A grant for equipment, support or travel if a disability or health condition, including mental health, affects your work or an employee's. Small employers pay nothing towards it.
Worth: Up to £69,260 a year per person
Apply online at GOV.UK or ring 0800 121 7479 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Apply early: waits have been long.
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work · 0800 121 7479
Run by Department for Work and Pensions · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Up to £10,500 a year off your employer National Insurance bill. You have to claim it through your payroll; it isn't automatic.
Worth: Up to £10,500 a year off employer National Insurance
In your payroll software (or HMRC Basic PAYE Tools), set the Employment Allowance indicator to Yes on an Employer Payment Summary. Claim it every tax year. You can backdate up to 4 years if you've missed it.
https://www.gov.uk/claim-employment-allowance
Run by HM Revenue and Customs · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Training is free for apprentices under 25, there's no employer National Insurance on most of their pay, and from October 2026 small employers get £2,000 for hiring a 16 to 24 year old.
Worth: £2,000 hiring payment, free training for under-25s, no employer NI up to £50,270
Set up an apprenticeship service account, pick a standard and a training provider. The £2,000 is paid through your provider in two halves, with no separate application.
https://www.gov.uk/take-on-an-apprentice
Run by Department for Education · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Also: Business rates · Tax and HMRC · Grants, loans and bills · Free advice and someone to talk to