The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has stated that the first quarter of this year had the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, and it is the first time since records began that there are more job vacancies than unemployed people. With more employers competing for their vacancies to be filled, it naturally becomes more difficult to recruit and retain qualified and skilled professionals. The responses to the survey would suggest that this national struggle is reflected within the payroll profession. For example, as previously mentioned, the most popular reason respondents gave when asked why working arrangements are being changed was staff retention. The second most popular reason was to give employees a better work / life balance - which it could be argued is an extension of the desire to retain them. This shows that employers desperately want to retain qualified and experienced staff and are willing to make significant changes to their business for this. In this context, now could be the perfect time for more employers to start considering investment in education and training for less experienced staff. Alternatively, they could hire apprentices. The role of the CIPP’s education and training resources is now even more vital to the industry than ever before. This could be why CIPP membership figures are growing rapidly. When asked what aids career progression the most, education was the second most popular response following experience. 18% of respondents chose qualifications as the highest-ranking factor. It’s clear that the value of education is recognised. 60% of respondents said they have a team member who has completed the CIPP Foundation Degree in Payroll Management. Another 10% said they work with someone who is currently enrolled or who will be starting soon. In addition to the Degree, training courses are also popular among payroll professionals. Only 17% of respondents confirmed they didn’t have a team member who has completed a payroll training course. 59% confirmed attendance at a payroll update course and 37% had a team member who has attended courses on statutory payments or expenses and benefits.
Have you, or any members of your team, completed any of the following payroll training courses?
None of the above
Statutory payments
Termination payments
Expenses and benefits
Holiday pay and leave
International payroll
National minimum wage
Off payroll working
Automatic enrolment and pensions for payroll
Overpayments recovery
Introduction to payroll
Payroll update courses
Other (please specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
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