Employer of Record in the UK

Expert-led solutions for IT hiring

Choose our Employer of Record in the United Kingdom:

Rapid hiring within 7 days.
Expert HR and payroll support—comprehensive management for compliance, taxes, and benefits.
Exclusive access to 40,000+ top-tier tech professionals.
15+ years of software development and global employment expertise, trusted by leaders.
Competitive rates with no hidden fees.

United Kingdom (UK)

Global tech powerhouse

One of the world’s largest IT markets, attracting major international investments.

High-growth innovation hubs

Home to FinTech giants, AI pioneers, and deep-tech startups.

Strong labour protections

Comprehensive labour laws ensure fair wages and worker rights.

Economy

Ranked 8th globally for ease of doing business, with a £2.56 trillion GDP.

Language

English

Currency

£ (GBP)

IT salaries range

£30k–£100k/year

Tech hiring in the United Kingdom

Major tech hubs	Key focus	Avg. software developer salary
London	FinTech, AI, and enterprise software	£65k/year
Manchester	Cybersecurity, data science, and cloud tech	£58k/year
Cambridge	Deep-tech, AI, and biotechnology	£72k/year
Edinburgh	Software engineering and blockchain	£55k/year
Birmingham	IT outsourcing and digital transformation	£50k/year
Bristol	Robotics, aerospace tech, and hardware development	£60k/year
Cardiff	AI, gaming, and digital media	£48k/year
Belfast	Cybersecurity, software development, and cloud infrastructure	£52k/year

Available skills for your workforce

Languages

Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, Rust, TypeScript

Platforms

AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Kubernetes, Terraform

Data

SQL, Snowflake,
Apache Kafka,
dbt (Data Build Tool), TensorFlow, PyTorch

PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, LangChain,
Apache Spark,
OpenAI API

Frameworks

React, Angular, Next.js

Cybersecurity

Zero Trust Architecture
OWASP Standards
SIEM Solutions
SOC 2 Compliance

Blockchain

Solidity, Web3.js, Truffle, Hardhat

Soft skills

Communication, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, critical thinking, time management, client-focused mindset, conflict resolution, cross-cultural competence.

Do you have a specialist in mind to hire in the United Kingdom?

Let us help you.

Employment and legal information

Regulations governing IT professionals and employers in the United Kingdom.

UK labour laws

Benefits and leave in IT

Foreign worker regulations

Remote work policies

Worker privacy and IP laws

IT employment termination

Tax rates in IT

UK labour laws

Minimum Wage

£11.44/hour (April 2024) under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, with higher rates for staff over 21.

Northern Ireland

Has an independent minimum wage enforcement body.

Overtime pay

Not legally required, but many IT employers offer 1.5x or 2x pay to attract talent.

Employment contracts

Legally required under the Employment Rights Act 1996, detailing salary, hours, benefits, and termination terms.

Anti-discrimination protections

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits workplace discrimination and enforces equal pay.

Employee classification

Clear distinctions exist between workers and self-employed contractors.

IR35 (Off-payroll working rules)

IR35 rules govern contract-based work. The rules determine if IT contractors should be taxed as employees or self-employed.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates employer responsibility for workplace safety.

Benefits and leave in IT

Mandatory

Working Time Regulations 1998

Paid vacation – 28 days annually (including bank holidays).
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – up to 28 weeks.
Parental leave
52 weeks maternity leave (first 6 weeks at 90% pay), 2 weeks paternity leave.

Pensions Act 2008

Employers must contribute at least 3% to pensions under the Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme.
National Insurance (NI)
Funds state pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support.

Optional

Private health insurance
IT employers often offer Bupa, AXA, or Vitality plans.
Equity and stock options
Common for startups and tech companies.
Cycle-to-work scheme
Tax-free bike purchases as a perk.

Tech perks

Some companies offer remote work stipends, coworking allowances, and learning budgets.

Foreign worker regulations

Work visa sponsorship

Employers must sponsor foreign hires under the Skilled Worker Visa or Global Business Mobility Visa (Senior or Specialist Worker).

