BUSINESSES will not have to include the value of perks until the middle of the year when calculating social security payments.

A decision has been made to delay the introduction of new rules covering benefits in kind until the end of June.

It had originally been proposed that the new regime would come into force at the start of this year.

The delay has been agreed in order to avoid extensive changes to the system at a time when contributions for higher earners are increasing.

The value of perks, such as free or subsidised accommodation, share schemes/profit sharing, loans/mortgages, vouchers, crèche facilities and other benefits will now not have to be included in social security assessments until the start of the third quarter of the year.

However, directors’ fees are the exception and they are to be immediately included in the definition of earnings.