Director's Highlights | Aug 2026

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
— Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

As we step into the second half of 2026, these words feel particularly fitting.

Perhaps, when we look back many years from now, we will realise that we are living through a period of tremendous change. In 2026, a new General Election is approaching. AI is everywhere, continuing to reshape the way we live and work. And the Employment Leave Bill has now passed its third and final reading, marking the beginning of the end for the Holidays Act that payroll professionals have worked under for many years.

However, replacing it does not automatically mean every outcome will be better.

Personally, I believe that many employees may ultimately find themselves receiving fewer leave entitlements than they would under the current legislation. Every major reform involves trade-offs, and this one is no exception.

Whether we agree with the legislation or not is now beside the point. The Bill has passed, and our responsibility is to ensure organisations understand what it means and implement it correctly.

So, if you're asking whether your organisation should start preparing now, Premium Payroll Solutions, as a specialist payroll provider, has a simple position: Change is coming. But this isn't the time to rush into system changes, redesign your payroll processes, or assume you need a team of consultants tomorrow. The businesses that navigate these changes most successfully won't necessarily be those that act first—they'll be the ones that plan carefully.

Our suggestion? Now is the time to:

• Understand how the proposed changes may impact your organisation.
• Review your current payroll processes and identify potential gaps.
• Develop a practical implementation roadmap rather than making reactive decisions.

Payroll is often underestimated in terms of its importance. It is about more than simply paying employees accurately. It is about protecting employees, supporting organisations, and ensuring trust in one of the most critical business functions.

As always, thank you for your continued trust in Premium Payroll Solutions. We look forward to helping you navigate the changes ahead with clarity, confidence and practical advice.

Sue Hancock
Director
Premium Payroll Solutions

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