Jan 2022
6
BrightPay Customer Update: January 2022
Welcome to BrightPay's January update. Our most important news this month include:
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Five payroll resolutions for January 2022
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Watch on-demand: EWSS Changes
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Transform your payroll this year with digital banking
5 ways to boost the efficiency of your payroll process
Boost the efficiency of your payroll process by using cloud technology. BrightPay Connect enables your HR and payroll processes to be more streamlined than ever before. Join our webinar to find out how your business can benefit.
How to make a profit while streamlining your payroll services
Kick-off the new year by aligning your payroll software around key goals that will help propel your company into the future! By introducing cloud technology to your payroll, such as BrightPay Connect, your payroll and HR processes can be more streamlined than ever before.
BrightPay seamlessly integrates with Surf Accounts
Using API technology, BrightPay will produce the payroll journal in a file format that is unique to Surf Accounts. This allows users to easily send their payroll figures into their general ledger at the click of a button and avoid any manual processing errors.
2022 is the year of the payroll app
An employee app has many benefits, including improving employee engagement and reducing admin work for employers. BrightPay Connect gives employees access to their payslip library 24/7, the ability to request annual leave, and update personal details. Book a 15-minute online demo to see for yourself.
Transform your payroll this year with digital banking
BrightPay users now have access to Modulr, the payments platform behind banking app Revolut, to pay employees. Having an integrated system between the payroll software and the digital finance platform can offer a smoother, more efficient payroll workflow each pay period.
Dec 2021
1
BrightPay Customer Update: December 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's December update. Our most important news this month include:
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Year End - Frequently Asked Questions
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BrightPay Payroll: Evolving to exceed customers expectations
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Christmas bonuses and tax-free vouchers: your holiday payroll guide covered
Time to renew your 2022 payroll licence
The quickest and easiest way to purchase your 2022 licence is online. The order process is straightforward and takes approximately 3 minutes to complete. Once your order is complete, you will receive your invoice along with your licence key which you will need to activate your 2022 licence.
Please note: BrightPay 2022 has not been released yet. We will send you another email once the software is available to download and install. The estimated release date is mid-December.
No annual leave headaches this Christmas
Trying to accommodate staff leave over the Christmas period can be stressful as it's a very busy time for leave requests. BrightPay Connect's annual leave management tool will ensure managing staff holidays over the Christmas period is a stress-free experience for everyone.
Your holiday payroll guide covered
It’s coming close to the end-of-year madness, and as payroll processors, you’re likely to be particularly busy in the lead-up to Christmas. Read our tips on managing the annual leave requests, Christmas bonuses, and holiday pay in our latest blog.
5 payroll resolutions for January 2022
With the new year approaching, now is the perfect time to reflect on your business’s past year and decide what you want to do differently for 2022 to grow the success of your business. Here are five payroll resolutions that you could take on for 2022.
Free Webinar: Pay employees through BrightPay
BrightPay have recently partnered with Modulr, the payments platform, to enable the ability to pay employees directly through BrightPay with same-day payments and without the need to create bank payment files. Register for our upcoming webinar on 9th December.
Nov 2021
1
BrightPay Customer Update: November 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's November update. Our most important news this month include:
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Report calls for pension age increase
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Budget 2022 - Employer Payroll Focus
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Payroll App – What your employees can and cannot see
New: Pay Employees through BrightPay
BrightPay is excited to introduce our latest integration with the payments platform, Modulr. This integration will give you a fast, secure and easy way to pay employees through BrightPay without the need to create bank files. Join our free webinar to find out how it works.
What to Include in a Hybrid Working Policy
Having hybrid working policies and agreements in place is essential when returning employees to the office and agreeing on a split between working remotely and working in the office. Book a demo of Bright Contracts to see how they can help your business today.
Next Generation Payroll Trends for Accountants
In today’s world, payroll can (and should) be profitable for accountants. Join our upcoming webinar where we explore various ways that accountants can automate payroll processes and become more efficient.
