What payroll processes should be implemented for graduate hires? 

It’s the time of year when the job market welcomes a new influx of graduates, fresh from their final university assessments and ready to dive into professional waters.  

For businesses, this period presents a prime opportunity to recruit fresh talent, promising to inject new ideas and vibrant energy into existing teams. 

Strategic recruitment of new talent 

Recruiting recent graduates is a strategic inclusion of new perspectives that benefit a business greatly.  

However, this process brings its own set of challenges, especially in managing the complex terrain of payroll, particularly when it involves student and postgraduate loan repayments. 

Deciphering loan repayment plans 

Graduates enter the workforce with varying financial commitments, shaped by their educational journeys.  

Different student loan repayment plans are tied to the specifics of their university enrolment dates: 

• Plan 1: For those who commenced courses before 1 September 2012. 

• Plan 2: For graduates between 1 September 2012 and 31 July 2023. 

• Plan 4: Tailored for those funded by the Student Awards Agency Scotland. 

• Plan 5: For individuals starting courses after 1 August 2023. 

Additionally, postgraduate loans cater to those who have pursued advanced degrees, requiring a different management approach. 

Setting the financial thresholds 

The commencement of loan repayments is triggered when a graduate’s earnings exceed specific thresholds, defined as follows: 

• Plan 1: £24,990 annually 

• Plan 2: £27,295 annually 

• Plan 4: £31,395 annually  

• Plan 5: £25,000 annually 

• Postgraduate loans: £21,000 annually 

The repayment rate is nine per cent of the earnings above the threshold for most plans, and six per cent for postgraduate loans. 

Tactical payroll management 

Receiving a start notice (SL1 or PGL1) from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is a critical point in payroll management.  

Payroll systems must be set up properly to ensure accurate deduction of loan repayments, preventing both overpayments and underpayments. 

Accuracy in setup involves verifying the correct plan type and initiating deductions as soon as earnings exceed the stipulated thresholds.  

These deductions must continue until an official stop notice (SL2 or PGL2) is received. 

Accuracy and trust 

Accurate payroll management plays a crucial role in maintaining trust within your team.  

Payroll discrepancies can lead to dissatisfaction, compounding into more significant compliance issues with potential interventions from HMRC. 

For businesses looking for payroll guidance, our team are here to help. Contact us today for expert advice.