{"id":1383,"date":"2025-05-28T07:56:59","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T07:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/staff\/ern-number\/"},"modified":"2025-05-28T07:57:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T07:57:00","slug":"ern-number","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ern-number\/","title":{"rendered":"What is an Employer Reference Number (ERN)? A small business guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have employees, it\u2019s likely your business will have an Employer Reference Number (ERN).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to know your ERN number as you\u2019ll use it frequently when completing payroll, filing tax returns, or buying employers\u2019 liability insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may also need to provide your ERN to employees if they want to apply for Universal Credit or tax credits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-employer-reference-number\">What is an Employer Reference Number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An Employer Reference Number (ERN) is a unique number given to your business by HMRC when you register for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) \u2013 it\u2019s also known as an employer PAYE reference number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ERN is a unique combination of letters and numbers, used by HMRC to identify a business for employment or tax purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#find\">Where can I find my PAYE reference number?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#why\">Why and when do you need an ERN number?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#get\">How to get an ERN in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#issues\">Common ERN issues and how to resolve them<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#used\">How are Employer Reference Numbers used?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#insurer\">Why do I need to give my ERN to my insurer?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#identifiers\">Employer Reference Numbers vs other HMRC identifiers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#exceptions\">What are the exceptions to PAYE?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#faqs\">Employer Reference Number FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find\">Where can I find my PAYE reference number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employers can find their ERN in several places, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>HMRC correspondence <\/strong>\u2013 when you first register as an employer with HMRC, you\u2019ll receive a confirmation letter and welcome pack. Both of these will include your ERN, usually in the top right hand corner. It\u2019s sometimes labelled as an \u2018employer PAYE reference\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>employer forms<\/strong> \u2013 ERNs are included on forms such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-a-p11d-and-whats-changing\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1137\" >P11Ds<\/a>, P45s, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/how-to-get-a-p60\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1096\" >P60s<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>payslips<\/strong> \u2013 your Employer Reference Number should appear on any payslip generated by your payroll software<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>HMRC online account<\/strong> \u2013 you should also be able to find your PAYE reference number in your HMRC account and in emails from HMRC relating to PAYE<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-an-ern-number-look-like\">What does an ERN number look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An Employer Reference Number<strong> <\/strong>is made up of two parts: a three-digit HMRC office number, and a reference number unique to your business. It\u2019ll usually look something like 123\/A45678 or 123\/AB45678 (though there can be exceptions).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\">Why and when do you need an ERN number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an employer, you\u2019ll need an ERN in several circumstances, such as filing paperwork for HMRC or on request of your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are three common instances when you\u2019ll need your Employer Reference Number:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Payroll and tax<\/strong> \u2013 an Employer Reference Number is a requirement of registering with PAYE. You won\u2019t be able to run payroll or submit end-of-year returns without one.<strong> <\/strong>An invalid or missing ERN is one of the most common reasons end-of-year returns are rejected<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Employee documentation<\/strong> \u2013 your employees may ask you for the business\u2019s ERN if they need to fill out a form for the Student Loans Company or apply for Universal Credit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>Insurance<\/strong> \u2013 if you employ people, it\u2019s a legal requirement to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/employers-liability-insurance\/\">employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/a>. Your insurer will ask for your ERN when buying this cover. This is a Financial Conduct Authority requirement and allows them to track your policy if you make a claim in the future<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, if you\u2019ve registered as an employer with HMRC, it\u2019s a legal requirement to have an ERN. If you run the business and pay yourself through PAYE, you\u2019ll still need one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get\">How to get an ERN in the UK (Registering as an employer)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You get your PAYE reference number when you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/register-employer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">register as an employer<\/a> with HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-structure\/setting-up-a-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1270\" >limited company<\/a> with up to nine directors, you can register as an employer online. You\u2019ll need to answer questions about your business before signing in to your Government Gateway account to register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most other businesses, such as sole traders, partnerships, or companies that hire