The App that Every Business should be using
Give employees more control with BrightPay Connect’s employee self-service app. Employees can view their payslips and HR documents, request annual leave and view their leave balance taken and remaining and can even update their personal details. Book a free 15-minute demo to find out more.
The Year that was: 2021 in Review
2021 was a year of both personal and business challenges. COVID-19 changed life as we knew it and resulted in a lot of changes being made worldwide. New policies were introduced, people's places of work changed as well as a number of other adjustments.
Join Bright Contracts for a look back at 2021 where we detail all the employment law changes that were made and a look forward as to what the year 2022 will bring.
Oct 2021
1
BrightPay Customer Update: October 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's October update. Our most important news this month include:
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BrightPay and Relate Software join forces to create an accounting and payroll software champion
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Seamless accounting software integration at your fingertips
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The hidden ways HR can benefit from managing payroll internally
EWSS eligibility rules and rates for October
Revenue have announced that the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) eligibility rules and rates will remain unchanged for the month of October 2021.
5 ways to boost the efficiency of your payroll process (for employers)
Join our upcoming webinar on 20th October where we discuss practical ways you can streamline payroll and HR processes within your business using cloud technology.
6 tips for payroll success while making a profit (for bureaus)
Join our upcoming webinar on 7th October where we discuss practical ways you can streamline payroll and HR processes in your practice using cloud technology while making a profit.
Set up BrightPay for multiple users
Each BrightPay licence key can be installed and activated on up to 10 PCs. If shared access is required, the data location can be set to your server or cloud environment.
Let’s talk about family leave
Join our sister product Bright Contracts for their free webinar on 19th October about all things family leave related. From Maternity Leave to Parent’s Leave, Bright Contracts gives you all of the information about entitlements and pay that employers need to know.
A step closer to Sustainability
Earlier this year at Thesaurus Software we formed a ‘Green Team’ that will identify and implement opportunities that can improve the sustainability of our company. Follow us on our journey to keep up with our latest projects.
Sep 2021
1
BrightPay Customer Update: September 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's September update. Our most important news this month include:
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Sick pay comes to Ireland: How does this affect employers and payroll processors?
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Webinar on-demand: Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) Guest Speaker: Revenue
Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) changes in October
Join BrightPay for a free webinar on 30th September where we will be joined by representatives from the Revenue Commissioners to discuss upcoming changes to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme in October.
A video message from Paul, CEO of Thesaurus Software
Watch a short video where Paul talks about how our add-on product BrightPay Connect can reduce your stress and perhaps even help improve your bottom line as an accountant.
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Link your payroll data to the cloud
With BrightPay Connect, you don't need to worry about manually backing up your payroll data. When you link an employer to BrightPay Connect, it will be automatically synchronised to the cloud as you run your payroll or make any changes.
What happens if I don't submit Revenue's Employer Eligibility Review Form?
Failure to complete and submit the EWSS Eligibility Review Form that confirms the required reduction and related declaration will result in the suspension of payment of the EWSS claim and possible penalties.
Customer survey 2021 results
The results are in for BrightPay’s annual customer survey. Our key findings include a 98.8% customer satisfaction rating, which is fantastic news! Some customer comments include:
“I found the functionality during my use of TWSS and EWSS outstanding”.
“A big thank you for your excellent TWSS / EWSS updates throughout the pandemic, they were very beneficial”.
“It is great to have an Irish company providing such a high level of service, support and innovation - the webinars are extremely useful”.
Aug 2021
31
What happens if you don't submit Revenue’s Employer Eligibility Review Form?
The Irish government has extended the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) until 31st December 2021. The scheme gives employers impacted by COVID-19, a subsidy per employee to help keep them in employment. On 9 July, Revenue published guidelines to highlight the changes to the EWSS applicable for the period from 1 July 2021. The main change made to the scheme was in relation to eligibility.
