave →

April 2025 payrise boost to pockets of over 3 million workers

Government lays legislation confirming that the new National Living Wage and new National Minimum Wage will take effect from 1st April 2025 Millions of workers set for significant pay increase in April to improve living standards and drive growth   Pay boost worth £1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker as Government takes significant step … Continue reading April 2025 payrise boost to pockets of over 3 million workers →

RTI Hours reporting 2026 proposal withdrawn

Software developers have been contacted on Tuesday 28th January 2025 to inform them that Employers will no longer be required to provide more detailed employee hours data through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Real Time Information (RTI) returns from April 2026 as previously proposed. The government says it has listened to feedback and acknowledges the … Continue reading RTI Hours reporting 2026 proposal withdrawn →

Seafarer rights to be enshrined in law

Mandatory charter boosts security, pay and working conditions for thousands of seafarers. amendments to the Employment Rights Bill paves way for mandatory seafarers charter new powers will see more frequent rest periods, more robust welfare and training requirements for operators, safer working patterns and greater protections for wages beyond UK waters comes after fairer wages were cemented … Continue reading Seafarer rights to be enshrined in law →

Over 370,000 underpaid in April 2024

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) published its report into compliance and enforcement of the National Minimum Wage. The LPC estimates (based on statistics from the employers ASHE data) that around 371,000 workers were underpaid in April 2024. This represents a slight increase on the previous year but is below estimated numbers from the pre-pandemic period. … Continue reading Over 370,000 underpaid in April 2024 →

How much pay for KIT and SPLIT?

Statutory Parental Pay In the UK there are a number of statutory parental leave rights which include some form of pay: Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) - up to 39 weeks with 6 weeks of higher entitlement Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP - similar to SMP Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) - generally the sharing of any stopped … Continue reading How much pay for KIT and SPLIT? →

Fair Work Agency – who, what, why and when

As part of the new Employment Rights bill, the government are progressing with the formation of the FWA (Fair Work Agency) How are employment rights enforced now? For workers to enforce their employment rights, these are generally enforced by individuals submitting a claim to an employmenttribunal. A small number of rights are enforced by the … Continue reading Fair Work Agency – who, what, why and when →

Real Living Wage increases to £12.60 in UK and £13.85 in London

Almost half a million people working for more than 15,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country are set for a vital cost-of-living pay boost, as the real Living Wage rates rise to £12.60 an hour across the UK (60p or 5% increase), and £13.85 an hour in London (70p or 5.3% increase).  Recent research … Continue reading Real Living Wage increases to £12.60 in UK and £13.85 in London →

Up to £600 cash boost for Britain’s lowest paid to help kickstart the economy

Ten million working people across the country to benefit from an overhaul of workers’ rights as the Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill returns to Parliament. Government issued Impact assessment shows the Employment Rights Bill will have a positive direct impact on economic growth Reforms means extra 30,000 new dads qualify for paternity leave Positive impacts … Continue reading Up to £600 cash boost for Britain’s lowest paid to help kickstart the economy →

How salary sacrifice affects National Minimum Wage  

As part of the October 2024 Employer Bulletin, the HMRC has reminded employers of the impacts that salary sacrifice (salary exchange, smart schemes, flex benefits) have in relation to National MinimumWage regulations. Being compliant with minimum wage law is not about the starting rate of pay, but about the rate received across all working hours … Continue reading How salary sacrifice affects National Minimum Wage   →

Minimum pay enforcement results

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have published the enforcement results of National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW) during the 2022 to 2023 financial year The significant increases to the NMW and NLW in recent years mean a growing proportion of workers are earning within a narrow range of the NMW/NLW rates. Due to the rising … Continue reading Minimum pay enforcement results →

Employment rights reforms revealed

The Labour government has unveiled the Employment Rights Bill in their effort to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK. Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike  Ahead of International Investment Summit, the government … Continue reading Employment rights reforms revealed →

Business leaders will be involved in “every step of the way” in Make Work Pay plans

The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary have met with business leaders to discuss the upcoming Employment Bill. In the latest series of meetings on the Make Work Pay plan, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds hosted a Business Breakfast on Tuesday 3rd September 2024 to discuss the upcoming legislation. … Continue reading Business leaders will be involved in “every step of the way” in Make Work Pay plans →

April 2025 RTI changes latest

The HMRC Software Developers Support Team (SDST) have issued an update on the RTI changes for April 2025. The following is a brief summary based on the information issued: Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP) As indicated on 3rd June 2024, to support SNCP there will be one new data item in the Full Payment Submission … Continue reading April 2025 RTI changes latest →

Make Work Pay first steps

British workers are set for better working conditions as the Government takes its first steps towards its Plan to Make Work Pay. Businesses and workers are to get a bigger voice at the table as Government takes the next steps in its mission to Make Work Pay Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary host senior … Continue reading Make Work Pay first steps →

Minimum Wage Revolution – is it about to happen?

