April is creeping up fast – and this year’s National Minimum Wage increases are ones every employer needs to have on their radar.
Our Head of Payroll Outsourcing, Sarah Nicholson has pulled together a practical guide to help businesses get ahead of the changes before they land.
The rises for apprentices and under‑21s are some of the biggest we’ve seen in years. But the real risk? Many businesses don’t realise they’ve slipped out of compliance until HMRC is already at the door.
Sarah’s pre‑April checklist walks you through everything worth reviewing:
✅ Updated rates across every age band and apprentice category
✅ Uniform, equipment and tool requirements
✅ Apprentice and age progression reminders
✅ Salary sacrifice and pension contribution checks
✅ Working time — including travel, standby and unpaid periods
✅ Payroll system settings and rounding rules
✅ Record keeping — so you’re prepared if HMRC asks
NMW compliance can feel detailed and a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’d like a second pair of eyes or just some reassurance before April arrives, our team is here to help.