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small-business

By Craig Reid

15th April 2026

Rising employment costs: how UK businesses can protect margins without losing talent

For business owners, employment costs are likely to be one of the biggest concerns. With National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases, as well as increased Employer National Insurance contributions over the last year, decisions about pay, recruitment and retention have become far more complex than they were just a few years ago.

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employment rights

By Karen Thomson

13th April 2026

Employment rights reform: why preparation matters

Employment rights reform is firmly on the agenda, with a number of changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 coming into force across 2026 and 2027. Much of the discussion focuses on principles, fairness, flexibility and protection for workers. These aims are widely recognised and supported.

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payroll accounting

By Karen Thomson

1st April 2026

New Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules and actions employers need to take

Major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) take effect from 6 April 2026 under the Employment Rights Act 2025. We summarise the final transitional guidance for employers and payroll professionals, and what you should do to prepare.

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HMRC-compliance

By Brian Rudkin

19th March 2026

How HMRC’s approach to compliance is changing in 2026

In recent months, we have observed a marked shift in HMRC’s approach to tax compliance enquiries. While multi-tax enquiries are not new, what is new is the scale of cross-department collaboration and the depth of analysis undertaken long before HMRC ever sets foot on a business’s premises.

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By Brian Rudkin

18th March 2026

Reminder: Employer P11D Returns/Reminder to employers to report benefits in kind

All businesses, regardless of size, are required to report taxable benefits in kind and certain expenses provided to employees and directors. This is done annually through a P11D form submitted to HMRC.

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people in an office

By Brian Rudkin

26th November 2025

Budget 2025: NMW increases, pension salary sacrifice, and the Fair Work Agency

Employers are once again expected to shoulder a greater share of the cost impact of today's Budget, which arguably contradicts Labour's pledge to support businesses and grow the economy.

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The houses of parliament

By Armstrong Watson

14th November 2025

Employment Rights Bill further delays after Lords challenge key proposals

The Employment Rights Bill has hit another hurdle as it progresses through Parliament after the House of Lords rejected several major proposals, sending the legislation back to the Commons for further debate in what’s known as parliamentary “ping pong”.

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By Brian Rudkin

23rd October 2025

National Minimum Wage breaches: Top reasons for underpayment and how to comply

The publication of the names of nearly 500 employers found to have breached employment law has once again placed the spotlight on National Minimum Wage (NMW) compliance and the need for businesses to take proactive steps to ensure they meet their legal obligations to staff.

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parliment-employment-rights-bill

By Armstrong Watson

3rd September 2025

Employment Rights Bill - Planned delivery and progress through Parliament

The Employment Rights Bill is scheduled to receive its third reading in the House of Lords. Hailed as representing ‘the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation’ the Bill will introduce a string of significant reforms from as early as April 2026. In this article we look at the measures impacting an employers payroll obligations and costs.

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By Karen Thomson

25th June 2025

Is outsourcing a strategic opportunity amid rising employment costs?

Outsourcing should be viewed as a strategic partnership. It’s not about replacing your HR, payroll or finance department, but about enhancing your capabilities and focusing internal resources where they add the most value.

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