It is possible to pay either yourself or somebody who works for you a salary without having to inform HMRC or set up a PAYE scheme ( Pay As You Earn ).
However, if the amount that somebody earns goes over the figures outlined below then you are required to contact HMRC to set up a payroll scheme for your business:
( 2009-2010 tax year figures )
Being responsible for a firms payroll scheme can be quiet a large burden as it involves you acting as a tax collector on behalf of the government!
Once you pay employees more than the above amounts then you are required to deduct a percentage of their earnings to pay their income tax and National Insurance liabilities.
This money is paid to HMRC on a monthly or quarterly basis and you are required to submit monthly and yearly returns as evidence you are running the scheme correctly.