Crossword Genius

Now employers have to be obliged (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

owe

'be obliged' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'now employers have' is the wordplay.
'have' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'OWE' can be found hidden inside 'now employers'.

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for owe that I've seen before include "Be obliged to pay" , "Need to pay" , "Ben in debt" , "Have obligation to pay" , "Have a duty to pay" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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