Salary threshold

Foreign IT hires must earn at least £26,200/year or £10.75/hour to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Contracts

Visa-sponsored employees must have contracts aligned with UK Home Office regulations and be reported through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

Restricted work rights

Visa holders may face limitations on self-employment, contract work, or job changes without Home Office approval.

Remote work policies

Right to request remote work

Workers can request flexible work after 26 weeks, but approval is not mandatory.

Remote contractors

A remote employee is a subject to IR35 if a contractor.

Expense reimbursement

Remote workers can claim expenses for electricity, internet, and equipment if part of an agreed job contract.

Wales

Health and safety regulations differ for remote and hybrid workers (particularly in tech roles).

Worker privacy and IP laws

UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)

Regulates workforce data handling, ensuring compliance with privacy and security laws.

NDAs and IP agreements

Contracts must include confidentiality and IP clauses, especially for IT roles handling proprietary code and sensitive data.

Non-compete clauses

Permitted, but must be reasonable (typically 6–12 months) and narrowly defined to be enforceable.

EEA GDPR

Employers must ensure remote workers comply with GDPR and cybersecurity policies.

IT employment termination

Layoffs

Employers must have legitimate business reasons and follow fair selection processes.

Redundancy and severance pay

Staff members with 2+ years of service qualify for statutory redundancy pay, based on age, salary, and tenure.

Notice periods

Minimum 1 week after 1 month of service; 1 week per year of service (up to 12 weeks).

Dismissal rules

Terminations require valid reasons (e.g., performance, redundancy, misconduct).

Performance dismissals

Employers must document poor performance and provide improvement plans before termination.

Unfair dismissals and employee rights

Terminations linked to whistleblowing, discrimination, or statutory rights (e.g., flexible work requests) are automatically unfair.

Tech tax rates in the United Kingdom

Employers must comply with national fiscal obligations, covering income tax, National Insurance, and other mandatory contributions.
Below is a breakdown of key fiscal contributions:

Income tax (PAYE – Pay As You Earn)

Basic rate: 20% on income £12,571 – £50,270.
Higher rate: 40% on income £50,271 – £125,140.
Additional rate: 45% on income above £125,140.

National insurance contributions (NICs)

Employer NICs: 13.8% on salaries above £9,100/year.
Employee NICs: 8% on income between £12,570 – £50,270; 2% on income above £50,270.
Self-employed NICs: Class 2 – £3.45/week; Class 4 – 9% on profits £12,570–£50,270, 2% above that.

Dividend liabilities for IT contractors

8.75% to 39.35% rate applies on dividend income, depending on tax bracket.

IR35 and contractor liabilities

Inside IR35: Contractors classified as employees are charged under PAYE (Income tax + NICs).
Outside IR35: Contractors operating as Limited Companies pay 19% corporate tax + dividend tax.

Apprenticeship levy

0.5% of annual payroll for businesses with a wage bill over £3 million. It applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but funding is region-specific.

Workplace pension contributions (automatic enrolment)

Employers must enroll workers into a pension scheme and contribute a minimum 3% of salary, while employees contribute 5%.

Regional differences in fiscal obligations

Scotland operates a distinct system with six income bands and increased rates for higher earners, starting at £43,663 instead of £50,270.
Wales and Northern Ireland follow the national structure, though Wales can make minor adjustments to its rates.

Hiring challenges

Companies may face unique hiring and compliance challenges in the United Kingdom:

Contractor misclassification risks

Strict regulations on self-employed contractors can lead to unexpected liabilities and compliance headaches.

Work sponsorship hurdles

Companies must conduct thorough eligibility checks and, in some cases, sponsor visas, which delays hiring.

Complex redundancy laws

The law mandates notice periods, redundancy pay, and fair dismissal procedures, making terminations intricate and costly.

Variability in regional labour laws

Employment laws in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can differ from England, requiring businesses to navigate multiple regulatory landscapes.

National salary band compliance

Employers must ensure IT salaries meet sector-specific benchmarks while complying with evolving wage laws.

Data protection under GDPR

Strict data privacy laws require businesses to handle employee information securely, adding an extra layer of compliance for remote and IT teams.

UK's top EOR for IT

Gain seamless access to top British and Northern Irish tech talent and hire employees with confidence using our Employer of Record solutions.

