Managing international hiring can be complicated — especially in the United Kingdom, where compliance, payroll, and tax regulations are constantly evolving. That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) services come in.
An EOR helps businesses hire and manage employees legally in a foreign country without setting up a local entity. They handle HR, payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance, allowing you to focus on business growth instead of paperwork.
If you’re expanding into the U.K., choosing the right EOR partner can save you time, money, and compliance risks. Below, we review the 10 best EOR services in the U.K., each evaluated for reliability, pricing transparency, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
What are Employer of Record (EOR) Services?
An Employer of Record (EOR) service is a company that helps businesses hire employees in other countries without needing to open a local office there. The EOR becomes the official employer on paper, handling things like payroll, taxes, benefits, and local labor laws, while the hiring company manages the employee’s daily work. This makes it easy and legal for businesses in the U.K. to build global teams quickly and safely.
Why are Employer of Record (EOR) Services Needed?
Employer of Record (EOR) services are needed because hiring employees in another country can be complicated and risky. Every country has its own employment laws, tax systems, and compliance rules—which can be hard for U.K. businesses to manage alone.
An EOR takes care of all these legal and payroll responsibilities, ensuring everything is done correctly and in line with local regulations. This allows businesses to hire global talent faster, save money on setting up foreign branches, and focus on growth instead of getting stuck in paperwork and compliance issues.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing an EOR Provider
Choosing the right Employer of Record (EOR) is not just about pricing — it’s about reliability, compliance, and flexibility. Here are the main factors every U.K. business should evaluate before selecting an EOR partner:
1. Legal and Compliance Expertise
The U.K. has specific employment laws, including IR35, PAYE (Pay As You Earn), and National Insurance requirements.
- Choose an EOR that owns its U.K. legal entity and provides HMRC-compliant employment contracts.
- Verify that they handle local tax filings, pension contributions, and insurance accurately.
Tip: Ask whether the provider directly operates in the U.K. or uses a third-party intermediary — because that affects compliance and liability.
2. Transparent Pricing Structure
Many EORs appear affordable but hide costs under “add-on fees.”
- Look for flat-rate pricing that includes payroll, benefits, and compliance.
- Ask upfront about costs for onboarding, offboarding, or employee benefits.
Pro Insight: Providers like Remote and Oyster are known for transparency, while enterprise EORs may charge extra for advanced HR support.
3. Data Security & GDPR Compliance
In the U.K., employee data must comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
- Ensure the EOR has ISO-certified data protection and local data centers in the EU or the U.K.
- Check for two-factor authentication, encrypted storage, and access control.
4. Onboarding Speed and Automation
Fast onboarding means faster productivity.
- Platforms like Deel and Multiplier can onboard new U.K. hires in under 48 hours.
- Choose EORs that offer digital document signing, automated payroll, and employee self-service dashboards.
5. Benefits and Local Perks
U.K. employees expect statutory benefits like pensions, paid leave, and sick pay — plus attractive extras like health insurance or gym memberships. Select an EOR that can customize local benefits packages to match employee expectations.
6. Integrations with Payroll & HR Tools
If you already use tools like Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, or BambooHR, your EOR should integrate smoothly. This helps centralize employee data and reduces manual errors.
7. Customer Support Quality
Since employment laws vary across regions, responsive support is crucial. Pick EORs that offer dedicated U.K. account managers or 24/7 multilingual support. Read reviews to ensure support isn’t outsourced to slow ticket systems.
8. Scalability and Global Reach
Even if you’re focused on the U.K. now, choose an EOR that supports expansion to other regions like Europe or Asia later. This saves time and legal complexity as your company grows.
9. Reporting & Analytics
If you manage a global team, analytics can help track salaries, compliance, and taxes efficiently. Look for platforms like Papaya Global that offer smart dashboards for financial teams.
10. Reputation & Customer Reviews
Always check real client feedback on platforms like G2, Capterra, or Trustpilot. Verified reviews can reveal whether the provider delivers what they promise — especially in U.K. compliance and support.
10 Top-Rated Employer of Record (EOR) Services in the U.K.
We analyzed the top global and U.K.-based Employer of Record (EOR) platforms by evaluating their legal and tax compliance strength in the U.K., ease of onboarding international employees, pricing structure and scalability for startups and SMEs, customer support quality, and response times.
We also reviewed verified user feedback from platforms such as Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra. According to the latest data on Trustpilot and G2, these 10 providers stand out for their overall reliability, advanced technology, and exceptional employer experience.
1. Deel
Deel is one of the most recognized EOR platforms globally and a top choice in the U.K. It helps companies hire employees or contractors in 150+ countries, including full compliance with U.K. employment laws.
Key Features
- Onboard U.K. employees in under 24 hours
- Automated tax and NI (National Insurance) contributions
- Built-in global payroll with currency conversion
- Integrated visa and immigration support
User Reviews
According to the latest data on Trustpilot and G2, Deel receives high marks for user-friendly onboarding, accuracy in payroll processing, and fast response times.
