Jun 2018
8
What happens if I don’t comply with GDPR ?
The amount of data currently being processed by businesses was unforeseeable way back in the 1990’s when the current Data Protection Regulation was drawn up. Officials recognised that the current rules just weren’t sufficient to handle the current digital era. An updated reform was agreed and GDPR was born.
From May 25th, the GDPR legislation was enforced by data regulators across Europe. As this deadline is passed, it is important to note that every business that stores and manages personal data will be affected by this change.
To help you with your GDPR preparation we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions that we get asked:
What is personal data?
Personal data is anything that allows a person to be identified. Some examples would be; name, address, IP address or photo.
What happens if I don’t comply with the GDPR?
One of the most talked about elements of the GDPR is the consequences for non-compliance. Companies that fail to comply can face fines of up to £20 million or 4% of turnover (whichever is greater).
Will the GDPR affect my business?
In short, yes. GDPR will affect every individual and organisation that holds or processes personal data from any individual in the EU.
Can I still email payslips?
Emailing payslips is still perfectly acceptable under the GDPR. However, it is important to consider the security of the payslip. Payroll software, like BrightPay & Thesaurus, will encrypt payslips and automatically delete payslips that are sent from our servers.
How can BrightPay/ Thesaurus help?
Data Protection has always been a priority for BrightPay & Thesaurus. Like all companies, we’ve had to review how we handle data in preparation for the GDPR. Here is a list of resources we’ve put together to aid you on the voyage to becoming compliant with the GDPR:
1. Free GDPR webinars for payroll bureaus and employers
Join us for our free webinar where we will discuss what GDPR is and why employers need to take it seriously.
2. BrightPay & Thesaurus Connect
The GDPR states that where possible individuals should have access to a secure, self-service remote system which would provide direct access to their personal data. BrightPay Connect is a self-service option which will give employees online remote access to view their payroll information at any time.
3. Free GDPR and The Future of Payroll guide
This guide will specifically look at the impact of GDPR on your payroll processing and highlight the biggest areas of concern. We will walk through some important steps to achieve GDPR compliance.
4. Free template: Data Processor Agreement
Whenever a data controller (e.g. a payroll bureau client) uses a data processor (e.g. payroll bureau) there needs to be a written contract in place. The contract is important so that both parties understand their responsibilities and liabilities.
BrightPay Newsletter - Are you missing out?
GDPR is changing how we communicate with you. From May 2018, we will not be able to email you about webinar events, special offers, legislation changes, other group products and payroll related news without you subscribing to our newsletter. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
Related Articles:
- Thesaurus - June 2018 customer update.
- GDPR: What you need to know.
- Real-time reporting to become part of payroll processing.
Thesaurus Payroll Software | BrightPay Payroll Software.
Jun 2018
5
Thesaurus Customer Update: June 2018
PAYE Modernisation: Understanding and implementing the new legislation
The way in which we communicate and send payroll information to Revenue is changing. The objective of PAYE Modernisation allows for Revenue, employers and employees to access the most accurate, up-to-date information relating to pay and statutory payroll deductions. PAYE Modernisation will be effective from the 1st of January 2019 and will apply to all employers.
Bureau webinar | Employer webinar
Free Webinar: Payroll Data & GDPR - What you need to know
Employers must take steps to protect and securely manage employees’ personal data to comply with GDPR. Equally, where a business outsources their payroll to a third party (payroll bureau), they are legally obliged to provide assurances to safeguard the payroll information they manage on behalf of their clients. Places are limited.
PAYE Modernisation - The Facts
PAYE Modernisation is a mandatory payroll requirement that will be introduced from the 1st January 2019. It won’t change the way you calculate your PAYE information, it just means that you will need to send your data through to Revenue in real time. Every time you pay your employees (i.e. each pay period), you will need to submit PAYE information to Revenue, through an API link via your payroll software.
Read full article | Register for webinar
GDPR - What to include in your template Data Processor Agreement
Whenever a data controller uses a data processor there needs to be a written contract in place. The contract is important so that both parties understand their responsibilities and liabilities. The GDPR sets out certain information which needs to be included in the contract.
Find out more | Template Data Processor Agreement
Thesaurus Connect’s NEW Employee Smartphone App
Our employee self-service smartphone and tablet app is available with our cloud add-on Thesaurus Connect. The advancement of employee mobile apps offers many different advantages for employers, employees, and the business as a whole. For employers and HR Managers, the user-friendly portal will streamline payroll processing while reducing the number of payroll queries from employees.
How has Thesaurus Software prepared for GDPR?
