From 1 April 2026 the National Minimum and National Living Wage rates increase.  These are the minimum legally allowed amount you can pay your employees and are dependent on their age and whether they are in their first year of apprenticeship.

The new rates as well as the statutory pay rates which take effect from 6 April 2026 can be found on our Sandra Silk Bookkeeping and Payroll website.

We provide a payroll service to many small businesses and this time of year we are reviewing the pay rates for all employees for each of our clients and informing them which of their employees will need to have their pay increased from 1 April.  This is a big task for us but ensures all our employers are aware well in advance of any mandatory pay increases.  These pay increases are significant for employers as the increase in pay also increases the cost of employers NI and pension contributions and therefore affects their overall business costs.

This review is not just about increasing employees to the National Minimum Wage but checking their age and ensuring they are in the right pay bracket for their age, especially those who will need to move from one pay level to another.  Whilst it is easy to see which hourly paid staff need to have an increase it means checking that salaried staff do not fall below the minimum wage based on the hours they work.  

We also ensure apprentices are paid at the right level but as most apprenticeships start in September this is a review we do prior to each September.

Our payroll team keep up to date with all changes to payroll legislation so that payrolls are correctly processed from the information provided.  They will go back to an employer if information provided is not correct or does not meet mandatory legislation and explain why.  Businesses use our payroll service so that payroll is done correctly and they don't have to keep themselves updated on changes every time they happen.  We also provide information if they are giving notice, planning redundancy, wanting to pay a bonus or increase pay so that they have all the information to hand and an idea of what it will cost them.

If you have had enough of running your own payroll or want to change provider get in touch with us.  Now is the ideal time to consider a change or outsourcing with the new financial year just around the corner.  We will be taking on new employers for April 2026.

Give us a call on 01722 341820