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Employer of Record UK

Hire people compliantly - in as little as 24 hours.

Onboard UK workers through our own registered entity: We take care of paperwork, you take care of business.

Expand into the UK with confidence

When it comes to hiring employees in the UK, Agility makes it easy. Our experienced team takes care of everything from onboarding the people you need to managing contracts, payroll and compliance, so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

With extensive expertise in the UK and Channel Islands markets, we ensure your expansion is seamless, compliant and supported by local experts from day one.

Currency

Pound (GBP)

Population

Approx. 69.5 Million

Capital city

London

Minimum wage

GBP 12.71 per hour

Local language

English

Working hours

37.5 – 40 hours per week

hire uk talent

Agility EOR is a specialist in helping companies expand into the UK

Save time, reduce costs and minimize risk

Expanding into a new market and hiring remote employees in the UK doesn't have to be complicated or costly. With Agility as your Employer of Record (EOR), you can avoid the time, expense and hassle of setting up your own local entity, allowing you to hire the best people, get your plans off the ground sooner and start doing business with confidence.

We handle everything from employment contracts and payroll to employee benefits and local compliance, taking care of the complexities so you don't have to.

No delays. No stress. Just expert support.

Our streamlined onboarding process and dedicated local expertise make it easier to build your team and get up and running quickly. No unnecessary complexity. No administrative headaches. Just seamless onboarding, reduced risk and outstanding support from day one.

Overseas hire the easy way

How it works

Tell us who you want to hire and we'll start onboarding them quickly - and without risk.

1. Choose your hire

You know who you want working on your team - now let us handle the rest: Contract, payroll, tax registration and pension.

2. We'll onboard

Agility issues a fully compliant UK employment contract, runs the right-to-work checks and sets up PAYE payroll.

3. Work begins

Start directing work and managing performance while we take care of monthly payroll, statutory leave and compliance.

Our EOR Portal

Human support you can trust, with the tech you need to grow

We pair hands-on service with smart technology. Our user-friendly EOR portal supports the onboarding process to get your new employees up and running quickly and helps you stay on top of the admin.

Track the onboarding process

Submit payroll

Manage absences and contract changes

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move fast

Onboard in as little as 24 hours with EOR UK

At Agility EOR, we understand that time is of the essence when expanding your business. That’s why we’ve designed an efficient and streamlined process to onboard new employees in as little as 24 hours.

An easy-to-use platform

Manage all of your hires via our Employer of Record platform - for complete transparency.

Stress-free onboarding

Set your UK and Channel Island hires up quickly and confidently, leaving the paperwork to us.

Accurate monthly payroll

We manage payroll so that you stay compliant and your team gets paid, on time, every time.

Cost-effective hiring

No costly overhead, no long-term investments. Our EOR model keeps costs low and predictable.

No entity required

Avoid the trouble and expense of setting up your own entity and let us act as the legal employer.

Local compliance

Our expertise in local compliance will give you full peace of mind and the confidence to act.

Cost Calculator

Use our easy calculator to explore the employment costs in the United Kingdom.
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Contact us for a quote

Our agents are available now to discuss your needs and offer a no obligation quote

Everything you need to know about hiring in the UK and using an Employer of Record

Hiring abroad is a big step, so to help you along the way we've brought together the articles and guides that delve deep into acquiring talent and building a team in the UK. Here you'll find answers to the most common and pressing questions, such as what an EOR actually does, as well as insights into the most pressing UK employment law and legislation questions. Still can't find what you're looking for? Contact us for more or check out our FAQ section below.

What services does an EOR in the UK actually provide?

An EOR handles the legal side of employment so you don't have to set up a UK entity. That typically includes payroll, employment contracts, pension auto-enrollment, benefits administration and HMRC compliance. Our full breakdown of EOR services: what's included covers exactly what you should expect from a provider. Need some help getting started finding the right people in the UK? Our step-by-step checklist to hiring in the UK should help.

Why do companies use an EOR in the UK?

It's not just about compliance — though that's a big part. An EOR removes the cost and delay of incorporating, gives you access to local expertise, and lets you hire in weeks rather than months. Our guide to the benefits of using an EOR in the UK explains the practical advantages beyond the paperwork.

How do I choose the best EOR provider for the UK?

