Budget 2025 Mayhem: HR Chaos, Payroll Panic & What’s Actually Changing | HR Unboxed S02 E05

HR Unboxed

Monday, 5 January 2026 - 55 minutes

Natalie and Faye open the 2026 series with a packed episode exploring the major HR and business changes arriving this year. They break down the rise in the national living wage, what employers need to do to stay compliant, and why even small shifts can have a big impact on payroll and budgeting. There’s clear guidance on the new rules for statutory sick pay, including the move to day-one eligibility and what this means for absence management.

They also cover upcoming paternity and parental leave reforms, the effect of frozen tax thresholds on employees’ take-home pay, and the growing concerns surrounding business rates — with real examples of how these changes are affecting companies across the UK.

To end on a brighter note, the episode looks at the new funding for apprenticeships for under-25s and how employers can prepare to make the most of it. Packed with practical advice, real anecdotes and plenty of humour, this instalment gives business owners and managers a clear picture of what to expect in 2026 and how to plan ahead with confidence.

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