08/06/2026
The 2026/27 tax year brings several significant updates that will affect your team and your bottom line. Here is what you need to know:
💷 National Minimum Wage Increases
From April 2026, the new hourly rates are:
Aged 21+ (National Living Wage): £12.71
Aged 18–20: £10.85
Under 18 / Apprentice: ~£8.00
🏥 Major Reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
The most significant change for local employers is the reform of SSP. To support workers, the government has:
Removed Waiting Days: SSP is now payable from Day 1 of sickness.
Removed the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL): This means more of your part-time or lower-earning staff will now be eligible for sick pay.
Weekly Rate: Set at £123.25.
👶 Parental Payments & Tax Thresholds
Statutory Parental Payments: SMP, SPP, and others increase to £194.32 per week.
Personal Allowance: Remains frozen at £12,570 (Standard Code: 1257L).
Lower Earnings Limit (LEL): Increased to £129 per week for National Insurance purposes.
Why this matters for your business
For our local NI firms, from the high street in Banbridge to the offices in Belfast, these aren't just ""number changes."" They require careful system testing, updated budget forecasting, and clear communication with your valued employees.
The SSP changes, in particular, will shift how many of you manage short-term absences.
🤝 Let RGACA handle the heavy lifting
Whether you need us to review your current payroll setup or take the entire process off your hands, we are only a phone call away.
📞 Call our local team: 028 40 627 730
🌐 Visit us: www.rgaca.co.uk