Data Protection has always been a concern for Thesaurus Software and we have always aimed to act with complete integrity in this regard. In preparation for GDPR, we have had to complete a total review on how we gather, maintain and use data. We have taken steps to securely protect our customers information including increased encryption, securely deleting files from our servers and updating our privacy policies in line with GDPR.
Key changes | Updated privacy policy
How Thesaurus Connect can help with GDPR!
Where possible the data controller should offer self-service remote access to a secure system providing individuals with access to his or her personal data. Thesaurus Connect is a self-service option which provides online access 24/7. Employees can view and download current and historic payslips, P45’s and P60’s. Annual leave can also be requested which flows through as a notification for the employer to approve. Employee contact information can be edited and updated keeping records accurate at all times. For payroll bureaus, clients can access payslips, a leave calendar, amounts due to Revenue and payroll reports.
Are you missing out on Thesaurus Software's newsletter? We will not be able to email you without you subscribing to our mailing list. You will be able to unsubscribe at anytime. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
May 2018
29
PAYE Modernisation - Understand how your payroll processing will change
The way you process your payroll is changing forever. PAYE Modernisation is a new system that is being introduced where all employers must comply and implement the new PAYE changes. From the 1st January 2019, your payroll will need to be processed in real time, where employers will be required to calculate and report their employees pay and deductions as they are being paid. This PAYE reform aims to make it easier for employers to pay the correct amount of income tax, PRSI, USC and local property tax and send these figures directly through to Revenue.
PAYE Modernisation will now become a part of the payroll process each pay period. Employers, payroll bureaus and accountants will need to review their current processes to meet the new requirements in January 2019. Join Thesaurus Software for a free webinar where we can peel back the new legislation and take you through how PAYE Modernisation will affect you and your payroll processing.
We are delighted to be joined by Sinead Sweeney, who is the PAYE Modernisation Change Manager for the Revenue Commissioners. Sinead is very much on the front line when it comes PAYE Modernisation and will also deliver a presentation from Revenue’s perspective.
Agenda:
- An overview of PAYE Modernisation
- Elimination of the P forms - P30, P60 P35, P46 and P45 forms
- Recent updates and changes to PAYE Modernisation
- How payroll software will handle real time processing
- Making corrections in real time
- Can PAYE Modernisation be processed manually?
- Are you ready for "on or before" reporting?
- The impact of PAYE Modernisation on employees
- Bureau payroll: Communications and processes
- How Thesaurus Software and BrightPay are helping
- Revenue presentation
Thesaurus & BrightPay Newsletter - Are you missing out?
GDPR is changing how we communicate with you. After May 2018, we will not be able to email you about webinar events, special offers, legislation changes, other group products and payroll related news without you subscribing to our newsletter. You will be able to unsubscribe at anytime. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
Related Articles:
- PAYE Modernisation - An Introduction
- PAYE Modernisation - The Facts
- Free Webinar: How will GDPR affect my payroll processing?
May 2018
24
Free Webinar: How GDPR will affect my payroll processing
Payroll Data & GDPR - What you need to know about consent, emailing payslips, and your legal obligation.
Employers must take steps to protect and securely manage employee’s personal data to comply with GDPR. Equally, where a business outsources their payroll to a third party, they are legally obliged to provide assurances to safeguard the payroll information they manage on behalf of their clients.
Given recent cyber-attacks, an updated security process is definitely required to protect the personal data that we manage. GDPR is not a new concept, it is simply a data protection process that is being upgraded to protect all individuals. Essentially, GDPR is an overhaul of the way we process, manage and store individual’s personal data.
This free webinar will uncover the ins and outs of the impact of GDPR on your payroll processing, highlighting the biggest areas of concern including emailing payslips, employee consent and your legal obligation. Places are limited, book early to avoid disappointment.
We will walk you through some important steps to achieve GDPR compliance by examining the following topics:
What does GDPR mean for your payroll processing?
- Understanding GDPR
- The contract between accountants & clients
- Template Data Processor Agreement
- Proof of compliance
- Securely storing employee data
Payslips & GDPR Compliance
- Employee consent
- Emailing payslips
- Recommended self-service access
Breaching GDPR
- Data breach plan of action
- Non-compliance and penalties
How we are preparing for GDPR
- Self Service Add on - Connect - online portal
- Enhanced security measures
Related Articles:
May 2018
22
Thesaurus Software - We don't just do payroll
As one of Ireland’s largest payroll software providers, we have a lot of customers using our payroll software, but did you know that we have a number of other HR, payroll and accounts software packages available?
