As global hiring becomes the norm for modern businesses, the United Kingdom (UK) continues to attract foreign employers with its dynamic economy, tech-driven workforce, and strategic location. However, hiring employees in the UK comes with its own legal, administrative, and cultural complexities—making Employer of record services a valuable solution for companies looking to expand efficiently and compliantly.
To simplify this process, many companies turn to Employer of Record services in the United Kingdom. An EOR enables companies to hire UK-based employees quickly, without having to set up a local entity or navigate UK employment law on their own.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the 10 best Employer of Record service providers in the UK, outlining their offerings, pros and cons, pricing, and why they stand out.
Table of Contents
- Key Insights for Hiring in the UK
- What is an Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK?
- Why Hire Employees in the UK?
- How to Choose an EOR Partner in the UK
- Top 10 EOR Providers in the United Kingdom
- Benefits of Using an EOR in the UK
- Key EOR Services in the United Kingdom
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Key Insights for Hiring in the UK
| Attribute | Details |
| Capital City | London |
| Currency | British Pound (GBP) |
| Payroll Frequency | Monthly |
| Official Language | English |
| Approximate Population | 67 million |
| Public Holidays | 8–10 (varies by country) |
What is an Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK?
An Employer of Record in the UK is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on behalf of a foreign company. The EOR manages all employment responsibilities—payroll, tax compliance, benefits, and contracts—so that businesses can expand into the UK without establishing a local subsidiary.
Example:
Let’s say a startup in Singapore wants to hire sales professionals in London but doesn’t want to spend months registering a local entity. An EOR in the UK becomes the legal employer, handling HMRC compliance, pension contributions, and employment contracts, while the client company retains operational control.
Why Hire Employees in the UK?
The United Kingdom offers a wealth of opportunities for companies looking to expand:
- Highly educated and multilingual talent pool
- A robust fintech, life sciences, and creative sector
- Favorable time zone for managing both US and EU clients
- Strong legal infrastructure and business ecosystem
Hiring through an EOR in the UK allows companies to tap into these advantages without getting entangled in complex legal obligations or tax filings.
How to Choose an EOR Partner in the UK
When selecting the right Employer of Record provider in the UK, consider the following:
- UK Compliance Expertise: The EOR must understand UK-specific employment laws (Employment Rights Act, pension laws, IR35, etc.)
- Payroll Accuracy: Ensure they handle PAYE, National Insurance contributions, and real-time payroll submissions to HMRC.
- Benefits Administration: Look for providers who manage statutory benefits like auto-enrolled pensions, sick pay, and maternity leave.
- GDPR Compliance: Data protection and secure handling of employee information must be a priority.
- Client Support: Check response times, onboarding support, and post-hire management.
- Pricing Transparency: Confirm pricing models are clear and inclusive of all mandatory employer costs.
Top 10 EOR Providers in the United Kingdom
Here’s our curated list of top-rated EOR providers that specialize in UK employment:
1. Asanify
A rapidly growing global EOR platform, Asanify offers seamless onboarding, payroll, and compliance management for UK employees. Known for its affordability and outstanding support, Asanify delivers best-in-class FX rates and employee self-service tools.
Strengths:
- Fast onboarding
- Transparent flat pricing
- Automated UK PAYE and pension setup
- HRMS integration and 24/7 customer support
Pricing: Starting from £160 per employee/month
2. Remote
Remote offers employment and contractor management across 180+ countries, including full EOR services in the UK. They offer a centralized platform with benefits management, IP protection, and GDPR compliance.
Strengths:
- IP Guard for UK law
- Robust benefits management
- Strong data security
Pricing: From $599 per employee/month
3. Deel
Deel is a leading global EOR provider with fast onboarding in the UK. Their legal partners ensure full compliance with IR35 and other employment regulations.
Strengths:
- Real-time payroll sync with HMRC
- Integrated with UK pension schemes
- Contract customization and e-signature tools
Pricing: $599 per employee/month
4. Papaya Global
Papaya Global offers scalable payroll and EOR services in the UK. It’s known for strong analytics, automation, and enterprise-grade security features.
Strengths:
- Payroll cost forecasting
- Local pension auto-enrollment
- In-app analytics and workforce insights
Pricing: $650–$700 per employee/month
5. Rippling
Rippling’s EOR solution integrates deeply with its HRIS and IT management tools. It’s ideal for US-based companies expanding into the UK who also need device and access management.
Strengths:
- End-to-end HR, IT, and finance integration
- Device and access control
- Supports UK bank integrations
Pricing: Custom quote required
6. Oyster
Oyster offers a transparent EOR model with UK hiring expertise. It helps companies hire full-time workers with tailored benefits and compliance tools.
Strengths:
- Equity and pension integration
- Free tools for employment cost forecasting
- Local legal teams for compliance
Pricing: $499 per employee/month
7. Multiplier
Multiplier supports hiring in over 150 countries, including the UK. It simplifies the legal employment process and offers detailed reports for HR tracking.
Strengths:
- IR35 compliant contracts
- UK tax compliance support
- Auto-generated payslips and employment documents
Pricing: $400 per employee/month
8. Globalization Partners (G-P)
G-P is an established name in EOR services with an expansive platform and localized HR teams in the UK. Its UK payroll solution is compliant and scalable.
Strengths:
- Local HR team support
- Global contractor and employee management
- Fast UK onboarding
Pricing: Quote-based
9. Omnipresent
Omnipresent offers reliable support for companies hiring in the UK, with a focus on GDPR compliance and automated HR workflows.
Strengths:
- Document compliance automation
- Local statutory benefits handled end-to-end
- Custom onboarding workflows
Pricing: $499 per employee/month
10. Skuad
Skuad supports hiring in over 160 countries and offers EOR services with multi-currency payments, UK-compliant contracts, and integrated payroll.
