A RAFT of new increases to statutory pay rates has come into force, employment experts at a Swanage law firm have advised.

They include maternity, paternity, adoption, parental bereavement and sick pay rates as well as changes to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

Ellis Jones Solicitors, with offices in the High Street, is reminding employers to ensure policies are refreshed, payrolls updated and staff informed.

Partner Kate Brooks, head of employment/HR services, said: “It is important to make sure that these type of pay rate increases don’t slip through the cracks.

“The latest rises are an increase of 10% on 2022/23 in many cases and represent not insignificant sums for employers and employees.

“There may be other factors to take into account which complicate the picture and need to be considered, such as timescales and average earnings, especially at larger firms with sizeable payrolls.”

Under the changes statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and parental bereavement pay are now £172.48 a week – up from £156.66 – although there are differing provisions for the various schemes.

The weekly rate of statutory sick pay (SSP) is now £109.40, up from £99.35.

The weekly earnings threshold for a worker to be eligible for the statutory parental pay rates or statutory sick pay remain the same, at £123 a week.

Kate added: “Statutory pay rates can be a minefield.

“Clearly employees will be unhappy if they miss out, while in some cases, such as for minimum wages, non-compliance is a criminal offence.

“It is advisable for businesses and individuals to check the latest changes and seek advice from qualified and regulated professionals if they are in any doubt about what it means for them.”

The National Living Wage has increased from £9.50 to £10.42 an hour for those aged 23 and over.