Adapting to the New National Minimum and Living Wage Rates in April 2026

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are set to rise in April 2026, bringing important changes for UK businesses. These adjustments aim to ensure fair pay for workers across different age groups, but they also present challenges for employers managing payroll and budgets.
This blog explores the new rates, their implications for businesses, and practical strategies to prepare effectively for the upcoming changes.
This guide explains how salary sacrifice works, its benefits, and how your business can leverage it to stay compliant and cost-efficient.

Budget 2025: What It Really Means for Employers

What Budget 2025 means in practice for employers. This briefing explains how the changes to National Living Wage, salary sacrifice pensions and benefit payrolling will affect payroll costs, compliance and workforce planning over the next two years.

Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits​

If your business provides employee benefits — like private medical insurance, company cars, or gym memberships — there’s a big change on the horizon.

From April 2027, HMRC will make payrolling of Benefits in Kind (BiKs) mandatory.

While the change was originally planned for April 2026, the rollout has been delayed by one year. That extra time is welcome — but it doesn’t remove the issue at the heart of this reform:

⚠️ a potential double taxation effect in the first year of operation.

Employer NICs Just Got More Expensive

If you run a UK business, your payroll costs likely just increased.

In April 2025, two significant changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) came into effect. And for many small businesses, the impact won’t be minor—it could mean paying hundreds more per employee each year.

Here’s what changed, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your bottom line.

Employment Allowance 2025:​Your Guide to the New Changes

Big changes are coming to Employment Allowance in April 2025, offering businesses increased relief on National Insurance costs. The allowance will more than double to £10,500, and the previous cap preventing larger employers from claiming will be removed. These changes come alongside rising NIC rates, making it crucial for businesses to plan ahead.

Find out if you’re eligible, how much you could save, and the simple steps to claim. Don’t miss out—prepare now to maximise your payroll savings!This blog explores the new rates, their implications for businesses, and practical strategies to prepare effectively for the upcoming changes.
This guide explains how salary sacrifice works, its benefits, and how your business can leverage it to stay compliant and cost-efficient.

Small Employers’ Relief: Important Changes for 2025-26

Great news for small businesses! From April 2025, the Small Employers’ Relief compensation rate will increase to 8.5%—nearly triple the current rate. This means eligible employers can reclaim 100% of statutory parental payments plus an extra 8.5%, improving cash flow and reducing financial strain.

If your business paid less than £45,000 in Class 1 NICs, you could benefit. Learn how to check your eligibility, claim the relief, and maximise your savings.

Nomad Safaris Case Study

Nomad Safaris: Streamlining Payroll and Empowering Global Exploration with Intelligent Payroll

Adapting to the New National Minimum and Living Wage Rates in April 2025

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are set to rise in April 2025, bringing important changes for UK businesses. These adjustments aim to ensure fair pay for workers across different age groups, but they also present challenges for employers managing payroll and budgets.
This blog explores the new rates, their implications for businesses, and practical strategies to prepare effectively for the upcoming changes.
This guide explains how salary sacrifice works, its benefits, and how your business can leverage it to stay compliant and cost-efficient.