BrightPay's COVID-19 Resources Hub
How to use BrightPay if you need to work from home
While BrightPay remains a desktop solution, the software can be installed at ten different locations on ten different PCs or laptops. BrightPay payroll files can be accessed remotely through cloud environments like a shared server, Google Drive or Dropbox. This flexibility will allow users to continue to operate their payroll as normal. In addition, you can log into your BrightPay Connect account to view your payroll information at any time. Read our step-by-step guide that explains how to use BrightPay when working remotely.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme & Furlough Leave
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was due to come to an end on 31st October 2020. However, with further COVID-19 lockdown restrictions announced, the CJRS has been extended until the end of March 2021. The government will pay 80% of wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500, and employers will be required to pay employer National Insurance contributions and employer pension contributions.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Claim Report
Employers will need to make a claim for their grant for their furloughed workers through HMRC's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme online service. BrightPay includes a CJRS Claim Report which can be used to ascertain the amounts needed for input into HMRC's online service. The last day for making CJRS claims for periods up to and including 31st October 2020 is 30th November 2020. Details on how to claim for extended support for November to March through an updated claims service will be provided shortly.
Free Webinar: The Original Furlough Scheme is back
It has been announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is being extended until the end of March 2021. In this webinar, we deep-dive into what you need to know about the extension of the CJRS and what it now means for businesses. We also highlight some tips to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t slow down your payroll processing.
Processing COVID-19 related SSP in BrightPay
HMRC have advised that if an employee needs to take time off sick or to self isolate due to COVID-19, the first 3 waiting days that normally apply for SSP will be disregarded and the employee will be entitled to receive SSP from the first day. BrightPay 2020/21 has been programmed to automate COVID-19 related SSP, where this is to apply. A Claim Report is also available in BrightPay to assist users in ascertaining the amounts needed for input into HMRC's Coronavirus SSP Rebate Scheme online service.
Redundancies & Furloughed Employees
New regulations which came into effect on 31st July 2020 have changed the way in which statutory redundancy and notice pay must be calculated in respect of furloughed employees. If a furloughed worker (including those on a flexible furlough arrangement) loses their job and is entitled to redundancy pay, this should be calculated on the basis of their normal pay, rather than on the basis of reduced furlough pay. When processing a redundancy payment through BrightPay, we would advise that you create a new addition called Redundancy or Redundancy Payment, leaving the Tax & NIC can be deducted options unticked.
How to avoid pitiful payroll processing during COVID-19
In this guide, we look at how accountants can overcome the payroll processing inefficiencies experienced due to COVID-19. Discover common sense ways savvy accountants are ensuring that COVID-19 doesn’t slow down their payroll performance. Plus you will learn how you can respond quickly and effectively to avoid disruption in the future.
What’s inside?
- What payroll processing inefficiencies you shouldn’t accept
- Top tips to ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t impact your payroll performance
- How COVID-19 has impacted payroll forever
- How BrightPay can help your bureau
- Your next steps to efficient payroll
The Original Furlough Scheme is back: Who can claim?
Originally introduced in March 2020, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended beyond the original October deadline. Businesses can receive grants covering 80% of wages until the end of March 2021 and the Job Support Scheme has been postponed.Flexible Furlough - Employees Returning to Work Part-Time
From 1st July, businesses have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work part-time, while still being able to claim under the CJRS for hours not worked. This new flexibility will help businesses with reopening and help boost the economy.New Coronavirus Fines introduced for Employers
New regulations were introduced on 28th September 2020 where employers can be fined for letting employees work when the employees should be self-isolating due to Coronavirus. The fine amounts range from £1,000, £2,000, £4,000, and £10,000 depending on the amount of fixed penalty notices that are issued.Carry Over of Annual Leave: Government Relaxes Rules
The rules in relation to the carry over of annual leave have been temporarily relaxed to deal with the coronavirus disruption. Those who are unable to take their annual leave due to coronavirus may carry over up to four weeks’ paid holiday into the next two leave years.Protect Your Employees During COVID-19
As the economy reopens, many businesses are concerned about the appropriate steps that employers should take to protect employees from COVID-19. Here we discuss 5 principles that employers should be following to protect employees as they come back to work.COVID-19 Related SSP Made Easy With BrightPay
It was announced that the rules in relation to Statutory Sick Pay have changed as a result of COVID-19. Even as we return to work, the risk of COVID-19 is still present, and so it is important for all employers to understand how these changes will affect them.BrightPay Customer Support - Business as Usual
All of our staff can perform their roles from home, and all staff are issued with laptops and access to our phone and email systems. Our customer support is still very much open for business and we will continue to support our customers through the COVID-19 pandemic. Apologies if you hear any domestic background noise while talking to a support operative. This may be unavoidable and we ask that you bear with us for the duration. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our customer support team here.