Strengths:
- Fully digital onboarding in under 48 hours
- Employee document vault
- Automated tax and compliance updates
Pricing: $199–$300 per employee/month
Benefits of Using an EOR in the UK
Hiring via an Employer of Record in the UK comes with a host of advantages:
- No Legal Entity Required: Start hiring in the UK without setting up a branch or subsidiary.
- Fast Market Entry: Onboard employees in a matter of days, not months.
- Compliance Assurance: Stay fully aligned with UK labor laws, IR35, and GDPR.
- Simplified Payroll: Automated payroll submissions to HMRC and pension deductions.
- Cost Efficiency: Avoid entity setup and reduce operational costs.
- Local Expertise: EORs help you navigate the nuances of UK employment policies and cultural expectations.
Selection Criteria for Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK
To determine the best EOR providers for hiring employees in the United Kingdom, we developed a structured evaluation process based on the most important factors in UK employment—compliance, payroll accuracy, smooth onboarding, and localized support. Our methodology combines updated market research with a side-by-side comparison of provider capabilities to help global businesses make informed decisions.
Below is the framework we used to assess which EOR services offer the highest value and most reliable performance for scaling your team in the UK.
Core EOR Capabilities (25%)
All providers had to meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this list:
- A legal framework to employ talent in the UK without requiring your own local entity
- Payroll processing in Great British Pounds (GBP), with correct HMRC tax calculations
- Locally compliant benefits administration, including pension auto-enrollment and leave entitlements
- Visa and work permit support for non-UK hires
- Adherence to GDPR and robust information security procedures
Additional Differentiators (25%)
To highlight providers that offer more than just the basics, we also reviewed the following:
- Advanced technology platforms that streamline onboarding, payroll, and compliance
- Specialization in key UK industries such as technology, life sciences, or financial services
- Remote work and global mobility features
- Case-specific support for immigration or sponsorship complexities
- IT asset and equipment handling for remote employees
- Initiatives related to sustainability and responsible employment
Industry Experience (10%)
We assessed provider credibility based on their experience in UK employment and global HR:
- Years of operation in the EOR and international payroll space
- Professional certifications or third-party recognition in HR or compliance
- Knowledge of UK labor law and regional variations (e.g., Scotland or Northern Ireland)
- Capability to support hiring across other countries beyond the UK
- Depth of team experience and leadership credentials
Customer Onboarding Process (10%)
A smooth onboarding experience is essential when hiring internationally. We evaluated:
- Availability of detailed onboarding resources, checklists, and timelines
- Support for integration with HR software or tools
- Access to onboarding specialists or dedicated account managers
Customer Support Quality (10%)
Since your EOR acts as the employer of record, responsive support is a priority. We looked at:
- Multilingual support teams operating across time zones
- Availability across email, phone, and live chat channels
- Quality and speed of issue resolution, based on user reviews
- Assigned account managers for consistent communication
Value for Price (10%)
We measured pricing transparency and overall value based on:
- Clear and itemized pricing with no hidden service fees
- Flexibility in pricing tiers for companies of different sizes
- Cost-effectiveness in relation to the depth of services offered
Customer Reviews and Feedback (10%)
Real user feedback helped us validate claims and surface patterns. We analyzed:
- Aggregate user ratings across platforms like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot
- UK-specific testimonials related to payroll accuracy and HR compliance
- Customer references to reliable support, user-friendly tools, or scalability
This comprehensive evaluation allowed us to identify the top Employer of Record providers that not only ensure legal compliance in the UK, but also provide high-impact support, efficient onboarding, and long-term value.
Key EOR Services in the United Kingdom
Here are the most important services provided by top UK EOR companies:
- UK Payroll Management
Accurate and compliant payroll runs with HMRC RTI submissions and tax withholding. - Pension Auto-enrollment
Handling statutory pension contributions and employee opt-outs in line with The Pensions Act. - Employment Contract Drafting
Compliant UK employment contracts, including clauses for probation, notice, sick pay, and termination. - Tax and National Insurance Filing
Employer contributions, National Insurance (NICs), and PAYE deductions handled monthly. - GDPR-Compliant Data Handling
Ensuring secure storage and transfer of employee data in compliance with UK GDPR. - Benefits Administration
Providing access to private healthcare, life insurance, and statutory leave entitlements. - Right to Work Verification
Confirming employee eligibility and handling visa sponsorships if applicable. - Dispute Resolution Support
Local HR teams help manage grievance processes and termination compliance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building a tech team in London or expanding your sales operations in Manchester, using an EOR in the UK simplifies the process and ensures compliance every step of the way.
From onboarding and payroll to benefits and legal documentation, the right EOR partner empowers your company to scale globally—without compromising on quality or legal risk.
FAQs
An EOR is a third-party company that employs workers on your behalf in the UK, managing payroll, contracts, and legal compliance.
No. With an EOR, you can hire employees in the UK without setting up a branch or subsidiary.
They calculate, withhold, and submit PAYE income tax and National Insurance contributions to HMRC.
Yes. EOR contracts must comply with UK employment law and clearly define roles, responsibilities, and entitlements.
Yes. Most EORs support private benefits alongside required auto-enrollment pension schemes.
Costs range from £160 to £550 per employee/month, depending on services and support levels.
Misclassification, IR35 non-compliance, pension auto-enrollment failure, and improper payroll deductions.
Typically within 5–10 business days, assuming documents and right-to-work checks are in order.
Yes. Most EORs offer support when you’re ready to establish your own entity in the UK.
Yes. Reputable EORs provide IR35-compliant contracts and contractor classification analysis.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
