Implementation of the SHA-256-SSL BACS certification scheme that was due to take effect on 13 June has been delayed until 19 September because too many firms were not ready for it.
If you use BACS to make payments, including wages, you will need to update your system. The new system is more secure.
The Forum of Private Business has worked closely with BACS to highlight this issue to business owners and would encourage firms to check that their customers are also compliant.
Mike Hutchinson from BACS says: "This is the last chance for businesses to become compliant. If they don't make the necessary upgrades by the new deadline, they won't be able to use BACS to pay staff or their suppliers. They'll have to make other arrangements."
Any business yet to make the necessary changes should contact their software solutions provider, who will be able to help them.