Increase in employment costs 2026-27

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates have increased, and businesses should ensure payroll systems are updated immediately so that employees receive the correct
Employing young people in your business

When a new employee joins your payroll, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of their rights and that the correct tax is deducted from their salary. This responsibility also
Entertaining employees

In general, entertaining employees is an exception to the normal rule that business entertainment costs are not allowable for tax purposes. If an employer provides entertainment exclusively for
New employee starter checklist

Setting up the correct tax code when a new employee starts is essential, as even small payroll errors can lead to unnecessary tax overpayments and avoidable complications later on.
When hiring a new
PAYE rules for labour supply chains (umbrella companies)

From 6 April 2026, significant changes to PAYE rules will affect umbrella companies, recruitment agencies, and end clients, increasing shared responsibility for payroll compliance across labour supply
Starting or changing jobs

Providing the right information when you start a new job helps ensure your tax code is correct from the first pay day and avoids the risk of paying too much tax.
When starting a new job or taking on
Expanding workplace benefits relief

From 6 April 2026, new tax rules will expand workplace benefits relief. The changes will simplify the treatment of certain low-value workplace benefits-in-kind (BIKs), affecting both employers and
Autumn Budget 2025 – Minimum Wage increases

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced increases to the Minimum Wage rates on the eve of the Budget. The Chancellor confirmed that the government has accepted in full the proposals
Claim flat rate expenses for work clothing and tools

If you use your own money to buy items for work, you may be eligible to claim tax relief as long as the items are essential for your job and are used solely for work purposes.
Flat rate expenses
Enforcement of the minimum wage

The Department for Business & Trade has recently published a report that outlines the government’s enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) for the 2024–25