Mad March primarily refers to the Mad March Hare, as during their breeding season in early spring, they behave erratically by engaging in “boxing” matches as males court females.
This behaviour was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s wildly excited character in Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland.
It is also a term rooted in centuries-old observations of nature, characterizing the frenzied energy of spring, and looking forward to fresh beginnings.
Here at Advo, as we head towards the end of the financial year, we are busy preparing to make sure everything is accurate and compliant for the year end reporting.
We will be finalizing employee pay and submitting final reports (FPS/EPS) to HMRC for every client.
We will also be updating our payroll systems installing the newest software version, which includes legislation for the upcoming tax year.
Action Steps for Employers
It is important to ensure that all your active employee’s information is up to date so that we can produce their P60.
The P60 is an annual tax document summarizing total pay, income tax and national insurance contributions deducted via PAYE for the tax year, and it is issued to anyone employed on the 5th April.
Review Payroll systems: Ensure all changes to NIC rates and statutory payments are accurately implemented.
Claim Employment Allowance: If eligible, apply for the Employment Allowance to reduce your NIC liability.
Update Wage Structures: Adjust pay rates to comply with the new NLW and NMW rates. Read more HERE.
In preparation for the new tax year, here are some key changes coming up in April that you will need to be aware of.
At Advo we wish to support employers and ensure that they are not at risk from any HMRC inspections, fines or claims made of underpayment of wages.
Income tax thresholds are frozen
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and Statutory Rates
The 3-day waiting period is removed so that SSP must be paid from the first day of illness. The weekly rate is £123.25 or 80% of the employee’s average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared Parental, Parental Bereavement and Neonatal Care Pay will increase to £194.32 or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
National Minimum/Living Wage Increases from 1st April 2026
Employment Allowance for eligible employers to reduce their annual National Insurance liability up to the annual allowance amount of £10,500.
For more specific guidance visit the government website HERE.
Diane DeFournas, Advo Payroll Adviser