Crystal Blog

Introduction Thank you for reading our article on how to apply for tax-free childcare? Before we go any further, we need to point out that Tax-Free Childcare is only best if you can't get other state help – so check if you're eligible for free nursery hours or benefits first. If you think you may […]

(UK employers & payroll teams) This page lists key UK payroll-related dates in date order for the 2026/27 tax year and calendar year 2027. It includes: 2026 – Payroll Dates & Deadlines April 2026 – Major Payroll Change Month May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026 October 2026 November 2026 December 2026 […]

If you got here by typing in how to register as an employer with HMRC you're in the right place but first, if you’re following this series of articles, welcome back, if you are new to these articles, welcome and we hope you find them helpful.  If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear […]

The Spring Budget 2024 introduces pivotal changes to national insurance contributions for employees and changes to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. At Crystal we understand the importance of staying ahead of these changes and hope this article will give you some insight into what these changes actually mean for you. National Insurance Adjustments: What […]

New rules on calculating holidays for irregular hours and part-year workers will soon be introduced, with the aim of ensuring that holidays accrued are proportionate to hours worked. Read on for answers to your key questions on this new development. Who will be affected? Irregular hours worker: Someone whose contract states that their working hours […]

So you’ve started your own business and realize you need to employ someone, (congratulations by the way, on getting this far, it’s a achievement in it’s own right). Employing someone for the first time is a big step and there’s a lot to consider, interviewing people, their suitability for the role, employers insurance, training, HR, […]

The 2024 National Insurance Update: Essential Information The UK government's Autumn Statement in November 2023 brings a significant change effective from 6th January 2024. The Class 1 employee National Insurance contributions rate will decrease from 12% to 10%. This adjustment is crucial for payroll calculations. Thresholds and Benefits for Employees Starting January 2024 Starting from […]

In the competitive landscape of the small business sector, the importance of effective Human Resources (HR) strategies cannot be overstated. This article will delve into how small businesses can enhance their HR practices to boost employee engagement and productivity, key factors that drive business growth action. Understanding the Importance of HR in Small Businesses For […]