“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness” The opening words from A tale of two cities , by Charles Dickens (1812–1870) (https://bit.ly/3iHq1B6)
For those on the payroll frontline the last six months have been a testing time, personally and professionally. Pages 34, 35 reveal contrasting and poignant views of roundtable participants. It is surely unarguable that without the
The UK is now witnessing growing numbers of employers announce redundancies, which seem to be occurring just as the claimable amount under the CJRS diminishes. See pages 24, 25 for a timely reminder of redundancy processes and procedures. Are there sound arguments for extending the CJRS? It is to be hoped things improve later this or early next year. Pages 50, 51 outline survey findings about the future of payroll.
coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) the UK would be experiencing extraordinary (perhaps unprecedented) levels of unemployment. Recent statistics (see page 16) – derived from PAYE real time information data obtained from payroll – indicate how crucial the CJRS is to employers and employees and, consequently, for the economy.
Mike Nicholas MCIPP AMBCS (editor@cipp.org.uk) Editor
Chair’s message
This issue’s theme of compliance success drew me to one of the key aspects of any service delivery model whether in-house or outsourced. That is, everyone understanding the role they must play within the delivery model and the role others have to play. I have often used the analogy of a jigsaw puzzle, and every piece playing their part to make up the complete picture of service. Culturally, compliance must be thought of in the same way as health and safety and customer service – it is the collective responsibility of the team. It is not the responsibility of an assurance officer, or audit personnel. Rather, everyone, regardless of hierarchy, has a key part to play in both ensuring compliance is maintained and flagging when a risk may occur which requires review. With broader data protection responsibilities, many new systems are being designed and built. However, having all team members
fully briefed on risk, fraud, money laundering and other aspects of assurance, creates much greater strength in compliance than having that responsibility rest on only a few shoulders. Maintaining a focus each year on continuous training and updates for the team is an especially important part of development and assurance. With legislative changes, as well as broader fiscal reviews, having the whole team trained and reviewing the impact of changes creates a solid barrier to protect the business. I hope you enjoy all the articles within this edition, and, as always, do feel free to make contact if you have any enquiries or considerations you would like me to address.
Jason Davenport MCIPP MIoD (jason.davenport3@cipp.org.uk) Chair, CIPP
It has been noticeable that payroll professionals have been working incessantly (as they always do), but all the more so during the extraordinary time since the lockdown in March. Payroll departments of many sizes have decamped CEO’s message
Behind the scenes, the CIPP continues to ensure all our content and material is accurate, timely and up to date. As is evidenced in the growth and take up of two of our key educational offerings, namely the Payroll Technician Certificate and the Certificate in Pensions Administration. The Payroll Technician Certificate shows growth year on year, and it is evident its content is crucial and timely for those entering the profession, needing a refresher or returning into the payroll industry. As an online qualification it is particularly relevant for the times in which we live. This equally applies to our online Certificate in Pensions Administration as it becomes more apparent that increasingly payroll professionals play a key part in the administrative area of pensions. This time of year sees the career roadmap developing as it’s also the time for enrolment on to our Foundation Degree (either the payroll or pensions offering). Make sure you enrol, and the benefits to both your career and your employer will be considerable.
from an office environment, equipped with technology, and worked from home. This, too, has brought many challenges, let alone the administration of the CJRS. How and where we work going forward will be an interesting workplace discussion, but a point I have picked up in many conversations within payroll leadership teams has been the impact of mental health. Whilst mental health awareness has, quite correctly, had the focus it deserves, working from home by employees, some in isolation, is a factor that must be considered in future working. At the office, integration, creativity, discussions – and those conversations over the water cooler or in the kitchen – are all equally important to mental health, and a balance needs to be struck. It is encouraging that even during this pandemic that employers are actively ensuring their payroll and pensions staff are suitably skilled and educated and the CIPP are pleased to play a leading part.
Ken Pullar FCIPP (ken.pullar@cipp.org.uk) Chief executive officer, CIPP
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 63 | September 2020
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