As part of the new Labour governments proposed 40 bills which formed part of the Kings Speech delivered on Wednesday 17th July 2024, was the inclusion of proposed changes to National Minimum Wage, forming part of the first 100 days commitment. My Government is committed to making work pay….Kings Speech 2024 The new government has … Continue reading Minimum Wage Revolution – is it about to happen? →

Employment Rights Bill

As part of the Kings Speech delivered on Wednesday 17th July 2924, the Starmer Labour government set out its intention to extend rights with the Employment Rights Bill. My government is committed to making work pay and will legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights. … Continue reading Employment Rights Bill →

Labour win – payroll and HR impacts

With the Labour party winning with a significant majority and forming a new UK government, changes to employment and payroll law will be easier than experienced by prior governments. Tax and NICs Whilst there is an aim for stabilising the UK economy, Labour promised to not increase existing PAYE income tax rate or National Insurance. … Continue reading Labour win – payroll and HR impacts →

Childcare rollout on track

New data shows 195,355 children benefitting from government-funded childcare for two-year-olds Hundreds of thousands of parents are be able to more easily manage their career and childcare following the launch of the expansion of childcare in England.. April 2024 sees eligible working parents of 2-year-olds being given 15 hours of funded childcare for the first … Continue reading Childcare rollout on track →

Sunday – work and pay

This article looks at the different aspects of Sunday working and Sunday pay. What rules apply to working on Sunday? Having to work on a Sunday depends on whether it’s mentioned in either the person’s: employment contract written statement of terms and conditions A worker cannot be made to work on Sundays unless they agreed … Continue reading Sunday – work and pay →

New proposals just the ticket for getting young people into transport

Proposals could improve job opportunities for people aged 18 to 20, ease driver shortages and provide more reliable bus and coach services across England. hundreds of jobs in bus and coach sectors could become available to younger people under new proposals consultation on lowering the minimum age to drive longer bus and coach journeys and speed up … Continue reading New proposals just the ticket for getting young people into transport →

Working parents on Universal Credit set receive up to £20,872 a year in childcare support

Parents on Universal Credit can now receive up to £1,311 more a year in childcare support following a 6.7% boost coming into effect, as the government’s expansion of free childcare for working parents delivers 150,000 places in a week. Parents receiving Universal Credit to receive boost to childcare support. Parents who are keen to get … Continue reading Working parents on Universal Credit set receive up to £20,872 a year in childcare support →

Millions of workers benefit from new employment law measures

Millions of workers across the UK will now benefit from new measures as three Government-backed Acts become law 6th April 2024. New legislation, including three Government backed cross party Acts, come into force Saturday 6th April 2024 This comes alongside tax cuts of £900 a year for the average worker, an increase to the National … Continue reading Millions of workers benefit from new employment law measures →

NMW – Work related training is work time

With the rise in National MinimumWage and National Living Wage A frequent question on various Facebook and other social media groups is around training. It appears that some employers oblige their employees and workers to undertake training in the workplace or at home in the employees own unpaid time. the employer considering that training is … Continue reading NMW – Work related training is work time →

HMRC to collect worked hours paid data

The government is legislating to require businesses to change the information they provide to HMRC through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Real Time Information (RTI) returns completed by employers. The Finance Act 2024 introduced powers to enable the collection of additional data and for HMRC to specify, through Statutory Instruments, the particular information required. The draft regulations published on … Continue reading HMRC to collect worked hours paid data →

Pay boost for 21 & 22 year olds and younger workers

National Minimum Wage increases imminent National Minimum Wage applies to all employees and workers who have reached school leaving age at the relevant point to where they live in the United Kingdom and are at least 16. For pay reference periods starting on or after 1st April 2024, there are significant increases in the National … Continue reading Pay boost for 21 & 22 year olds and younger workers →

Salary Sacrifice and Minimum Pay : benefit or a risk too far

Salary sacrifice schemes have become increasingly popular, often generated by employer efforts to save secondary National Insurance contributions with employers saving 13.8% in employment on costs. They have become a popular vehicle for offering various employment related reward strategies with popular use for: Pensions Cycle to Work Schemes Childcare Vouchers (although restricted with no new … Continue reading Salary Sacrifice and Minimum Pay : benefit or a risk too far →

