UK Payroll Trends 2026

From shifting IR35 rules and inflation-driven pay adjustments to the rise of AI-powered compliance and on-demand pay, UK payroll leaders are navigating unprecedented change. In this guide, discover the forces transforming payroll from a back-office function to a strategic business driver.

You’ll find out how forward-thinking teams are embracing automation, compliance innovation, and data-driven decision-making to shape the future of work.

What’s inside

• Payroll as a Strategic Partner: See how payroll data is driving smarter workforce and financial planning.

• Regulatory Readiness: Stay ahead of IR35 reforms, pay transparency mandates, and National Insurance changes.

• AI and Automation: Understand how predictive payroll technology is reducing errors and boosting compliance.

• Financial Wellbeing: Explore how earned wage access and flexible pay options are improving retention.

• Integrated Systems: Learn how connected payroll, HR, and finance ecosystems enable faster insights.

• ESG and Pay Equity: Discover payroll’s growing role in transparency, ethics, and social impact.

• Next-Gen Tech: Get a preview of the intelligent ecosystems defining payroll in 2026 and beyond.

Who this guide is for

Payroll and HR leaders looking to streamline processes, reduce compliance risk, and drive strategic impact.

CFOs and finance teams aiming to leverage payroll insights for smarter budgeting and forecasting.

Business owners and People Ops professionals managing distributed or hybrid teams who need clarity on UK and cross-border regulations.

Tech-savvy innovators exploring how AI and automation will shape the next wave of payroll transformation.