Many costs change on 1 April. Be ready before the bills land.
Wages, rates, sick pay and energy all shift at the start of the tax year. Here is the list, and the digital moves that offset some of it.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 23 March 2026
Key takeaways
- The National Living Wage rises to £12.71 an hour.
- New rateable values apply, and the 40% hospitality relief is replaced by lower multipliers for eligible properties, with extra relief for pubs and live music venues.
- Statutory Sick Pay applies from the first day of sickness.
- The FSB warns energy standing charges could rise by over 40%.
April is always busy for UK payroll and finance. This year more changes than usual arrive together, and hospitality and retail feel them most.
What happened
Atradius set out the full list, including Making Tax Digital for sole traders and landlords. The Association of Convenience Stores explained the wage rise for retailers.
What it means for businesses
- Labour costs rise again. Every manual task costs more.
- Rates vary by site. Check your new rateable value and any reliefs.
- Admin grows. Sick pay and digital tax change processes.
April readiness checklist
| Task | Digital help |
|---|---|
| Update payroll rates | Check your payroll software settings. |
| Review your rates bill | Appeal errors through the VOA. |
| Cut phone and admin time | Online booking, ordering and AI answers. |
| Reduce commissions | Move repeat customers to direct booking. |
| Prepare for MTD | Use compatible software early. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK National Living Wage from April 2026?£12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over.
£12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over.
What changes for Statutory Sick Pay?From April 2026 it is payable from the first day of sickness, rather than after waiting days.
From April 2026 it is payable from the first day of sickness, rather than after waiting days.
How can a small business offset rising costs?Automate routine tasks, increase direct sales and review recurring costs, so each staff hour and each sale is worth more.
Automate routine tasks, increase direct sales and review recurring costs, so each staff hour and each sale is worth more.
Offset April's costs with smarter systems.
Direct booking, online ordering and AI answers for UK pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops.
Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.
Saturday – Sunday: closed
Leave a Reply