The problem is stark. Despite the UK’s robust national minimum wage framework, millions of workers are effectively earning below the legal minimum through unpaid overtime. This hidden crisis threatens the very foundation of worker protection laws and demands urgent attention. I have previously written about ‘Shadow Hours’, those hours worked by managers and senior managers
How unpaid overtime undermines National Minimum Wage Read More »
The hospitality industry has always been built on tips, but not every establishment was as fair with the distribution of these tips as they should be. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 changed this. In 2024 it became law that staff must receive 100 percent of the tips. No deductions (apart from tax) and
Your payroll provider’s tronc blind spot could be costing you thousands Read More »
Welcoming a new child into your family is one of life’s most significant moments. Shared Parental Leave (SPL) offers flexibility in how you and your partner can share time off work to care for your new arrival. But how exactly does it work? This blog breaks down everything you need to know about this important
Understanding Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and pay Read More »
The complex relationship between sleep-in shifts and the National Minimum Wage In certain sectors, many essential workers provide round-the-clock care in roles that include “sleep-in shifts”. These are periods where they must remain on-site overnight but can sleep when not actively working. Care workers, support staff in residential homes, and night security personnel frequently work
National Minimum Wage and sleep-in shifts – understanding workers’ rights Read More »
The IR35 off-payroll working rules have significantly changed how businesses engage with contractors in the UK. These regulations, designed to tackle what HMRC calls “disguised employment,” affect both contractors and the organisations that hire them. It’s a complex area, and this blog breaks down what IR35 means for both public and private sector organisations, helping
A guide to IR35 (off-payroll working) Read More »
Pension calculations – How do they work? When it comes to workplace pensions, understanding how your contributions are calculated can significantly impact take-home pay and retirement savings. In this blog, we’ll explore the different pension calculation methods, with particular focus on the Net Pay Arrangement and how it compares to other systems. What are pension
Understanding pension calculations and different contribution methods Read More »
Salary sacrifice arrangements have become increasingly popular as a way for employers to offer attractive benefits while potentially reducing both employer and employee tax and National Insurance contributions. However, in 2017, new rules were introduced that created a complex web of regulations that require careful navigation. What is salary sacrifice? Salary sacrifice is an arrangement
Navigating salary sacrifice without falling foul of HMRC Read More »
We are often asked, “As a charity, are we eligible for the Employment Allowance?” The simple answer is yes. For UK charities managing tight budgets while fulfilling their missions, every financial relief opportunity matters. The Employment Allowance represents one such valuable opportunity that many charitable organisations either overlook or don’t fully understand. This relief can
UK charities and Employment Allowance Read More »
The “Alabaster ruling” refers to the landmark case of Alabaster v Woolwich plc and Secretary of State for Social Security (2002). This European Court of Justice case fundamentally changed how Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is calculated in the UK, ensuring fairer treatment for pregnant employees who receive pay increases. The case that changed maternity pay
How the Alabaster Ruling changed Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Read More »
Occupational v Statutory Sick Pay When employees get sick and need time off work, understanding what money they’ll receive is important for everyone involved. In the UK, employers handle sick pay in two main ways: through the legally required Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), and through optional enhanced company schemes called Occupational Sick Pay (OSP). This
Making sense of sick pay Read More »
