Information for Personal Assistant Employers
Welcome
Welcome to the Information for Employers section of Hampshire PA Finder. This resource has been developed to support employers with navigating the process of hiring and managing Personal Assistants (PAs).
The information provided applies to individuals who receive a direct payment and individuals who pay for their care and support.
Here, you will find valuable guidance on recruiting a PA, including tips on interviewing, conducting checks, and managing the employment aspects such as payroll and insurance.
Please explore our resources to make informed decisions and create a supportive environment for your Personal Assistant.
Getting started - useful links for employers
Using the navigation bar on the right hand side you can find further information and guidance, such as
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
As part of the Employment Rights Act 2025, important changes are being introduced to how Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is managed in the UK. These updates will affect how SSP is calculated, paid, and administered by employers.
What is Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)?
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is the minimum amount employers are legally required to pay eligible employees when they are unable to work due to illness. It is a key statutory employment right designed to provide financial support during periods of sickness absence.
What changes are being introduced?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 brings reforms to SSP, including changes to eligibility, calculation, and payment arrangements. These reforms are intended to modernise the system but will have practical implications for how businesses manage sickness absence.
It is important for employers to understand what is changing and how this may impact their workforce and payroll processes.
To support you, we suggest you contact your insurance provider for more information about the changes and how these will possibly effect how you manage sickness absence in the future.
Will the changes increase costs for employing Personal Assistants?
The changes to SSP may result in additional costs for employers, depending on the level and frequency of sickness absence within your Personal Assistant team.
Employers should assess the potential financial and operational impact with the support of their payroll and insurance provider and plan accordingly.
How can a Personal Assistant help me?
A Personal Assistant can provide you with support for a wide range of tasks such as:
- Going to activities or on days out
- Help with work or education
- Using transport and getting out and about
- Personal care
- Making meals
- Domestic help around the house
Advantages of employing a Personal Assistant
There are lots of advantages to having your own Personal Assistant. You will have more choice and control over how your support needs are met. You get to decide who to employ, you can find someone you have a good connection with, or enjoys similar interests to you. You can decide how many Personal Assistants you need, what tasks they can support you with and the days and times that work for you.
You can find more information about the benefits of employing a Personal Assistant from Disability Rights UK.
Paying for a Personal Assistant
If you have been assessed as being eligible to receive care which is funded by your local authority, you can choose to receive Direct Payments. You can use your Direct Payments to employ a Personal Assistant in Care.
If you do not want to be assessed by your local authority, or you are not eligible for funding, you can pay for a Personal Assistant in Care privately.
You may be receiving a Personal Health Budget from the NHS which could be used to employ a Personal Assistant in Care.
Maintaining a good relationship with your Personal Assistant
You’ll spend a lot of time with your Personal Assistant, so communication is really important. Giving feedback and managing issues as they come up will mean you can maintain a good relationship that works for both of you.
Scope has information about how to manage problems with your Personal Assistant, including giving feedback, tips on how to have a good working relationship with your Personal Assistant, and how to dismiss your Personal Assistant if things aren’t working.
Skills for Care also has information about how to manage problems.