There has been a lot of speculation about upcoming legal changes, especially in light of the new government.  In this blog, we will discuss the changes that are coming in in April 2025, and how you can ensure you are prepared for them.

 Minimum Wage

All bands have received an increase from 1^st April 2025

Rate (age)	April 2024	April 2025	Increase
21+ (National Liveing Wage)	£11.44	£12.21	6.7%
18-20	£8.60	“10.00	16.3%
16-17	£6.40	£7.55	18%
Apprentices (1st year)	£6.40	£7.55	18%

 

Employers National Insurance

There are significant increases to employers’ NI from April. Please ensure you have discussed these with your accountant and understand the impact on your financial forecasting.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

SSP rises to £118.75 per week from 6^th April, with the lower earnings threshold that must be met to be eligible rising to £125 per week.

There are further proposals to make SSP a day 1 right (removing the 3 waiting days), and also applying a rate for those who don’t meet the earning threshold, to be paid 80% of their salary.

There is no implementation date yet for these further changes, but we will keep you updated.

Neonatal Care Leave

Eligible families whose babies need neonatal care will be entitled to up to 12 weeks neonatal care leave, and pay if they meet the criteria. This will be paid at the same rate as other family leave.

Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay rates will go up

These will increase with effect from 6^th April 2025, to £187.18 per week.  The earnings threshold will also increase to £125 per week (maternity allowance threshold remains at £30 per week).

We will continue to keep you updated with other changes as they are announced, and will also be in contact regarding updates to handbooks and contracts for those on retained packages.  As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us (team@hrprime.co.uk).