Simmonds Accounting Solutions

28/04/2026

Statutory Sick Pay changes — what employers need to know
From 6 April 2026 the Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that affect most employers.

Removal of the Lower Earnings Limit
All eligible employees are now entitled to SSP regardless of income. SSP is paid at 80% of normal weekly earnings or the weekly flat rate of £123.25, whichever is lower.

Removal of the waiting period
SSP is now paid from the first full day of sickness absence, not from day four.

These changes make SSP more accessible, remove barriers for lower-paid employees, and apply across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. The relevant legislation applies based on when the sickness absence started.

10/04/2026

A P60 is an annual document issued to UK employees by 31 May 2026, summarising total pay and tax deductions (PAYE) from 6 April to 5 April.
It serves as proof of income for mortgages and loans, and helps verify correct tax/National Insurance contributions.

Employers must provide it electronically or on paper.

02/04/2026

Happy Easter!
We will be closed from 3rd until the 7th April for an Easter break..!

19/03/2026

National Minimum Wage increase - April 2026
The Government has announced an increase in the hourly rate.

21 years and over £12.71 increased by 50p 4.1% rise
18 to 20 years £10.85 increased by 85p 8.5% rise
16 to 17 years £8.00 increased by 45p 6.0% rise
Apprentice rate £8.00 increased by 45p 6.0% rise

19/02/2026

Making Tax Digital for income Tax (MTD)

As we move closer to the 6 April 2026 which is the start date!

Throughout February and March 2026, HMRC will write to inform Sole Traders and Landlords with an overall gross income above £50,000 they should sign up to MTD.

Using digital record keeping to maintain records of all business income and expenses and digitally sending quarterly updates to HMRC from this software and to submit your tax return by 31 January of each year.

31/01/2026

09/01/2026

Self Assessment Tax Return for 2024/2025.

19/12/2025

The office will be closed from 19th December and reopened on the 6th January 2026.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.