Episode 171

UK Budget 2024: Impacts on Payroll, Employment Rights, and Tax Compliance

Hosted by Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment and host of The Payroll Podcast, this special Halloween edition of Payroll Question Time, brought to you by SD Worx, delves into the major payroll challenges triggered by the UK’s 2024 budget. 

Join our expert panel as we dissect the impact of new tax policies, national insurance increases, and minimum wage adjustments that are set to reshape payroll compliance and business strategies for 2024.


In this episode, we explore the Employment Rights Bill 2024, analyzing the push for guaranteed hours, enhanced statutory sick pay (SSP) provisions, and the implications of shifting wage law enforcement from civil to criminal liability. From small business struggles to larger employer concerns, our panel unpacks what these changes mean for payroll operations and the heightened compliance risks they introduce.


We also discuss how the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA) and its powers to investigate and audit businesses for payroll compliance could transform how employers approach holiday pay, minimum wage, and zero-hour contracts. With insightful perspectives on how these developments could affect recruitment, wage growth, and salary sacrifice schemes, this episode provides critical guidance for businesses navigating a challenging regulatory landscape.


This episode is packed with essential information to help you stay informed and prepared for 2024's payroll shifts.



Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e


Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/




(00:00) Intro to October Payroll Question Time

(00:10) The 2024 UK Budget Overview: Key Impacts

(05:26) Minimum Wage Increases and Workforce Impact

(10:34) Employer National Insurance: Expected Changes

(14:17) Bureau Payroll Challenges for Small Employers

(19:51) The Cost of New Payroll Compliance Requirements

(25:20) Inheritance Tax Changes for Pensions

(29:58) Potential Pay Freeze Due to Budget Pressures

(32:55) Undecided: Pay Rises vs. Budget Impact

(35:14) NI Exemption for Public Sector

(39:31) Employment Rights Bill and Guaranteed Hours

(45:21) Zero-Hour Contracts and Employee Flexibility

(50:11) Holiday Pay Compliance and Fair Work Agency

(56:43) Will New Wage Laws Change Payroll Compliance?

(01:00:31) Enforcement Shifts: Civil to Criminal for Wage Laws

(01:03:31) Cross-Functional Collaboration in Payroll Compliance

(01:07:07) Mandatory Worked Hours Reporting in 2026

(01:10:11) Preparing Payroll for 2024 Changes



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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.