subcontractors under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/construction-industry-scheme-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1240\" >Construction Industry Scheme<\/a> (CIS), you may be able to register online. However, in some circumstances you may have to register by phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get your PAYE reference number, you\u2019ll need to register before your employee\u2019s first payday (you can\u2019t register more than two months in advance). You\u2019ll be sent your ERN in a letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to pay someone before you get your ERN, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">run payroll<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">store the full payment submission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">send a late <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/running-payroll\/fps-after-payday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">full payment submission to HMRC<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"issues\">Common issues with ERN numbers and how to resolve them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An issue with an Employer Reference Number could cause problems for your business, either with HMRC or your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-i-ve-lost-my-ern-number\"><strong>What if I\u2019ve lost my ERN number?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to keep hold of your employer PAYE reference number, as you\u2019ll need it regularly throughout the tax year. If you lose it, you\u2019ll be able to find it in letters or emails about PAYE from HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019ll also appear on any P45s or P60s for previous or current employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t have any record of your ERN, it may be that you\u2019re not registered as an employer. If this is the case, but you\u2019re employing or intend to employ someone, you should register as soon as possible. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/am-i-self-employed-employment-status\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1047\" >employment status guide<\/a> to work out what applies to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-delayed-or-incorrect-ern\">Delayed or incorrect ERN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may experience a delay in receiving your ERN from HMRC. Delays of five to 10 days are common, so you may just have to wait.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your delay is longer, you can check your employer registration application status on HMRC\u2019s online portal. Alternatively, you can call HMRC\u2019s PAYE helpline on 0300 200 3200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your ERN details are incorrect, you\u2019ll need to contact HMRC with the correct information. Acting quickly can save future payroll issues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-confusion-with-accounts-office-reference-number\">Confusion with Accounts Office reference number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employers sometimes confuse Employer Reference Numbers with Accounts Office reference numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ERN identifies a business\u2019s PAYE registration. On the other hand, an Accounts Office reference number tracks payments made to HMRC\u2019s accounts office.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both are likely to appear on payslips and payment letters, so it\u2019s important to understand and be able to distinguish the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"used\"><strong>How are <\/strong><strong>Employer Reference Number<\/strong><strong>s used?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a business, you\u2019ll use your Employer Reference Number in a different way to HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employers commonly use ERNs for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>payroll administration<\/strong> \u2013 your ERN will be included in every full payment submission you make, as well as on payslips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>employment history<\/strong> \u2013 if a claim is made against you, you may need to use ERNs to work out someone\u2019s employment history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/strong> \u2013 you\u2019ll need to provide your ERN when you buy this insurance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HMRC commonly uses ERNs for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>tax collection<\/strong> \u2013 to identify your business when you pay income tax and National Insurance through PAYE<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>linking PAYE schemes<\/strong> \u2013 if a business works out of different locations, or is merged or acquired by another business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>compliance monitoring<\/strong> \u2013 to track a business\u2019s payroll and tax history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"insurer\">Why do I need to give my ERN to my insurer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Employers\u2019 Liability Tracing Office (ELTO) has set up a database to help employees identify their past employers\u2019 insurers, making it easier for them to make an employers\u2019 liability claim. You\u2019ll therefore need your ERN when you buy employers\u2019 liability insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The HMRC ERN helps you identify which firms an employee has worked for in case they make a claim against you. Say they develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos and claim you\u2019re responsible. Using ERNs, it\u2019s easy to see where else that employee has worked (and, for the sake of this example, find out they were only exposed to asbestos in their previous job).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"identifiers\">Employer Reference Numbers vs other HMRC identifiers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ERNs are sometimes confused with other HMRC numbers used in tax and payroll processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as the Accounts Office reference number, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-a-utr-number\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1195\" >unique taxpayer reference<\/a> (UTR) number is also sometimes confused with an ERN. A UTR number is unrelated to PAYE and is used as part of the Self Assessment tax return process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By understanding the differences between these numbers, employers can ensure a smooth payroll and ensure compliance with HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exceptions\">What are the exceptions to PAYE?