Thesaurus Payroll Manager
Payroll Manager is a payroll software market leader in Ireland. Having been tried, tested and evolved for over two decades, our customers use Payroll Manager to pay hundreds of thousands of employees every month. If you want a mature and reliable payroll software solution with a proven track record and a national support network, look no further!
BrightPay
BrightPay is a payroll software which is future-proof, having been programmed using modern technology, it allows the user to process and run payroll effortlessly no matter how large or complicated it may be. Having a feature-rich interface allowing the user to customise reports, set up unlimited pay rates, additions and deductions, the options are endless making the weekly/monthly pay-run a breeze!
Thesaurus Connect
Thesaurus Connect is a powerful add-on to the payroll software which enables secure automatic backups of your payroll data to the cloud. The web based self-service dashboard for employers and their employees is an invaluable tool for those employers looking to put their best foot forward in terms of GDPR readiness and compliance.
Bright Contracts
This HR software allows the user to manage and create professional Contracts of Employment for their workers, and also includes an Employee Privacy Policy in line with the new data protection legislation, GDPR. It also has a customisable Staff/Company Handbook with all the legislative and best practice policies and procedures that are recommended for any business with staff. In addition, the software also provides a wealth of online support documentation, such as template HR letters, checklists, guidelines, etc.
Thesaurus Accounts
Thesaurus Accounts is a robust bookkeeping and accounts package that has stood the test of time. Designed by bookkeepers and accountants, it is the choice of thousands of Irish companies. It looks after all of the prime books of entry right through to trial balance and management accounts.
Related Articles:
May 2018
8
PAYE Modernisation - The Facts
PAYE Modernisation is a mandatory payroll requirement that will be introduced from the 1st January 2019. It won’t change the way you calculate your PAYE information, it just means that you will need to send your data through to Revenue in real time. Every time you pay your employees (i.e. each pay period), you will need to submit PAYE information to Revenue, through an API link via your payroll software. This is compared to the current system where reporting is required just once a year at the payroll year end.
Employers should take steps to ensure their existing records are up-to-date and correct. Employer duties include:
- Register as an employer (for new employers).
- Take reasonable steps to verify the PPSN provided by employees, e.g. check it against:
- Public Services Card
- Tax Credit Certificate from a previous employment
- P45
- P60
- Any item of correspondence from Revenue quoting the PPS number.
- If an employee does not hold a PPS number, advise them to contact the Department of Social Protection to apply for one.
- Register all employees with Revenue (i.e. P45(3) or P46 where the employee has no P45). Where the new employee has not worked in Ireland before, the employee must register the employment online using the Jobs and Pension service available in myAccount. The Jobs and Pension service can also be used by employees who are changing from one employment to another. Once the employment has been registered, Revenue will issue a tax credit certificate.
- Issue a P45 when an employee ceases employment and submit it to Revenue.
- Ensure that they have received an up-to-date tax credit certificate for each employee. The leaflet outlines the basis of tax which should be applied on the first payday of a new tax year in the event that an up-to-date tax credit certificate for that year is not received.
- Ensure that they hold a complete PAYE, PRSI and USC record for each employee at the end of the tax year.
PAYE Modernisation Compliant Software
To comply with PAYE Modernisation you will need to utilise fully compliant payroll software. BrightPay is working directly with Revenue to ensure this new real time process is as easy as possible for our customers. BrightPay is simple and easy to use payroll software that makes your payroll journey hassle free. With a 99% customer satisfaction rate and free customer support, Thesaurus and BrightPay are the payroll solutions to help you with PAYE Modernisation.
Free PAYE Modernisation Training
BrightPay has teamed up with Revenue as guest speakers to bring you free PAYE Modernisation training webinars throughout the year. Find out more on our events page or subscribe to our newsletters to ensure you never miss out on free training again.
Upcoming Webinars: Understanding and implementing the new legislation
The way in which we communicate and send payroll information to Revenue is changing. The objective of PAYE Modernisation allows for Revenue, employers and employees to access the most accurate, up-to-date information relating to pay and statutory payroll deductions.
Agenda:
- PAYE Modernisation: Understanding and implementing the new legislation for your clients
- Guest Speaker: Sandra Clarke (BCC Accountants)
- Guest Speaker: Sinead Sweeney (Revenue)
Places are limited - make sure to book your place now to avoid disappointment:
Register for Payroll Bureau Webinar | Register for Employer Webinar
Related Articles
May 2018
2
GDPR - What do you need to know?