Shamed for not paying minimum wage

524 businesses have been named for failing to pay the minimum wage Employers ordered to repay workers nearly £16 million, plus an additional financial penalty, after breaches left over 172,000 workers out of pocket. Comes as the National Living Wage is set to increase by 9.8% to £11.44 an hour on 1st  April, as announced … Continue reading Shamed for not paying minimum wage →

Work security check time is Working Time

An employment agency breached National Minimum Wage (NMW) regulations by not paying enough to cover waiting time for workplace security checks on their workers. Nexus Workforce Limited lost their appeal against a number of Notices of Underpayment for failing to pay NMW. During HMRC investigation - it was identified that workers were required to undertake … Continue reading Work security check time is Working Time →

Progress on workers’ rights package 2024

Millions are set to benefit under the new Workers’ Rights Acts – giving more money and more say back to UK workers. Benefits range from £200 million more back in the pockets of hard-working people, to greater flexibility over when, where and how you work. Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake: …it’s more vital than … Continue reading Progress on workers’ rights package 2024 →

DBT publish new guidance on Simplifying holiday entitlement and holiday pay calculations

How holiday pay and entitlement has changed from 1 January 2024. The Department for Business and Trade has published new guidance on Monday 1st January 2024 on the changes to holiday pay. This guidance sets out forthcoming changes to the Working Time Regulations which will affect: irregular hours workers and part-year workers accrual of COVID-19 … Continue reading DBT publish new guidance on Simplifying holiday entitlement and holiday pay calculations →

New Holiday Pay 12.07% – not as easy as you think!

Many employers and even payroll professionals have welcomed what some claim is a return of the 12.07% holiday pay method of operation which was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court as not meeting the requirements of the Working Time Regulations (WTR) and the Employment Rights Act (ERA) method of calculating the weekly average earnings for … Continue reading New Holiday Pay 12.07% – not as easy as you think! →

Had a Christmas job? Check your pay!

Festive workers who may be missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage are being urged to check their pay. Seasonal staff and students on short-term contracts over the Christmas period, including those working in shops, hotels, Christmas markets, garden centres, restaurants and warehouses, are legally entitled to the same minimum rates … Continue reading Had a Christmas job? Check your pay! →

Minimum Pay – Geographical approach to employers

National Minimum Wage compliance approach As part of the NMW compliance approach outlined in the December 2023 Employer Bulletin, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) NMW team are contacting employers, based on geographical location rather than business type. This enables NMW support across a whole range of businesses in a specific area. The HMRC aim is … Continue reading Minimum Pay – Geographical approach to employers →

Inappropriate use of agency drivers

Traffic Commissioner for the East of England, Richard Turfitt, took action following attempts to circumvent the HM Revenue and Customs guidance on the employment of drivers. The operator, Enero Logistics Ltd, had previously been at public inquiry in June 2022 when it undertook to provide evidence to show financial standing and that permanent drivers would … Continue reading Inappropriate use of agency drivers →

Paid Worked Hours on FPS!

As part of the Autumn Statement announcements on Wednesday 22nd November 2023, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed a new measure which will require businesses to change the information they provide for both income tax self-assessment and real-time returns completed by employers. So these changes will impact the Real Time Information (RTI) Full Payment … Continue reading Paid Worked Hours on FPS! →

Employment support launched -Back to Work

New Back to Work Plan to help up to 1,100,000 people with long-term health conditions, disabilities or long-term unemployment to look for and stay in work. Additional support comes alongside tougher sanctions for people who don’t look for work, as part of the next generation of welfare reforms. Includes exploring reforms of the fit note … Continue reading Employment support launched -Back to Work →

Rolled Up Holiday Pay choice for Employers

For holiday years starting on or after 1st April 2024, Employers will be permitted to calculate annual leave entitlement as 12.07% of the hours worked in a pay period for irregular hours workers and part-year workers in the first year of employment and beyond. This does not apply to workers with regular hours who continue … Continue reading Rolled Up Holiday Pay choice for Employers →

Change to Working Time record keeping

The government has responded to the consultation on reforms to retained EU employment law and the consultation on the Working Time Regulation record keeping requirements. . They will legislate to introduce reforms to the working time regulations. In brief, the government propose to reform or introduce the changes to reduce time-consuming reporting requirements under the … Continue reading Change to Working Time record keeping →

