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April 2026 Payroll Updates & The Launch of the Fair Work Agency

Managing payroll for a small business is about to get significantly more highly regulated. Alongside the standard annual tax and wage increases, April 2026 marks the official launch of the UK's new Fair Work Agency (FWA).

If you are a business owner in Stirling, Larbert, or anywhere in the Forth Valley, ensuring your payroll and compliance administration is completely accurate has never been more critical. Here is what is changing this month.

The Fair Work Agency is Here

Launching on April 7, 2026, the Fair Work Agency is a powerful new single enforcement body. Their primary focus? Policing businesses to ensure workers are getting exactly what they are legally owed.

The FWA has the power to inspect records and issue severe financial penalties for errors regarding:

  • Holiday Pay — Especially calculating correct rates for zero-hours or irregular-hours workers.
  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) — Enforcing the new "Day One" sick pay rules.
  • National Minimum Wage (NMW) — Ensuring the new April rates are strictly applied without illegal deductions.

The April 2026 Wage Increases

Make sure your budgets and payroll systems are updated to reflect the new rates taking effect this month:

  • National Living Wage (21 and over) £12.71 per hour
  • National Minimum Wage (18 to 20) £10.85 per hour
  • Statutory Family Leave Maternity, paternity and adoption pay: £194.32 per week

Strict New Record-Keeping Rules

You are now legally required to retain accurate holiday pay and annual leave records for a minimum of six years. If the Fair Work Agency conducts an audit, missing records will result in immediate compliance notices.

Take the Stress Out of Payroll

Errors in payroll don't just upset your team—they now carry a much higher risk of state enforcement. Outsourcing your payroll is the safest way to ensure your business remains compliant with the new Employment Rights Act requirements.

Crawford Consultancy offers dedicated, fully compliant payroll services tailored for small businesses in Central Scotland. We handle the calculations, the changing regulations, and the record-keeping so you can focus on running your business.

Reach out today to discuss moving your payroll to a trusted, local expert →