Episode 198

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

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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



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About your host

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Nick Day

Nick Day is a globally recognised thought leader in the payroll and HR industry, with over 20 years of experience as the founder and CEO of JGA Recruitment.

As an ILM 7 qualified Executive Coach and Mentor, Nick has dedicated his career to guiding CHROs, entrepreneurs, and payroll industry leaders worldwide.
Nick received the PAYO Global Vision Award in 2024 and was also voted one of Thinkers360’s "Top Voices EMEA" the same year.

In 2023, Thinkers360 ranked Nick as the #1 Global "Thought Leader in Payroll” and #9 Global "Thought Leader in HR.” That same year, he received the Recruitment Leaders Leader Award (RDLC) and the Personality of the Year title at the Reward Strategy Leadership Awards.

Nick's deep knowledge of the payroll industry and his coaching expertise make him a sought-after speaker and mentor for payroll and HR leaders. His presentations are known for their interactive elements, real-world applications, and actionable takeaways, ensuring attendees leave with a clear path to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Nick Day has a rich history of delivering impactful presentations, keynote speeches and workshops at various industry conferences and events. His engaging speaking style and practical insights have earned him recognition as a leading voice in payroll leadership.