Compliance
Expert legal support with the United Kingdom’s fiscal regulations and employment rights.
Streamlined operations
We handle payroll, contribution withholdings, and contracts, so you can focus on growth.
Access to top IT talent
Hire skilled tech professionals across London, Manchester, Cambridge, and beyond.
Enhanced employee experience
Localized support, competitive workplace extras, and smooth onboarding for a productive workforce.
Scalable hiring
From a single developer to a full tech team, our EOR adapts to any business size.
Visa sponsorship and work permits
Sponsorship licensing and Skilled Worker visa applications for seamless immigration compliance.

Get instant growth results

Here’s why GEOR helped clients achieve their biggest wins.

96%

reduction in hiring time.

40%

savings in onboarding and operational costs.

faster United Kingdom market entry.

92%

employee retention rate.

Features of EOR in the United Kingdom

Our Employer of Record in the UK handles every aspect of workforce management, making IT hiring in the United Kingdom seamless and compliant.

Onboarding

Seamless integration of IT professionals, managing right-to-work checks, contracts, and compliance.

Payroll management

Automated, compliant payroll processing, covering statutory contributions, national insurance, and pensions.

Employee management

Comprehensive HR support, ensuring compliance with British and Northern Irish employment laws, worker classification, and contracts.

Benefits administration

Tailored packages for the United Kingdom tech sector, including:

Private health insurance (Bupa, AXA, etc.)
Workplace pensions with employer contributions
PTO, paid sick leave, and parental leave
Life and disability insurance
Perks: commuter extras, wellness stipends, home-office equipment support
Performance-based bonuses

Pricing

Seamless EOR solutions with no long-term commitments. Unlock the full potential of our trusted Employer of Record services in the UK.

Access to an exclusive talent pool
Onboarding within 7 days
Hassle-free layoffs
Payroll management
Workforce management
Built-in security and compliance
IP and invention rights protection
Dedicated HR team

Add-ons:
Visa services and Premium benefits

Employer of Record

$499

per employee/ month.
An all-encompassing EOR package with flexible service add-ons.

Compare IT rates in the United Kingdom

View a comprehensive breakdown of average software developer salaries for different experience levels across the United Kingdom.

Region	Junior IT salary	Mid–level IT salary	Senior IT salary
London	£35k	£50k	£85k
South East (Oxford, Cambridge, Reading)	£30k	£45k	£75k
Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham)	£28k	£42k	£65k
North West (Manchester, Liverpool)	£27k	£40k	£60k
Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow)	£26k	£38k	£65k
South West (Bristol, Bath)	£25k	£35k	£55k
Wales (Cardiff, Swansea)	£24k	£34k	£50k
Northern Ireland (Belfast)	£35k	£50k	£78k

*the rates do not include Employer of Record costs

Scale your tech team confidently

Hire top-tier talent in the United Kingdom with ease through our Employer of Record solution.
Secure your success with GEOR’s expertise.

Client Feedback

Maxi Schellhas

Director General

Randstad, Argentina

GEOR’s team is a mastermind of innovation! Their cutting-edge solutions revolutionized our analytics, providing valuable insights and improving our decision-making.

Joe Purtle

Chief Operations Officer

Doka USA

The team demonstrated unmatched expertise and dedication, seamlessly integrating innovative technology with our advanced platforms to enhance overall performance.

Daniel Urmañn

Founder

Diib

The team’s professionalism and technical expertise were unmatched. They met our intricate needs with tailored solutions, guaranteeing reliability and efficiency, while modern technology was expertly incorporated into our systems.

Victor Fei

Founder & CEO

Ormi Labs, Inc.

We’ve been really impressed with the temporary labor services they’ve offered. Thanks to them, we were able to secure contracts with top blockchain developers and DEFI projects.

Brad Weatherly

Executive Vice President

Sapience

The platform they use to qualify, score, and predict candidate success was incredibly helpful during the hiring process. It made a significant difference.

Matthew Watson

Chief Technology Officer

Sonic

The behavioral surveys were unique and demonstrated a strong understanding of our requirements. Their grasp of the technical sales industry was extremely useful.