Pricing Overview
Pricing starts at around $599/month per employee, depending on volume and service tier.
Pros
- Excellent UI and automated workflow
- Transparent legal documents and localized contracts
- Fast onboarding and compliant payroll
Cons
- Slightly premium pricing for startups
- Limited customization for unique benefit schemes
Best For: Businesses that want a fully automated, all-in-one global hiring platform with minimal manual work.
Deel combines compliance, automation, and scalability — making it one of the most future-ready EOR tools in the U.K. market.
2. Horizons
Horizons (formerly New Horizons Global Partners) is popular among startups for its affordable and fast EOR onboarding.
Features
- Hire in 100+ countries
- Localized benefits and payroll options
- No need for a local entity
User Reviews
According to G2, users appreciate quick setup and clear pricing.
Pricing Overview
Starts around $349/month per employee.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Fast onboarding
- Great for small teams
Cons
- Limited HR customization
- Smaller support team
Best For: Startups and SMEs expanding into the U.K. on a tight budget.
Horizons is perfect for startups wanting a cost-effective and reliable EOR solution.
3. Papaya Global
Papaya Global offers one of the most powerful cloud platforms for global payroll and workforce management. It supports operations in over 160 countries, including deep coverage of the U.K. labor system.
Features
- Centralized platform for payroll, HR, and payments
- AI-powered analytics and workforce insights
- Real-time dashboard for multi-country management
User Reviews
Based on feedback on G2 and Capterra, users praise Papaya for its modern dashboard and quick customer support.
Pricing Overview
Custom pricing based on workforce size and required integrations.
Pros
- Excellent global scalability
- Modern, intuitive dashboard
- Multi-country compliance tracking
Cons
- Pricing can increase with large volumes
- Setup requires onboarding assistance
Best For: Fast-growing global companies that need centralized payroll and analytics.
Papaya Global is perfect for businesses scaling internationally that need control over multi-country payroll and compliance.
4. Oyster HR
Oyster HR makes global hiring simple, affordable, and people-first. It stands out for offering strong employee benefits and cost-efficient onboarding.
Features
- Hire and pay employees in 180+ countries
- Great healthcare and pension benefits options
- Compliance-ready contracts and templates
User Reviews
According to G2, Oyster HR users highlight its simplicity and excellent customer service.
Pricing Overview
Starts from $499/month per employee, with volume discounts available.
Pros
- Affordable entry point
- Comprehensive benefits packages
- Excellent UX/UI
Cons
- Limited integrations with 3rd-party tools
- Slight delay in document verification
Best For: Startups and SMBs looking for affordable, compliant EOR coverage in the U.K.
Oyster HR offers unbeatable value for small businesses seeking compliance and simplicity.
5. Velocity Global
Velocity Global is an enterprise-grade EOR with coverage in over 185 countries, including strong U.K. support. It’s known for large-scale HR solutions for corporations.
Features
- Entity-based compliance in 185+ countries
- Expert legal and immigration support
- Custom payroll reporting
User Reviews
According to G2 reviews, users value its expert legal assistance and enterprise-level scalability.
Pricing Overview
Custom pricing based on company size and region.
Pros
- High compliance standards
- Personalized legal assistance
- Great for complex enterprise needs
Cons
- Pricing not transparent
- The interface is less modern than its competitors
Best For: Enterprises expanding across multiple countries with complex legal structures.
Velocity Global is best suited for large enterprises needing hands-on legal and compliance support.
6. Rippling
Rippling isn’t just an EOR; it’s a full HR, payroll, and IT management ecosystem. It’s great for businesses that want automation across HR functions.
Features
- Manage HR, IT, and payroll in one platform
- Custom workflows and integrations (Slack, QuickBooks, etc.)
- Global contractor and employee management
User Reviews
G2 users rate Rippling highly for automation and integrations.
Pricing Overview
Starts from $8 per user/month for HR modules; EOR pricing varies.
Pros
- Full HRIS + IT management
- Excellent automation
- Easy integration with existing tools
Cons
- It can be complex for small teams
- Module-based pricing adds up
Best For: Tech-driven companies seeking a complete HR + IT ecosystem.
Rippling offers unmatched flexibility — perfect for growing digital businesses needing automation.
7. Safeguard Global
Safeguard Global focuses on compliance and workforce intelligence, serving both small and large companies.
Features
- Expert advice on employment law
- Payroll & benefits management
- Integrated compliance alerts
User Reviews
According to Trustpilot, clients appreciate its strong compliance assistance and detailed guidance.
Pricing Overview
Custom pricing based on region and services.
Pros
- Strong legal compliance
- Advisory-first approach
- Excellent HR consulting support
Cons
- Interface can feel dated
- Not the fastest onboarding
Best For: Organizations with complex compliance or legal concerns.
Safeguard Global is ideal for those prioritizing risk mitigation and compliance precision.
8. Globalization Partners (G-P)
Globalization Partners, now known as G-P, is one of the pioneers in the EOR industry with operations in over 180 countries.
