March Newsletter Statutory Pay Changes

The national minimum and living wage are reviewed annually and any changes take place from 1 April. All workers (except those who are genuinely self-employed) are entitled to receive the NMW/NLW. Failing to comply can result in an enforcement notice requiring the employer to pay the difference between what was actually paid and what the worker should have received under the NMW legislation. Further non-compliance could result in the issue of a penalty notice and financial penalties.

The rates from 1 April 2023 will be:

23+ year olds = £10.42
21-22 year olds = £10.18
18-20 year olds = £7.49
16-17 year-olds = £5.28
Apprentices = £5.28 (under 19 or over 19 and in first year of the apprenticeship)

It is important for employers to be aware of important birthdays (as staff may move within pay bands) and must be paid according to the above rates.

Aside to the above there is also a ‘Real Living Wage’. The Living Wage Foundation was created in 2011, launching the UK Living Wage rate and encouraging organisations to pay a higher minimum wage as a benefit for both themselves and staff. Only those who opt-in to the scheme are required to pay the voluntary Living Wage, although other businesses can choose to pay the higher rates.

The current Real Living Wage is £11.95 an hour for London and £10.90 an hour for rest of UK.  Employers committed to this rate have until 14 May 2023 to implement this.  

Other Statutory Pay Rate Increases

Family-friendly payments

It is expected that from 2 April 2023 (exact date yet to be confirmed), statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and parental bereavement pay will increase as per below:

Payments Current rate From April 2023
Statutory shared parental pay (ShPP)

Statutory rate or 90% of employee’s weekly earnings if this is lower.

£156.66 £172.48
Statutory maternity pay (SMP)

First six weeks – 90% of employee’s average weekly earnings. Remaining weeks at the statutory rate or 90% of employee’s weekly earnings if this is lower.

£156.66 £172.48
Statutory adoption pay (SAP)

First six weeks – 90% of employee’s average weekly earnings. Remaining weeks at the statutory rate or 90% of employee’s weekly earnings if this is lower.

£156.66 £172.48
Statutory paternity pay (SPP)

Statutory rate or 90% of employee’s weekly earnings if this is lower.

£156.66 £172.48
Statutory parental bereavement pay (SPBP)

Statutory rate or 90% of employee’s weekly earnings if this is lower.

£156.66 £172.48

 

Statutory sick pay

All employees, irrespective of age, are entitled to claim statutory sick pay as long as they have average earnings of at least £123 per week. SSP will increase as specified below:

Payment From 6 April 2022 From 6 April 2023
Statutory sick pay £99.35 £109.40
Lower earnings limit (per week) £123 £123

 

Changes to fit notes from 1 July 2022

Since 1 July 2022 nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists have been able to sign fit notes, alongside doctors (prior to July 2022, only doctors had been able to sign). To do this, they must be working in a general practice or hospital setting. This means they must be based either in-house at a GP surgery or working within a hospital; those working in chemists or private businesses cannot sign these. 

What Are the 3 Basic Health and Safety Rights at Any Workplace?

3 Fundamental Rights to Health and Safety in Every Workplace

Health and safety in the workplace is a critical issue for employers and employees alike. It is essential that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to health and safety in the workplace. This article will discuss the three basic health and safety rights that all employees have in any workplace.

Right to a Safe Work Environment

The first right of any employee is to have a safe work environment. This means that employers must provide a safe place for their employees to work, free from any hazards or risks that could cause injury or illness. Employers must ensure that all equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in the workplace are safe to use, properly maintained, and regularly inspected. They must also provide adequate training for employees on how to use these items safely. Additionally, employers must take steps to reduce any potential risks of slips, trips, or falls in the workplace by keeping walkways clear of debris or clutter and providing adequate lighting.

Right to Reasonable Accommodations

The second right of any employee is to reasonable accommodations for their health needs. This includes providing access to medical care if needed as well as making reasonable adjustments in the workplace if an employee has a disability or medical condition that affects their ability to perform their job duties safely. For example, an employer may need to provide additional support or equipment such as ergonomic chairs or adjustable desks if an employee has a physical disability that affects their ability to sit comfortably at their desk for long periods of time.

Right to Know About Hazards

The third right of any employee is the right to know about potential hazards in the workplace. Employers must inform their employees about any potential hazards they may encounter while performing their job duties so they can take appropriate steps to protect themselves from harm. This includes informing them about hazardous materials they may come into contact with as well as providing them with safety training on how best to handle these materials safely. Additionally, employers should provide regular updates on any changes made in the workplace that could affect health and safety such as new equipment being installed or changes made in processes or procedures.

These are just three of the basic health and safety rights that all employees have at any workplace. It is important for both employers and employees alike to be aware of these rights so they can ensure everyone’s safety while on the job. By taking steps such as providing a safe work environment, making reasonable accommodations for health needs, and informing employees about potential hazards they may encounter while performing their job duties, employers can help ensure everyone’s safety while on the job site.

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