Free GDPR Webinars for Employers & Payroll Bureaus
Employers process large amounts of personal data, not least in relation to their customers and their own employees. Consequently, the GDPR will impact most if not all areas of the business and the impact it will have cannot be overstated. Join us for our free webinar where we will discuss what GDPR is, why employers need to take it seriously and how you can prepare for the 25th May deadline.
Employer Webinar | Bureau Webinar
How can Thesaurus Connect help with GDPR?
Under the GDPR legislation, where possible the controller should be able to provide self-service remote access to a secure system which would provide the data subject with direct access to his or her personal data. Thesaurus Connect is a self-service option which will give employees online remote access to view their payroll information 24/7.
Free Guide: GDPR & The Future of Payroll
The guide will uncover the ins and outs of the impact of GDPR on your payroll processing, highlighting the biggest areas of concern including emailing payslips, employee consent and your legal obligation.
Data Processor Agreement - Free Template
Whenever a data controller (e.g. a payroll bureau client) uses a data processor (e.g. payroll bureau) there needs to be a written contract in place. The contract is important so that both parties understand their responsibilities and liabilities. To assist our customers, we have created a template Data Protection Agreement which can be used by data processors as an addendum to any existing agreements.
Download Data Protection Agreement
GDPR Employee Privacy Policies
GDPR requires employers to give information to their workforce, setting out in particular the personal data (employee information) the employer holds about them, how it is used, and with whom the information is shared. The information required is more detailed than is currently required under existing data protection laws. Employers need to ensure that their employee privacy notices accurately reflect how they process employee data and are in line with GDPR requirements. GDPR compliant employee policies are available through the Bright Contracts software.
Thesaurus Newsletter - Are you missing out?
GDPR is changing how we communicate with you. After May 2018, we will not be able to email you about webinar events, special offers, legislation changes, other group products and payroll related news without you subscribing to our newsletter. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
Still confused about GDPR? Here are some more useful links that can help:
Apr 2018
24
How long you should retain employee data under GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force on 25th May 2018, legislation with new rules and guidelines on how to protect and process personal data. Employee personal data held may include: name, address, phone number, email address, emergency contact details, PPS number, bank account details etc.
The GDPR requires that when retaining and processing personal data there must be lawful reasoning for doing so. In terms of processing employee data employers are likely to rely on a number of lawful reasons, mainly: to fulfill contractual obligations, legal obligations or other legitimate interests. Under data protection legislation employee data should be kept for no longer than is necessary, for the purpose that it was retained. However, when deciding how long to retain personal data employers should be guided by employment legislation.
So how long should I retain employee data?
- Written Terms of Employment – 1 year
Employers must retain a copy of this employee statement throughout the employee’s employment and for one year after termination at a minimum. - Payroll details and Payslips – 6 years
Records, calculations and documents relating to the value of benefits for employees must be kept for 6 years in the event of an audit by Revenue. The WRC may also inspect these in an audit and seek evidence that employees are supplied with payslips. - Hours of Work – 3 years
Details of days and hours worked each week, annual leave and public holidays taken and payment received for same. Rest break records and/or records of notification of employees being fully informed about rest break entitlement and procedures if rest break is unable to be taken. - Maternity and Adoptive Leave Records – none
While there is no set period of the retention of data on maternity leave or adoptive leave records, claims can be made within 6 months of employers being informed of an issue giving rise to a dispute or extended to 12 months in exceptional circumstances. - Parental Leave – 8 years
Records of Parental Leave, including the period of employment of each employee and the dates and times of the leave taken, must be retained for 8 years.
A more detailed list of Employee Record Keeping Requirements can be viewed here.
Where legislation gives no guidance on record keeping requirements, employers should carefully predetermine, and include in any employee privacy notice, how long and the grounds they will use for retaining that data. For example; an employer may decide to retain all performance review records for the entire duration of an employee’s employment to monitor employee performance.
Whatever the reasoning behind retaining employee data – whether it be legal or other business reasons, employers need to ensure they have a clear policy outlining their reasoning, that this is easily accessible to employees and that the policy is consistently applied.
Free GDPR Webinars
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on 25 May 2018 with the aim of protecting all EU citizens from privacy and data breaches in an increasingly data driven world. This webinar will explain everything payroll bureaus need to know about GDPR. This webinar is free to attend but places are limited.
Payroll Bureau Webinar | Employer Webinar
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Apr 2018
19
Real time reporting to become part of payroll processing
In less than a year the current PAYE system is going to change remarkably with the introduction of real time reporting known as PAYE Modernisation. The current payroll system hasn’t been modified since it was first introduced in the 60’s.