To assist employers in ensuring continued eligibility for the scheme, from 30th June 2021, all employers are required to complete and submit an online monthly EWSS Eligibility Review Form (ERF) through ROS by the 15th of each month. Companies claiming EWSS must fill out a monthly eligibility form, showing their revenue for 2021 remains at least 30% below the reference period in 2019 and a declaration to confirm that the information submitted is correct and accurate to the best of their knowledge. Failure to complete and submit the EWSS Eligibility Review Form that confirms the required reduction and related declaration will result in suspension of payment of EWSS claims.
Revenue has stated: “Where Revenue determines that an employer, at any time over the term of the scheme, claimed and received payment by applying accounting practices that are clearly not appropriate, or by deliberately misrepresenting the true financial situation of the business, it will be excluded from the EWSS in its entirety. No further claims will be accepted, and all subsidy paid and PRSI credit issued will be immediately repayable together with interest and penalties. The business may also face possible criminal prosecution.”
The government has paid nearly €4 billion to date in EWSS payments on top of the €2.9 billion paid under the earlier TWSS. Revenue have launched an investigation on companies that are suspected of overclaiming pandemic wage subsidies.
According to Revenue’s code of practice for audits and non-audit interventions, officials can make unannounced site visits, conduct profile interviews with business owners, carry out assurance checks, and initiate investigations. Please ensure you are submitting correct information to avoid any penalties.
Upcoming webinar
Join BrightPay for a free webinar on 30th September where we will be joined by representatives from the Revenue Commissioners to discuss upcoming changes to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme in October and the Employer Eligibility Review Forms. There will also be a live Q&A session to answer any questions that you may have.
Limited Places Remaining – Click here to reserve your place.
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Aug 2021
3
BrightPay Customer Update: August 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's August update. Our most important news this month include:
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Watch On-Demand: EWSS Changes & The Return to Work
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Going paperless: how an employee app can help
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How Statutory Sick Pay will be calculated when introduced in 2022
EWSS Employer Eligibility Review Form
Revenue confirmed it has extended the deadline for the completion and submission of the EWSS Eligibility Review Form in respect of June 2021 to 15 August 2021. The eligibility review form in respect of July 2021 is also due to be submitted on the same date. Watch our webinar on-demand where we cover everything you need to know.
BrightPay’s new payroll journal integration with accounting software
We are delighted to announce BrightPay’s new API integration with AccountsIQ, Quickbooks Online, Sage Business Cloud Accounting and Xero. BrightPay users will be able to create wages journals from the finalised payslips and send the payroll data directly into their accounting software.
Statutory Sick Pay - Coming January 2022
Currently, there is no legal obligation for employers in Ireland to pay employees who are on sick leave, and it is up to the discretion of each employer. However, it will be mandatory for employers in Ireland to provide Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for employees from January 2022.
Employee self-service app – A must-have tool for every business
BrightPay Connect gives employees access to a user-friendly smartphone and tablet app that gives them access to their payslips, HR documents, annual leave calendar and much more. Self-service apps are becoming more popular as they benefit both the employer and employee.
Adopting a hybrid working model
The COVID-19 crisis has completely shifted the way we work and live with companies having to quickly adopt new initiatives and technologies to ensure employee safety whilst maintaining productivity. Join Bright Contracts for a free online webinar on the 25 August where our team of experts will discuss how hybrid working has changed the way we work and live and what this change means for your business.
Jul 2021
2
BrightPay Customer Update: July 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's July update. Our most important news this month include:
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EWSS changes under Ireland’s Economic Recovery Plan
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The key to managing the annual leave backlog
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Ransomware: How to protect your payroll data
Free Webinar: EWSS Changes & The Return to Work
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has been extended until 30 December 2021. Join our upcoming webinar where we discuss the extension of the EWSS, including the new enhanced eligibility rules and what you need to know about returning to the workplace. The webinar takes place on 27 July at 10.30 am and is free to attend for all employers and payroll bureaus.
Revenue EWSS guidance is expected to be updated next week.
Bureau Branding in BrightPay Connect
Bureaus have the ability to add their own firm branding to BrightPay Connect, including the company name, company logo and contact details. The branding will be visible to clients on their self-service dashboard which will help enhance your client relationships.