Features
- End-to-end EOR and payroll management
- AI-driven “G-P Meridian” platform
- 24/7 customer support
User Reviews
According to G2 data, G-P receives strong ratings for support quality and platform reliability.
Pricing Overview
Custom pricing available on request.
Pros
- Proven industry leader
- 24/7 global support
- Strong automation tools
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited self-serve options
Best For: Established organizations needing a trusted, proven EOR partner.
G-P remains the gold standard for international employment compliance.
9. Atlas HXM
Atlas HXM focuses on delivering human experience management through cloud technology. It supports medium and large businesses looking for digital efficiency.
Features
- Global payroll automation
- Compliance and tax reporting tools
- Employee self-service dashboard
User Reviews
According to Trustpilot, users praise Atlas for intuitive reporting and reliable customer support.
Pricing Overview
Starts at approximately $595/month per employee.
Pros
- Cloud-first and efficient
- Good customer service
- Easy-to-read analytics
Cons
- May feel expensive for small startups
- Setup can take several weeks
Best For: Mid-sized and large organizations prioritizing data-driven HR insights.
Atlas HXM is a strong choice for mid-size enterprises needing digital transformation in HR.
10. Remote
Remote focuses on data protection and compliance, which is crucial for businesses hiring in the U.K. and across the EU. Its infrastructure is GDPR-first, ensuring top-tier privacy standards.
Features
- 100% in-house employment model
- Secure document storage (GDPR-ready)
- Local tax and benefits administration
- Contractor management and equity options
User Reviews
According to Trustpilot, users appreciate Remote’s strong security controls and transparent pricing.
Pricing Overview
Starts at approximately $599/month per employee.
Pros
- High data protection standards
- Clear, simple pricing
- Great for compliance-sensitive industries
Cons
- Slightly slower support in lower plans
- No built-in IT equipment management
Best For: Companies with strict data protection or GDPR requirements.
Ideal for companies that value compliance, security, and control when expanding across borders.
How We Selected These EOR Providers
We analyzed the top global and U.K.-based Employer of Record platforms based on:
- Legal and tax compliance strength in the U.K.
- Ease of onboarding international employees
- Pricing structure and scalability for startups and SMEs
- Customer support quality and response times
- Verified user reviews on Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra
According to the latest data on Trustpilot and G2, these 10 providers stand out for overall reliability, technology, and employer experience.
Comparison Table: Top EOR Services in the U.K.
| EOR Provider | Best For | Key Strength | Pricing Overview | Average User Rating* |
| Deel | SMEs and startups | Affordable plans & fast setup | From ~$599/month per employee | 4.7/5 |
| Horizons (formerly New Horizons Global Partners) |
Security & data compliance | GDPR-first infrastructure | From ~$349/month | 4.6/5 |
| Papaya Global | Global scalability | Centralized dashboard for 160+ countries | Custom pricing | 4.5/5 |
| Oyster HR | Distributed teams | Great employee benefits packages | From ~$499/month | 4.7/5 |
| Velocity Global | Enterprise-level companies | Local entities in 185+ countries | Custom pricing | 4.6/5 |
| Rippling | Automation & integrations | Full HRIS + IT + payroll suite | Starts at ~$8 per employee/month (modules vary) | 4.8/5 |
| Safeguard Global | Complex compliance | Expert advisory for legal frameworks | Custom pricing | 4.4/5 |
| Globalization Partners (G-P) | Large-scale global expansion | Deep legal expertise in 180+ countries | Custom pricing | 4.7/5 |
| Atlas HXM | Mid-sized to large orgs | Cloud-based HR and compliance tools | From ~$595/month | 4.5/5 |
| Remote | All-in-one global hiring | Seamless automation & local compliance | From ~$599/month | 4.6/5 |
*Ratings are based on aggregated data from Trustpilot and G2 user feedback (latest available 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly does an Employer of Record do?
An EOR acts as the legal employer for your workforce in another country, handling payroll, taxes, and compliance while you manage day-to-day operations.
Q2: How is EOR different from a PEO?
A PEO (Professional Employer Organization) co-employs workers, while an EOR becomes the legal employer, which is essential for cross-border hiring.
Q3: Is it legal to use EORs in the U.K.?
Yes. EOR services are legal and widely used for international hiring in compliance with U.K. labor laws.
Q4: How much do EOR services cost in the U.K.?
Average pricing ranges from $350–$650 per employee per month, depending on the provider and service tier.
Q5: What industries benefit most from EORs?
Tech, SaaS, marketing, finance, and global consulting firms often benefit most due to remote and cross-border workforce needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Employer of Record service can transform your global hiring strategy. Whether you’re a startup seeking affordability (like Horizons), or an enterprise needing compliance and scale (like G-P or Velocity Global), the right EOR saves time, reduces risk, and accelerates expansion.
When selecting, always focus on U.K. compliance strength, pricing transparency, and user experience — the three pillars of a dependable EOR partnership.
