Payroll departments should find it easier to administer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and other statutory payments relating to employee salaries, thanks to this government Bill.

The Bill takes forward chancellor Gordon Brown's commitment in 1999 to reduce the technical differences between tax and NICs, and should allow firms to deal with different payments in a single transaction.

It is thought this may encourage employee share ownership as it will increase employer choices about the way they meet NIC liabilities which arise when workers are given share and securities-based earnings.

It may also help protect employee rights to statutory sick and maternity pay by improving means of tackling employers who fail to meet their obligations.

House of Commons

First reading: November 27 2003 (HC Bill 2)

Second reading: January 6 2004

Committee stage (Standing Committee D)

• 1st sitting: January 13 2004 (am)
• 2nd sitting: January 13 2004 (pm)

Remaining stages: January 28 2004

House of Lords

First reading: January 29 2004 (HL Bill 21)

Second reading: February 26 2004

Committee: March 15 2004

Report stage: March 30 2004

Third reading: April 6 2004

Royal assent: May 13 2004

National Insurance Contributions and Statutory Payments Act 2004