Academy Training Payroll Pulse – November Edition
Welcome to Payroll Pulse, the only blog where payslips come alive and payroll teams get their moment in the spotlight!
Academy Training Payroll Pulse – November Edition
November is here, and the countdown to the Autumn Budget is officially on! With policy teasers, living wage updates, and festive payroll preparations in full swing, this month’s blog has plenty to keep you informed, inspired — and perhaps even a little entertained.
Budget Buzz – What’s Rachel Reeves Planning?
At this time of year, the payroll world becomes a hive of speculation about what the Chancellor’s Budget might bring.
This year’s Budget will take place on Wednesday 26 November 2025, and it’s already generating plenty of chatter.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has confirmed that “of course, we’re looking at tax and spending as well,” following her recent meeting with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to review their first draft report.
Now, while PAYE and National Insurance haven’t been directly mentioned, some are wondering if employment taxes could be back “in scope” for adjustment. Traditionally, these areas have been off-limits for increases — but a shift in direction could be on the cards.
For now, the best advice is to stay calm, stay factual, and prepare to review payroll systems once the official announcements are made. (Speculation is fun… but spreadsheets prefer facts!)
HMRC’s October Employer Bulletin – The Festive Prep Edition
HMRC’s October Employer Bulletin landed with a sleigh-full of useful reminders and updates for payroll professionals. Key highlights include:
PAYE reminders:
• Director’s National Insurance – check calculation methods are correct.
• Christmas payment dates – if you’re paying early, ensure Real Time Information (RTI) submissions still reflect the contractual pay date, not the date funds are released.
• Electronic payment deadlines – watch out for bank holidays; if your payment date falls on a weekend, ensure funds clear beforehand.
• PAYE Settlement Agreements – make sure they’re paid promptly.
New Plan 5 student loans are now live, alongside guidance for labour supply chains and umbrella companies.
Tax updates and compliance changes:
• New Advisory Electric Rate for company EVs.
• Spotlight 71 warning for agency workers being shifted between umbrella companies.
• Guidance for globally mobile employees – clarifying when and how NICs are due on overseas earnings.
Support and resources:
• Reminders about automatic enrolment duties and helping employees prepare for retirement.
• Updates on Winter Fuel Payments and Tax-Free Childcare extensions.
• A new Cryptoasset Reporting Framework for employers dealing with digital pay or benefits.
It’s a bumper edition, so it’s worth a read — especially if your team is planning early pay runs over the festive period.
Real Living Wage – Big Rise Announced!
The Living Wage Foundation has announced an uplift to the Real Living Wage:
• £13.45 per hour across the UK (+6.7%)
• £14.80 per hour in London (+6.9%)
Employers who are Living Wage accredited have until 1 May 2026 to implement the change.
That’s great news for more than 490,000 workers across the UK — and a reminder that payroll professionals play a vital role in ensuring those increases reach employees accurately and on time.
If your organisation is accredited, now’s the time to plan ahead so your systems are ready before spring 2026.
Life on Low Pay – What the Data Tells Us
The Living Wage Foundation’s “Life on Low Pay 2025” report makes for sobering reading. It reveals:
• 41% of low-paid workers say their pay negatively affects their quality of life.
• 42% report a negative impact on mental health.
• 34% say it harms their physical health.
• Nearly 30% say low pay strains relationships with family and friends.
For employers, these findings highlight the value of going beyond compliance — offering wellbeing support, workplace savings schemes, and financial education can make a tangible difference. Payroll professionals often lead the charge in these initiatives, bridging the gap between pay and wellbeing.
What’s Next?
• The Low Pay Commission is expected to submit its NMW and NLW recommendations to government this month, with new rates likely announced in the days before the Budget.
• Living Wage Week runs from 10–16 November 2025, celebrating organisations that go the extra mile to pay fairly.
• The Budget on 26 November will set the tone for 2026 — so have your calculators (and your caffeine) ready!
Payroll Riddle Time!
Last month’s riddle was:
“I arrive once a year, but I’m not Christmas cheer; I set new rules for pay, deductions and what’s dear. Payroll watches closely, for my numbers steer the way — what am I?”
Answer: The Budget!
And now for this month’s puzzle…
“I’m calculated with care, though I’m rarely a thrill. I climb as you earn but drop when you’re still. I fill up the coffers, though few shout hooray — what am I?”
(Answer revealed in the December Payroll Pulse!)
Final Thoughts
November is a busy month for payroll professionals — full of updates, end-of-year prep, and budget buzz. Whether you’re adjusting pay rates, supporting financial wellbeing, or keeping an eye on Westminster, remember: you’re the steady hand that keeps every payslip right.
Stay focused, stay festive, and stay payroll proud.
Until next month,
The Academy Training Team
