Rising living costs can affect employee wellbeing, attendance, engagement and productivity. This guide explores practical ways SMEs can support employees facing financial pressures, including flexible working, employee benefits, wellbeing initiatives and workplace support.
National Minimum Wage (Historical Data). The NMW was first introduced in October 1999 at a rate of £3.20 per hour, this post details the increases and other changes that have been applied
Statutory Payment Rates 2026-27. The Government has published the statutory payment rates for maternity pay, paternity pay, shared parental pay, adoption pay and sick pay from April 2026
National Minimum Wage 2026 Expectations. The Low Pay Commission have recommended a rise of the Adult Rate of the NMW to at least £12.70 per hour.
Flexible working can improve employee retention, wellbeing and work-life balance, but requests must be managed fairly and consistently. This practical guide explains employee rights, employer obligations, the flexible working process, grounds for refusal and how SMEs can make informed decisions.
Term time working can help employers attract and retain experienced employees whilst supporting work-life balance. This guide explains how term time working arrangements operate, who can request them, holiday entitlement considerations, common challenges and how employers can manage requests fairly and consistently.
Statutory Payment Rates 2025. The Government has published the statutory payment rates that will apply from April 2025.
The Chancellor announced in the October 2024 Budget increases to NMW rates and Employers NI, the threshold for when Employers NI becomes payable is reduced.
Statutory Payment Rates (Historical Data)
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 makes it unlawful for businesses to hold back tips and service charges from workers.
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