The main objective of PAYE Modernisation is to enable clear communication between Revenue and those who are processing payroll. This change will affect most, if not all businesses across Ireland.
Some of the common questions people have asked about PAYE Modernisation are:
- What do I have to do differently for PAYE Modernisation?
PAYE Modernisation will mean that people processing payroll will now how to submit a file to Revenue every pay period as opposed to the current annual ‘P’ forms. Payroll Software will make this a hassle free process, ensuring employers can easily comply with PAYE Modernisation.
- Will PAYE Modernisation be complicated?
PAYE Modernisation will likely cause a significant burden to employers, particularly small employers that do not currently utilise payroll software. BrightPay and Thesaurus Software will be fully equipped to make PAYE Modernisation a seamless process for payroll processors. Our developers have already implemented a similar real time reporting process for our UK payroll software.
- What will PAYE Modernisation cost my business?
As reports will need to be submitted to Revenue every pay period a lot of businesses will be relying on payroll software to do this for them. If you do not have payroll software in place, now is the time to think about purchasing. Luckily, low cost payroll software, like BrightPay and Thesaurus payroll will seamlessly handle PAYE Modernisation.
- Will PAYE Modernisation take up a lot of my time?
For companies still processing payroll manually, PAYE Modernisation will likely impose a significant time burden. For employers utilising payroll software like BrightPay and Thesaurus Software, administrative tasks will be significantly simplified. PAYE Modernisation reports required by Revenue can be sent easily from within the software. Also, the introduction of PAYE Modernisation has meant the elimination of the time consuming annual ‘P’ forms.
Free PAYE Modernisation Webinars
If there is something you’re still unsure of relating to PAYE Modernisation, we have teamed up with Revenue to bring you free online training webinars. These webinars are designed for employers and payroll bureaus to discuss what PAYE Modernisation will mean for your business and to help you prepare for the transition to the new system. You can sign up to our newsletter to get an invitation to our next PAYE Modernisation webinar.
Thesaurus & BrightPay Newsletter
GDPR is changing how we communicate with you. After May 2018, we will not be able to email you about webinar events, special offers, legislation changes, other group products and payroll related news without you subscribing to our newsletter. You will be able to unsubscribe at anytime. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
Thesaurus Payroll Software | BrightPay Payroll Software
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Apr 2018
16
Auto Enrolment: A Roadmap for Pensions Reform
The government has announced major changes to the pensions system in Ireland,
including State, private and public service pensions, which aims to address Ireland’s significant retirement savings gap.
The Taoiseach confirmed that the Government's key goals are to "create a fairer and simpler contributory pension system where a person's pension outcome reflects their social insurance contributions, and in parallel, create a new and necessary culture of personal retirement saving in Ireland".
From 2020, a new State pension system will come into place based on a ‘total contributions approach’ (TCA) where a person’s lifetime contribution will more closely match the benefit they receive. Under TCA, a person's contributory pension will be proportionate to the contributions they make, with fair regard for periods of child rearing, full time caring, and periods in receipt of social protection payments.
Although the State pension will be reformed and will remain at the core of the pensions system in Ireland, a new retirement savings system is still needed to supplement the State pension.
Minister Regina Doherty said: “It is increasingly evident that most Irish workers are not saving enough, or indeed at all, for their retirement years. Many people will be faced with a serious reduction in their living standards when they retire – a fall in income they clearly do not want.”
This new 'Automatic Enrolment' retirement savings system will be introduced from 2022 to support and encourage personal savings provision. It is intended that employee savings in this scheme will be supported by employer and State contributions.
Under this system, workers will be ‘auto enrolled’ into a workplace pension scheme with the option to opt-out, should they choose to do so. However, looking at the international experience of similar systems, for example in the UK, once enrolled workers tend to remain in the scheme.
Automatic enrolment is a natural extension of the payroll process, making more sense for employers to process the majority of these duties within their payroll software. At Thesaurus Payroll Software, we have experienced the rollout of auto enrolment in the UK first hand, where we introduced auto enrolment features which enabled users to automate and simplify the entire process.
Thesaurus Payroll Software costs €149 + VAT per tax year for a single employer licence, and also includes free phone and email support. Before the introduction of auto enrolment, payroll administrators will be faced with even more changes to the payroll process with the introduction of PAYE Modernisation in January 2019. Thesaurus Payroll Software will be able to seamlessly cater for both PAYE Modernisation and Auto Enrolment without any additional costs to the software.
Thesaurus Payroll Software | BrightPay Payroll Software
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