12 November 2025
On 6 November 2025, our very own Samantha O’Sullivan, policy and advisory lead, joined BBC Radio London to discuss a critical issue affecting employees across the UK: overpayments and their implications for employees. This follows the news that Westminster City Council staff were overpaid £480,000 over five years.
Speaking with host Jim Davis, Sam emphasised the strategic role payroll plays within organizations. Opening the segment with a powerful statement, she declared: “payrolls responsibility, we are a strategic, compliance based function within any organisation, and our mission is to pay employees accurately and on time. However, the pay that’s processed by pay teams can only be as accurate as the information, and the data in which, that they receive.” This message is central to the policy teams work at the CIPP, where promoting and elevating the payroll profession remains a top priority.
The conversation delved into the challenges surrounding payroll overpayments — an issue that can lead to confusion, financial stress, and legal disputes if not handled properly. Sam highlighted the importance of clear communication and robust internal processes to prevent such errors, noting that payroll professionals are often the unsung heroes ensuring financial stability for millions of workers.
One key theme of the interview was the need for greater education within organisations about payroll cut-off deadlines. These deadlines, often misunderstood or overlooked, are essential to ensuring that pay is processed accurately and on time. Sam urged businesses to upskill their teams and clients, stressing that proactive education can prevent costly mistakes and foster trust between employers and employees.
Please do tune in to the full interview, which aired at 7:13am, to hear more insights on payroll compliance, employee rights, and the evolving role of payroll professionals in today’s workforce.
As the payroll landscape continues to grow in complexity, the call to action was clear: organisations must prioritise education, accuracy, and strategic thinking in their payroll operations.
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