Our blogs
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Richard Rowell
In the world of sales and service businesses, it’s hard to escape the acronyms: CAC. MQL. CLV. SQL. They fill slide decks and dashboards, promising precision and predictability. They give teams targets to chase. They give managers metrics to report....
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Richard Rowell
Ascend Payroll – How we create a personal service There’s a certain kind of shop that makes you smile the moment you walk through the door. The lighting is warm, the music is thoughtfully curated, the layout is considered, and...
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Paul Chappell
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...
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Paul Chappell
You may have heard the term ‘optional remuneration arrangements’ or OpRA but do you know what it means and how it can help your staff? What is an Optional Remuneration Arrangement? An OpRA is also known as ‘salary sacrifice.’ In...
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