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UK Payroll Is Changing: Are You Ready for What’s Coming in 2026?

In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and a panel of leading payroll and compliance experts break down the most critical changes set to impact UK payroll over the next two years.

From the upcoming Employment Rights Bill to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reforms, zero-hour contract regulation, and the rollout of Student Loan Plan 5, this episode is your comprehensive guide to navigating what's coming — and what it means for payroll professionals, HR teams, and business leaders.

We cover:

The 2026–2027 Employment Bill roadmap
Major changes to SSP rules and payroll calculation impact
Zero-hour contract reforms and employee protections
Pensions, parental leave, and the rise of Fair Work Agency enforcement
New student loan thresholds and the confusion around Plan 5
Cross-border payroll challenges with ROI and NI jurisdictions
What HMRC is doing to fix disputed RTI charges
Why compliance risks are rising — and how to prepare

Whether you’re a payroll manager, HR lead, finance director, or compliance officer, this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.

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Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-en

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Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Our Panel:

Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx

Samantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong Watson

Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Mathew Akrigg, Policy & Research Officer, CIPP

Andy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert, Consultant

2026 Employment Rights Bill Breakdown & Impact on HR, Payroll and Compliance | PQT July

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