Not all EOR providers work the same way. Some own their own entities, others use partners. Pricing models vary, and so does the level of support. Our 2026 comparison of the best EOR providers in the UK explains what to look for and how the market stacks up.

How much holiday are UK employees entitled to?

Every UK worker gets a minimum of 5.6 weeks' paid holiday per year — that's 28 days for someone working five days a week, including bank holidays if the employer counts them. Our guide to UK holiday entitlement explains how it works in practice, including accrual, carry-over and part-time calculations.

What are the rules on maternity and paternity leave in the UK?

Eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, with statutory pay for the first 39 weeks. Paternity leave gives partners up to two weeks. Our guide to UK maternity and paternity leave covers leave rights, pay rates and what changed in April 2026.

How does Statutory Sick Pay work?

SSP is now payable from day one of sickness absence. Employers must pay the statutory rate for up to 28 weeks to eligible employees. Our guide to UK Statutory Sick Pay explains the current rates, eligibility rules and the process you need to follow

What are the UK workplace pension requirements?

Every employer must auto-enroll eligible workers into a pension scheme and contribute at least 3% of qualifying earnings (8% in total with the employee's share). Our guide to UK workplace pension and auto-enrollment covers the qualifying earnings band, opt-out rules and what an EOR handles on your behalf.

How much notice do I need to give a UK employee?

The statutory minimum is one week for each complete year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. Contracts often specify longer. Our guide to UK notice periods explains statutory and contractual notice, payment in lieu and garden leave.

What is the redundancy process in the UK?

If you're reducing headcount, there's a legal process to follow — including consultation, selection criteria and statutory redundancy pay. Getting it wrong can lead to an unfair dismissal claim. Our guide to UK redundancy law covers the full process, pay calculations and employer obligations.

What counts as fair dismissal in the UK — and what's changed?

UK law distinguishes between fair and unfair dismissal, and the rules are tightening. From January 2027, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims drops to six months. Our guide to UK termination and dismissal explains fair reasons for dismissal, the process you must follow, and the new timeline. For a more expansive look, visit our UK employment rights guide for more.

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Considering switching your EOR?

Switching your EOR provider can be smooth and stress-free. Learn how to streamline the process, minimise disruption, and ensure your team feels supported in every step.

UK employment rules at a glance

The numbers international employers ask about most, all on one page. Every figure is for the 2026/27 tax year and links through to the full guide.

TopicWhat applies in 2026/27Read the guide
Paid holiday5.6 weeks a year – 28 days for a five-day week, which can include bank holidaysUK holiday entitlement
Maternity and paternity leaveUp to 52 weeks' maternity leave with statutory pay for 39 weeks (£194.32 a week); two weeks' paternity leaveMaternity and paternity leave
Statutory Sick PayPayable from day one of absence at £123.25 a week, for up to 28 weeksStatutory Sick Pay
Workplace pensionAuto-enroll eligible workers; employer pays at least 3% (8% in total) on earnings between £6,240 and £50,270Workplace pension and auto-enrollment
Notice periodsStatutory minimum of one week per complete year of service, up to 12 weeks; contracts often say moreUK notice periods
Redundancy payDue after two years' service; weekly pay capped at £751, maximum £22,530UK redundancy law
Unfair dismissalQualifying period falls from two years to six months from 1 January 2027Termination and dismissal
Minimum wage£12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over from April 2026UK minimum wage 2026
Employer National Insurance15% on each employee's earnings above £5,000 a yearEmployer National Insurance
Right to workChecks must be completed before the employee's first dayRight to work checks

What does it cost to employ someone in the UK through an EOR?

Most EOR providers quote a flat monthly fee per employee. The real question is the total cost to your business once you add employer taxes, pension contributions and insurance. Here is a worked example for a £60,000 salary.

Cost itemHow it is worked outAnnual amount
Gross salaryAgreed with the employee£60,000.00
Employer National Insurance15% of earnings above £5,000£8,250.00
Workplace pension3% employer minimum on qualifying earnings (£6,240–£50,270)£1,320.90
Apprenticeship Levy0.5% of pay bill – only if your UK pay bill exceeds £3 million£0 – £300.00
Benefits and insuranceEstimated£200.00
Total employer cost before the EOR fee£69,770.90 – £70,070.90
EOR feeIllustrative £400–£600 a month£4,800 – £7,200
All-in annual cost£74,570.90 – £77,270.90

These figures are illustrative and based on standard UK employer contribution rates for 2026/27. The Apprenticeship Levy applies only to employers with an annual pay bill above £3 million. Pension contributions are calculated on qualifying earnings between £6,240 and £50,270. Actual costs vary with the employer's circumstances, pension arrangements, benefits and provider fees. Many companies find the fee is recouped through the time saved on paperwork and the peace of mind that everything is handled accurately.