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You won\u2019t have an employer PAYE reference number if you don\u2019t have to register under PAYE. You don\u2019t have you register for PAYE if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your employees are paid as self-employed or paid via an agency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">no employee earns more than the lower earnings limit (\u00a3123 a week in 2024-25 and \u00a3125 a week in 2025-26)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your employees are unpaid volunteers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your business is based in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\">Employer Reference Number FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-can-i-find-the-ern-number\">Where can I find the ERN number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find your ERN number in correspondence from HMRC, on employer forms such as P11Ds and P45s, on payslips generated by your payroll software, and on your online HMRC account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-an-ern-number-the-same-as-a-paye-number\">Is an ERN number the same as a PAYE number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, an Employer Reference Number is the same as a PAYE number. It\u2019s also sometimes called an employer PAYE reference number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-example-of-an-ern-number\">What is an example of an ERN number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an example of an Employer Reference Number \u2013 123\/A45678 or 123\/AB45678.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An ERN is a unique combination of letters and numbers. It\u2019s usually made up of two parts \u2013 a three-digit HMRC office number and a reference number for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-a-business-have-more-than-one-ern\">Can a business have more than one ERN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, a business can have more than one ERN. However, most small businesses will only have one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reasons for having more than one ERN include larger businesses operating from different locations or businesses that have been acquired by or merged with another business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If you have a Simply Business policy with us, please <a href=\"https:\/\/help.simplybusiness.co.uk\/hc\/en-gb\/sections\/5077435068957-Paye-ERN?_gl=1*qjfdaq*_gcl_au*MzgwODY2NzU4LjE3NDUyNDUxNzg.*_ga*NzI2MDk1NzUuMTY1ODQxMDc3NA..*_ga_PCBVYX06QP*czE3NDc4MzM3MzUkbzI4MiRnMSR0MTc0NzgzMzk2MSRqMjYkbDAkaDAkZEpFeGJIRUc1YzVna3lOVm40Zks5bGZFQVVTZ0VQclE4Z2c.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">submit your employer PAYE reference number<\/a> (ERN) if you haven\u2019t already.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Useful guides for small businesses <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/what-is-garden-leave\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1272\">What is gardening leave? A guide for employers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/occupational-health-for-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1248\">How to create an occupational health policy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\">Self Assessment tax returns: a guide for the self-employed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-does-employers-liability-insurance-cover\/\">What does employers&#8217; liability insurance cover?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"lookingforemployersliabilitycover\">Looking for employers&#8217; liability cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> provider, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/employers-liability-insurance\/\">employers&#8217; liability insurance<\/a>. We&#8217;ll run you a quick, tailored quote right now online, and let you decide if we&#8217;re a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An ERN is allocated by HMRC when you register as an employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":3630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336,342],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[20],"class_list":["post-1383","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-structure","category-staff"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is an ERN? (Employer Reference Number)?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An ERN (Employer Reference Number) is a unique PAYE reference number HMRC gives employers. Learn how to find your ERN and why it\u2019s required.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ern-number\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is an Employer Reference Number?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The ERN is a set of letters and numbers used by HMRC and others to identify your firm.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ern-number\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Simply Business UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-28T07:57:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/what-is-an-ern-number-paye-reference.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"What is an Employer Reference Number (ERN)? A small business guide\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@simplybusiness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"Conor Shilling\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ern-number\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/ern-number\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Conor Shilling\",\"description\":\"Conor Shilling is a professional writer with over 10 years\u2019 experience across the property, small business, and insurance sectors. A trained journalist, Conor\u2019s previous experience includes writing for several leading online property trade publications. Conor has worked at Simply Business as a Copywriter for three years, specialising in the buy-to-let market, landlords, and small business finance. <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/conor-shilling-b646632a\/\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\" rel=\\\"noopener\\\">Connect with Conor on LinkedIn.<\/a>\"},\"headline\":\"What is an Employer Reference Number (ERN)? 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