April is coming and with it, a fresh wave of tax and payroll changes 📅
From wage increases to updated reliefs, there’s plenty to keep on your radar if you run a business or employ staff.
Clear, practical updates to keep you compliant and prepared.
🗓️ From 1 April: Key Changes from 1 April
Let’s start with what hits first…
💰 National Minimum Wage Updates
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21+: £12.71
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18–20: £10.85
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16–17 & Apprentices: £8.00
✅ Make sure payroll is updated and budgets reflect increased costs.
🗓️ From 6 April: Key Changes from 6 April
This is where most of the updates land…
🤒 Sick Pay Rates
SSP will be the lower of:
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80% of average weekly earnings
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£123.25 per week
🔄 Transitional rules may apply to ensure employees aren’t worse off.
👶 Maternity & Paternity Pay
SMP:
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90% (first 6 weeks)
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Then £194.32 or 90% (whichever is lower)
SPP:
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£194.32 or 90% (whichever is lower)
ℹ️ No major structural changes — but rates updated.
📊 Dividend Rates
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Basic: 10.75%
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Higher: 35.75%
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Additional: 39.35%
🎯 £500 allowance still applies
📉 Slightly reduces dividend tax efficiency
⏳ Slower Tax Relief (Companies from 1 April / Sole Traders from 6 April)
Writing Down Allowances reduced for businesses.
✅ Relief still available — just spread over longer
⚠️ Can increase taxable profits short-term
🏷️ Disposal Relief Changes
Tax rates on qualifying gains are increasing to 18% (currently 14%).
✅ Reliefs still exist
📉 But less generous — important for exit planning
🎯 The Big Picture
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Increased payroll costs
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Less generous tax reliefs in places
Need to understand how these updates affect you? Get in touch – we’re happy to help 💼