Essential guides to hiring in the UK

Use these guides to get to the information you need fast. Each one is written for international employers and kept up to date with the current tax year.

AreaGuideWhat it covers
Getting startedHow to hire employees in the UKThe complete employer's guide, from first hire to ongoing compliance
Your first UK hire: step-by-step checklistEverything to tick off before, during and after onboarding
EOR services: what's includedExactly what you should expect from a provider
EOR vs setting up a UK entityCost and risk compared, and when each makes sense
EOR UK costReal numbers at three salary levels using 2026/27 rates
Employment law and complianceUK employment lawThe full guide for international employers
UK employment contractsWhat a contract must include by law
Equality Act 2010Discrimination law obligations every UK employer must follow
Converting a contractor to an employeeIR35, misclassification risk and how the conversion works
IR35 explainedHow the off-payroll rules work for international employers
UK right to work checksThe process you must complete before a new hire starts
Payroll, tax and payUK payroll and taxEverything you need to get your hires paid on time, every time
How UK PAYE worksRegistering, reporting to HMRC and paying what you owe
UK payslip requirementsExactly what must appear on every payslip
Employer National InsuranceThe 15% rate, thresholds and how to calculate what you owe
UK National InsuranceRates, classes and what employers and employees each pay
UK tax codesWhat they mean, how they are assigned and what to do when one is wrong
UK minimum wage 2026Current rates, who qualifies and the penalties for getting it wrong
UK payroll for foreign companiesHow to run UK payroll without a local entity
EOR UK visa sponsorshipHow sponsorship works through an EOR and what it costs
Global Reach

FAQs

If you don’t find the answers you need in our FAQ, please reach out directly; Agility’s friendly specialists are always available to help and ensure you feel confident in your decisions. Contact Agility anytime at hello@agilityeor.com or call +44 207 863 2969, and experience the difference of a truly service-led EOR partner.

What is an Employer of Record in the UK?

A UK-registered company that becomes the legal employer of your hire. It handles the contract, payroll, tax and statutory obligations while you direct the day-to-day work. Read our guide to using an EOR for hiring people overseas.

How much does a UK EOR cost?

Most providers charge £250–£600 per worker per month as a flat fee. The bigger cost is employer National Insurance at 15% above £5,000 — that’s non-negotiable whoever employs them. Our cost to hiring an EOR breakdown guide explains everything you need to know.

Can an EOR sponsor a UK work visa?

Yes, if like Agility EOR, it holds its own Skilled Worker sponsor license. Budget £6,000–£14,000 in visa on-costs per sponsored worker on a 3–5 year visa, which is explained more thoroughly in our 'How visa sponsorship works' guide.

EOR or my own UK entity?

With 1–4 hires and no UK customer contracts, an EOR is simpler and cheaper. At 5+ permanent staff, your own entity starts to make sense. Many companies use an EOR for 6–18 months, then transition. There can be no mistake that hiring UK employees without a legal entity is made easy with an EOR but for more information see our handy EOR vs Entity comparison to get a better understanding.

What's the difference between an EOR and an umbrella company?

An umbrella processes contractor payroll through agencies. An EOR employs permanent workers on full UK contracts with all statutory rights. Different markets, different structures. Find out more on our EOR vs umbrella explained page.

What's changing in UK employment law?

As we explain in our UK employment law guide, The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduced day-one sick pay and family leave rights in April 2026, and from January 2027 unfair dismissal protection kicks in after six months instead of two years.

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Europe

Our global EOR coverage

As well as supporting businesses looking to the UK for expansion, we provide personalized HR, payroll and benefits support across Europe and the globe. Wherever your business focus, Agility EOR will ensure you're never held back, whatever your ambitions, and that your workforce is taken care of along the way.

Ready to talk?

Take the first step toward expanding your business whether it's in the UK or further afield. At Agility EOR we have local expertise and a global reach that will help you hire top talent, maintain compliance and scale your operations—effortlessly.

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