Business Information
Welcome to our new business information page. Here we will share any key information, announcements or topical themes relating to the business side of Early Years.
Here are some changes to be aware of for the start of the new financial year, April 2025
1st April 2025
National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Increases
Rates will increase as follows:
National Living Wage (21 & over): £12.21 (was £11.44, +6.7%)
18–20-year-old rate: £10.00 (was £8.60, +16.3%)
16–17-year-old rate: £7.55 (was £6.40, +18%)
Apprentice rate: £7.55 (was £6.40, +18%)
Useful resource:
Government National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage guidance
6th April 2025
Increase to Employer's National Insurance
Two Changes:
- Employer’s National Insurance contributions will increase by 1.2 percentage points to 15% (from 13.8% currently)
- The point at which employers start paying National Insurance on an employee’s salary will be cut from £9,100 to £5,000 a year. So employers will now have to pay National Insurance contributions from when an employee earns £5,000 as opposed to £9,100 previously
Useful resource:
Government policy paper on Employer's National Insurance increase
Increases to Statutory Sick Pay and Parental Pay
Statutory maternity pay, maternity allowance, paternity pay, adoption pay, shared parental pay and parental bereavement pay will increase from £184.30 to £187.70 per week
Statutory sick pay will increase from £116.75 to £118.75 per week
Useful resource:
Government guidance
For more information on business matters, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/browse/business
If you would like any business support please contact Lucy, our Early Years Business Development Officer
Email: lucy.clarke@lewisham.gov.uk