Multiple Users in BrightPay Connect
Employers have the option to add as many users as they wish to their BrightPay Connect account at no additional cost. Invite managers or an external accountant as a standard user and set up user permissions for different access levels. For example, you can set up a department manager to manage employee leave, with no access to the payroll.
Automatic Enrolment Delayed until 2023
The introduction of automatic enrolment in Ireland will be delayed until at least 2023. When introduced, this will mean by law, that employers will have to enrol their employees in a workplace pension scheme.
Let’s Get Topical – The Vaccine Policy
One year on, the impact of COVID-19 on the employment landscape is hugely significant and has brought about many changes, especially the provisions of an employment contract. This is why Bright Contracts has been a saving grace for many employers as it regularly updates all contract and handbook content.
To get an insight into what Bright Contracts can do, you can watch our video and you can also download a trial version of the software first to get a look at the content and layout.
BrightPay's Sustainability Journey
Thesaurus Software, the company behind BrightPay, opened a new purpose-built office in May 2021. We have also recently established a passionate Green Team to educate, promote and inspire sustainability to our employees and our loyal customers.
Jun 2021
1
BrightPay Customer Update: June 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's June update. Our most important news this month include:
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Automatic enrolment delayed until 2023
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How to use BrightPay when working remotely
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Ransomware: How to protect your payroll data
Protect your payroll data from ransomware attacks
With the recent ransomware attack on the HSE still disrupting Irish health services, the subject of ransomware is on all our minds. Taking backups of your data is so important in order to quickly restore data to get back up and running as soon as possible. All data in BrightPay Connect is stored securely within Microsoft Azure data stores, access to which have been tightly restricted to a limited set of servers and IP addresses.
Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme extended
The EWSS continues to be a requirement for many, with 43% of small businesses still availing of the scheme. Yesterday it was announced that the scheme would be extended until 31 December 2021 with a modification to widen eligibility. The enhanced rates of support and the reduced rate of Employers’ PRSI will remain in place until at least September.
How to manage the annual leave backlog as the country Reopens
A self-service system is the simplest way to manage your staff's annual leave – both from a HR and employee perspective. Give employees control to request annual leave, view leave taken and leave remaining all through an app on their smartphone or tablet.
30 days until TWSS Reconciliation deadline
Employers have until June 30th, 2021, to:
- Accept the reconciliation calculation issued by Revenue
- Make corrections to payslips if necessary, or
- Make an enquiry through MyEnquiries
How Cloud innovation can help simplify the payroll process
By introducing cloud innovation to your business, employers can work more efficiently by streamlining administrative processes and delegating manual tasks to employees. Download our free guide to find out more.
May 2021
4
BrightPay Customer Update: May 2021
Welcome to BrightPay's May update. Our most important news this month include:
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BrightPay marks Earth Day 2021
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Webinar on demand: TWSS Reconciliation & EWSS Changes
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BrightPay and working from home
The TWSS reconciliation deadline is fast approaching
According to Revenue, just 28% of employers had accepted their TWSS reconciliation as of last week. By 30th June 2021, employers must have reviewed their reconciliation information, made any necessary corrections and accepted the reconciliation. If no action is taken by 30th June, Revenue will take it that you agree to the reconciliation balance. Any amount owing will be due and payable.
Free webinar: Leaving Lockdown: The End of the Wage Subsidy Scheme?
This webinar will discuss the current state of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). Will it be extended beyond its 30th June end date? Or perhaps a new scheme will be introduced to take its place. Plus, our payroll & HR experts will discuss the dos and don’ts of returning to the workplace.
How to avoid an annual leave backlog
As restrictions are lifted in Ireland, managers will likely be in a situation where many employees will ask to take leave at the same time. It is important that you deal with requests in a way that is transparent and fair. BrightPay Connect will show you who requested leave and when, and you can check the calendar prior to approving leave to make sure you have adequate staffing levels.
BrightPay celebrates Earth Day 2021
At BrightPay we are committed to a cleaner, greener future for all. Our Green Team celebrated Earth Day 2021 with a number of activities planned throughout the whole week. Here's what we got up to.
