Buzzing About HR

Weathering the Storm: Strategic Approaches to Rising National Insurance for SMEs

Kate Underwood Season 1 Episode 4
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This episode tackles the implications of the upcoming rise in national insurance contributions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. We discuss the immediate impacts on payroll, hiring practices, employee benefits, and potential workforce strategies to navigate these changes effectively.

• National insurance contributions will rise to 15% in April 2025 
• Higher payroll costs affecting hiring decisions and employee retention 
• 32% of SMEs consider redundancies due to increased costs 
• Shift towards hiring contractors to avoid national insurance fees 
• Proposed legislation may abolish zero-hours contracts, complicating staffing 
• Strategies for maintaining employee engagement despite financial constraints 
• Practical steps for SMEs to manage costs and prepare for future changes 

If you need any practical support navigating these changes, please contact me on buzz@kunderwoodhrcouk for an HR strategy session, contract review or one of our free HR health checks. Make sure you subscribe for more SME insights and I'll see you in the next episode.

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