Obsolete and burdensome EU rules to be removed from UK law

Proposed reforms allow businesses additional freedoms while retaining the UK’s world leading workers’ rights Proposals include reducing record keeping requirements around Working Time Regulations and simplifying the calculation of holiday pay and entitlement British businesses could save up to £1 billion a year as the Government confirms plans to remove unnecessary and outdated bureaucracy following … Continue reading Obsolete and burdensome EU rules to be removed from UK law →

Holiday consultation – the response

The government has responded to the consultation on reforms to retained EU employment law and the consultation on calculating holiday entitlement for irregular hours and part-time (IH&PT) workers. They will legislate to introduce reforms to annual leave and holiday pay calculations in the working time regulations. In brief, the government propose to reform or introduce … Continue reading Holiday consultation – the response →

‘End the scourge of insecure work’ – TUC

In a TUC blog and news article by Anjum Klair for the Trades Union Congress (TUC) - BME women far more likely to be on zero-hours contracts Analysis shows Black and minority ethnic (BME) women are nearly three times as likely to be on zero-hours contracts than white men. The TUC warns that “structural racism … Continue reading ‘End the scourge of insecure work’ – TUC →

Universal Credit employment boost for parents

Thousands of parents on Universal Credit will be supported to increase their chances of getting a job or up their work hours Unemployed parents are given more support to get back into work Move follows over 45 per cent increase to support with childcare costs for parents on Universal Credit, as UK Government ‘backs working … Continue reading Universal Credit employment boost for parents →

Real Living Wage increases to £12 in UK and £13.15 in London

10% increase in the real Living Wage as cost of living continues to hit low paid workers the hardest Over 460,000 Living Wage workers are set for a pay boost as 14,000 Living Wage employers are signed up to pay the new rates The new real Living Wage rates are now worth over £3,000 more per … Continue reading Real Living Wage increases to £12 in UK and £13.15 in London →

Illegal workers arrested at Central London hotel

11 agency workers were arrested by Immigration Enforcement at the London Marriott Hotel Regents Park The intelligence-led operation uncovered illegal working and exploitation of agency staff at the 4 star hotel in London. Home Office teams found 11 people employed illegally as cleaners, porters and maids, working 15 hours a day through third party recruitment … Continue reading Illegal workers arrested at Central London hotel →

Millions to get more power over working hours

Workers right across the country will be given more say over their working patterns thanks to new laws supported by the Department for Business and Trade. Millions of workers will have a say over their working patterns as Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill achieves Royal Assent. Government-backed law gives all workers the legal right … Continue reading Millions to get more power over working hours →

National Minimum Wage to be extended to live-in domestic workers

What NMW protection is there for domestic workers Workers who live-in within the family home of their employer and who are treated as a family member, not charged for accommodation or food, under National Minimum Wage Regulations 57(1). It defines that the term “work” does not include any work done in relation to an employer’s … Continue reading National Minimum Wage to be extended to live-in domestic workers →

100 UK Employers Commit to Tackle Insecure Work

Living Hours scheme marks 100 sign-ups as inflation continues to soar 100 UK employers have now committed to provide secure and stable working hours with the Living Wage Foundation’s Living Hours scheme Over 50,000 workers stand to benefit from Living Hours measures so far Committed employers include Aviva, SpareRoom, and Wealthify The living Hours movement … Continue reading 100 UK Employers Commit to Tackle Insecure Work →

Flexibility for who? Variable shift work not so convenient for employees!

Six Million Face Cost of Living Crisis in Insecure Jobs, with Health and Social Care Workers Worst Affected More than 6 million UK workers are in insecure work, with 3.4 million who are in both low paid insecure jobs The majority (59%) of all shift workers have received less than a week’s notice of their … Continue reading Flexibility for who? Variable shift work not so convenient for employees! →

Worked Hours reporting change on its way?

Change to data HMRC collects HMRC has indicated that proposed change in law will likely require employers to report more detailed work hours from April 2025. As part of ‘Change to data HMRC collects from customers’ published on 18th July, the proposal outlines three new compulsory data requirements with a failure to provide resulting in … Continue reading Worked Hours reporting change on its way? →

Working parents to benefit from childcare boost worth up to £1,630 per month

As part of one of the Prime Minister’s five key priorities to grow the economy, low-earning parents on Universal Credit are set to benefit from up to a £522 monthly boost to cover childcare costs – making it easier for them to get back to work or increase their hours. Universal Credit childcare payments rise … Continue reading Working parents to benefit from childcare boost worth up to £1,630 per month →

Are you a ‘Living Wage Employer’?

What is the Living Wage? The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. It is voluntarily paid by over 12,500 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs - like the weekly shop, or a surprise trip to the dentist. What is … Continue reading Are you a ‘Living Wage Employer’? →