Nov 2021
1
Thesaurus Customer Update: November 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software'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 Thesaurus Payroll Manager
Thesaurus Payroll Manager 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 the software 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.
Reward your employees with a One4all gift card
With Halloween officially over for another year, it’s time to start preparing for the festive season, in particular, how you would like to reward your employees. Did you know, you can purchase One4all gift cards for employees through Thesaurus Payroll Manager?! Employers can give a gift card of up to €500 tax-free to employees.
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 Thesaurus 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
Thesaurus Customer Update: October 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software'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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It’s time to go paperless & how an employee app can help
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 Thesaurus Payroll Manager for multiple users
Each Thesaurus 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
Thesaurus Customer Update: September 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software'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 Thesaurus 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 Thesaurus Connect, you don't need to worry about manually backing up your payroll data. When you link an employer to Thesaurus 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 Thesaurus Software’s annual customer survey. Our key findings include a 99.4% customer satisfaction rating, which is fantastic news! Some customer comments include:
“We are a very happy customer; we are a small company but extremely happy with the fantastic efforts of support during a world pandemic. I would consider this reliability when recommending you”.
“Your product is the best wage system for Irish employers since day one. It has made payroll so easy and efficient for employer and employee. It is unbeatable. Your Support people are accessible and always helpful. A wonderful team. Thanks for making my life so easy for more than 25 years”.
“Anytime I have had to phone Thesaurus the staff are so friendly and helpful and know their job so well. It's a complete pleasure to deal with them”.
Aug 2021
31
What happens if I 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 Thesaurus Software 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
Thesaurus Customer Update: August 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software'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.
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
Thesaurus 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
Thesaurus Customer Update: July 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software'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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Managing the Annual Leave Backlog as the Country Reopens
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Thesaurus Software’s new energy efficient office
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 Thesaurus Connect
Bureaus have the ability to add their own firm branding to Thesaurus 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 Thesaurus Connect
Employers have the option to add as many users as they wish to their Thesaurus 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.
Thesaurus Software's Sustainability Journey
Here at Thesaurus Software we take environmental responsibility very seriously and are committed to developing our business towards ecological sustainability at both a company and an individual level. Thesaurus Software 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
Thesaurus Customer Update: June 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software'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 Thesaurus Payroll Manager 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 Thesaurus 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
Thesaurus Customer Update: May 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's May update. Our most important news this month include:
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Thesaurus Software celebrates Earth Day 2021
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Webinar on demand: TWSS Reconciliation & EWSS Changes
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Thesaurus Payroll Manager 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. Thesaurus 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.
Thesaurus Software celebrates Earth Day 2021
At Thesaurus Software 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.
Apr 2021
1
Thesaurus Customer Update: April 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's April update. Our most important news this month include:
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Does the TWSS Reconciliation affect me?
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Online Payslips: Their benefits and why you should use them
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1 Year On – COVID-19 & Working from Home
TWSS Reconciliation – What you Need to Know
Most employers who availed of the TWSS should now have received a ROS inbox message in relation to the reconciliation process. Find out what you need to know about the TWSS reconciliation process and ensure you meet the June 30th 2021 deadline to accept the reconciliation.
The Vaccine & The New World of Work
As vaccines roll out and employee’s return to the workplace employers are looking to form their vaccine policy. Join our employment law experts for a free webinar on April 28th where we will provide you with all the information you need to know about managing COVID-19 in the workplace including the vaccine policy.
Good Friday – Bank Holiday or Public Holiday?
As Easter approaches, we remind employers that Good Friday is NOT a statutory public holiday. Easter Monday, on the other hand, is a Public Holiday. In respect of each public holiday, an employee is entitled to a paid day off on the holiday, a paid day off within a month, an extra day’s annual leave, or an extra day’s pay, as decided by the employer.
It's Time to Automate Payroll Processes
Learn how technology and automation turn daunting payroll tasks into a smooth and profitable process. Join our upcoming webinar on 6th April where we will look at how to address the challenge that most accountants face, over-servicing and under-charging.
Greener Supply Chain with Thesaurus Software
Here at Thesaurus Software we take environmental responsibility very seriously and are committed to developing our business towards ecological sustainability at both a company and an individual level. Our new carbon efficient offices will open in 2021. We have also recently established a passionate Green Team to educate, promote and inspire sustainability to our employees and our loyal customers. Subscribe to Thesaurus Software’s sustainability newsletter to follow our journey.
Feb 2021
2
Thesaurus Customer Update: February 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's February update. Our most important news this month include:
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Online support – Hundreds of Thesaurus help guides at your fingertips
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Lockdown 3.0 - What have payroll processors learned?
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What to do in Thesaurus Payroll Manager when employees are on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment
EWSS Q&A – Common Questions Answered
As we are back in lockdown, some businesses are just now availing of the EWSS for the very first time. Here we have answered some of the most common queries that our customer support team are being asked.
Free Webinar: A Recap of Recent Wage Subsidy Scheme Changes
The past couple of months have seen a number of updates to both the TWSS and the EWSS, including TWSS reconciliation, employee tax bills, EWSS eligibility and subsidy rates. Register for this free webinar to make sure you keep up to date with the most recent updates.
Coming in February: Thesaurus Connect supports two-factor authentication sign in
With two-factor authentication, you can add an extra layer of security to the employer login on your Thesaurus Connect account in case your password is stolen. Instead of only entering a password to log in, you’ll also enter a code or use a security key.
Working from home with Thesaurus Payroll Manager
All Thesaurus Payroll Manager licences can be activated on up to 10 PCs, meaning you can easily process payroll whether you’re in the workplace or working from home. Thesaurus Connect can help you prevent conflicting copies of the payroll, including an ‘other user check’ and a ‘version check’ when opening the payroll.