Pat Williams

Chief Executive Officer

iScribeHealth

They help us provide Developer staff augmentation for our growing product development division. Compared to other offshore vendors, I don’t have to explain things to them as much because they seem to understand right away.

How our EOR stands out

Discover what sets us apart from the leading Employer of Record services in the United Kingdom.

Pros

Cons

Velocity Global

Broad service coverage, including payroll, compliance, and immigration.

Slower onboarding (2-4 weeks) and high service costs.

Boundless

Strong compliance support for United Kingdom work laws.

Limited scalability for high-growth tech firms.

Safeguard Global

Global reach with tailored HR solutions.

Less tech-specialized support compared to GEOR’s IT-focused service.

Your success with GEOR

Step into the future of global business with our Employer of Record in the United Kingdom. Build a compliant, high-performing team aligned with tomorrow’s best practices. Empower your employees with dynamic, personalized perks that evolve with their needs. Free your leadership to focus on innovation and exponential growth, while we handle payroll, compliance, and human resources tasks with unmatched precision. The future is scalable, seamless, and built for success—start shaping it today.

GEOR

Build your United Kingdom team

See our Employer of Record in action.

FAQs

What is an Employer of Record (EOR) in the United Kingdom?

An Employer of Record in the United Kingdom legally hires and manages employees on behalf of foreign companies, handling payroll, deductions, robust support package, and local employment law compliance. This allows businesses to hire British and Northern Irish talent without establishing a local entity, reducing administrative complexity and legal risks.

What are the key advantages of using Employer of Record services in the UK?

Using an EOR in the UK enables companies to hire employees quickly without setting up a local entity, ensures compliance with British and Northern Irish labour engagement and income-related obligations, and reduces operational costs by outsourcing payroll, human resources, and legal administration.

How does EOR in the UK ensure compliance with British and Northern Irish labour and tax regulations?

We ensure full compliance with United Kingdom labour laws, covering rights, statutory withholdings, and worker classification. We manage payroll processing, tax filings, and employment contracts in accordance with HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) regulations, ensuring legal compliance across all work models, including remote, hybrid, and contractor engagements.

How do you onboard specialists in the United Kingdom so quickly?

With a pre-established infrastructure, streamlined HR processes, and locally compliant job placement contracts, GEOR can onboard developers in as little as one week. We handle payroll, benefits, and public levies, ensuring seamless integration into your team.

Can an Employer of Record manage remote IT teams in the United Kingdom?

Yes. GEOR fully supports remote, hybrid, and office-based IT teams, ensuring compliance with United Kingdom labour laws, mandatory charges, and data privacy regulations, including GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Can your Employer of Record services in the UK support both full-time employees and contractors in the United Kingdom?

Yes. We manage both: full-time employees with statutory incentives under PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and independent contractors who operate as sole traders or through limited companies.

What employee support packages can you provide in the United Kingdom?

We offer competitive remuneration extras, including: private health insurance, pension scheme contributions, statutory sick pay, paid annual leave, maternity and paternity leave, and additional perks, such as commuter and wellness support.

How do you handle payroll taxes across the United Kingdom?

We calculate, deduct, and file all required employer and employee contributions, including PAYE, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), Employer’s Pension Contributions, Apprenticeship Levy (if applicable). We ensure compliance with national and regional fiscal regulations, adjusting for variations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Which industries benefit most from GEOR’s Employer of Record in the UK?

We specialize in high-growth industries, including SaaS, AI, FinTech, Cybersecurity, E-commerce, Banking, Adtech, Edtech, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Logistics, supporting businesses with seamless global expansion.

What challenges does GEOR solve for IT startups expanding to the United Kingdom?

GEOR simplifies hiring for IT startups in the United Kingdom by providing rapid access to top-tier software engineers and tech talent. We handle local employment contracts, payroll, employee offerings and legal compliance, removing administrative burdens, so businesses can focus on scaling.

Looking for more recruitment models?

We deliver end-to-end employee and contractor management services, covering various hiring requirements in the United Kingdom.

PEO in the United Kingdom

Co-employment solutions to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance while you hire and scale your team.

IT Payroll in the United Kingdom

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