15 Best HR Services in the UK: Reviewed in 2025
10 Best HR Services UK Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 15 we reviewed.
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Looking for the best HR services in the UK to streamline your operations and relieve internal pressure? Whether you’re overwhelmed by compliance demands, struggling with recruitment bottlenecks, or trying to unify fragmented HR systems, outsourcing to a trusted HR service provider can help you regain control so you can focus on your people—not just the processes.
These services can manage or support critical tasks like payroll, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, and legal compliance—freeing up your time, while improving accuracy and consistency. The right provider can also give you access to specialist expertise, modern HR technology, and tailored support to suit your size and sector.
As someone who evaluates HR solutions for a living, I’ve reviewed and compared dozens of UK-based HR service providers to bring you a curated list of the best options available today. This guide is designed to help you cut through the noise and find the right partner to support your unique goals and challenges.
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Best HR Services in the UK: Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top recommendations for HR services in the UK to help you find the best option for your budget and business goals.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for small business support | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for support integrating HR systems | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for flexible HR packages | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for cost-effective HR solutions | Free consultation available | From £195/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for interim HR management | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for pay-as-you-go HR support | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for HR compliance expertise | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for employee relations advice | Trials available for some services | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for support with SAP SuccessFactors | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for recruitment and training | Free HR audit available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Boon
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7
Best HR Services in the UK Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR service providers in the UK that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one to support your internal HR processes.
Peninsula offers HR services, including expert paperwork, HR software consultations, and payroll solutions, primarily targeting small businesses. They also offer workplace mediation and tribunal support to help teams manage challenging HR functions efficiently.
Why I picked Peninsula: Peninsula is ideal for small businesses that need comprehensive HR support. They offer 24-hour HR advice and software solutions tailored to manage staff and minimize risks.
Their focus on employee wellbeing and compliance makes them a reliable choice for small business owners.
Standout Services: Peninsula offers workplace mediation to help you resolve conflicts efficiently. They also provide tribunal support to guide you through legal challenges, ensuring your business remains compliant and focused on its core activities.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and construction.
Specialties: HR software, payroll solutions, workplace mediation, tribunal support, and employee wellbeing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored solutions for small businesses
- Employee wellbeing resources
- 24-hour HR advice line
Cons:
- Feels scripted during initial consultations
- Long contracts with tough exit terms
Vero HR offers a variety of outsourced HR services, including HR consulting, payroll processing, recruitment support, and health and safety management. They work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to larger organizations, providing tailored and flexible HR solutions.
Why I picked Vero HR: Vero HR is recognized for its integrated HR systems, providing a comprehensive suite of services that can be tailored to meet your organization's specific needs.
Their client-focused approach ensures you receive tailored support, whether you need comprehensive HR management or particular services like payroll and recruitment. This flexibility makes Vero HR a strong option for businesses seeking efficient and adaptable HR solutions.
Standout Services: Vero HR provides learning and development programs to help you enhance your team's skills. They also offer health and safety management to ensure a safe and compliant workplace, addressing core business needs.
Target industries: Small businesses, startups, charities, schools, and construction.
Specialties: HR consultancy, payroll services, recruitment support, learning and development, and health and safety.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of HR solutions and services
- Client-focused approach
- Flexible service delivery
Cons:
- Limited help for ad-hoc HR needs
- Not many self-service options for staff
LighterHR provides a range of HR consulting services, including outsourced HR support, employee management (including disciplinary and grievance support), and strategic HR development.
Why I picked LighterHR: LighterHR offers flexible HR packages, allowing you to select from Pay-As-You-Go, Retained, or Fixed-Price plans. This flexibility ensures that you receive the level of support that best fits your specific business needs and budget constraints.
With specialties in employee disciplinary issues, grievances, and HR strategy, LighterHR helps you address key HR challenges effectively.
Standout Services: LighterHR offers employee absence management oversight to help you handle leave and absences efficiently. Moreover, their policy creation service ensures your business remains compliant with legal requirements, addressing core business needs.
Target industries: Start-ups, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Specialties: Employee absence, disciplinary actions, performance appraisals, managing redundancies, and policy creation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers one-off support without contracts
- Good mix of onsite and remote help
- Flexible pricing plans
Cons:
- Some delays during peak times
- Smaller team may limit availability
Lotus HR provides a variety of services, including HR outsourcing, performance management, and employment relations support, serving sectors such as charities, healthcare, and retail. They work with businesses seeking tailored HR solutions at competitive prices.
Why I picked Lotus HR: Lotus HR offers cost-effective HR solutions starting at £195 per month, making it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses. This affordability, combined with a strong client retention rate, highlights their effectiveness in providing valuable HR support.
Their HR services, including redundancy consultancy and diversity training, are tailored to meet the specific needs of your industry.
Standout Services: Lotus HR offers diversity and inclusion training to help you cultivate a more inclusive workplace. Their performance management solutions can also boost your team's productivity and address key business challenges.
Target industries: Charities, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
Specialties: Redundancy consultancy, diversity and inclusion training, performance management, HR outsourcing, and employment relations support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Experienced consultancy team
- High client retention rate
- Affordable pricing options
Cons:
- Limited tech tools for tracking issues
- Not ideal for complex legal cases
Hunter Adams offers a range of HR services, including consulting, recruitment, and interim support, catering to a diverse array of industries across the UK. Their client base includes businesses seeking expertise in employee engagement and leadership development.
Why I picked Hunter Adams: Hunter Adams excels in offering interim HR management, which is crucial for businesses needing temporary HR leadership.
The platform's services are tailored to support your team with executive coaching and project assistance. This approach allows you to maintain HR continuity and effectiveness during transitional periods.
Standout Services: Hunter Adams provides executive coaching to enhance your leadership team's skills. Moreover, their employee engagement strategies ultimately boost morale and productivity while addressing key business challenges.
Target industries: Healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, and finance.
Specialties: Employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, career transition management, interim support, and leadership development.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive industry experience
- Flexible pricing options
- Strong network for senior placements
Cons:
- Rates may rise for short contracts
- Not set up for basic admin tasks
The HR Dept offers outsourced HR services tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on recruitment, payroll, and health & safety management. Their primary client base comprises businesses seeking local expertise and personalized HR solutions.
Why I picked The HR Dept: They provide local HR support, ensuring your team receives personalized attention and expertise tailored to your specific region.
Their flexible service packages, including Pay-As-You-Go and retained services, are designed to meet your unique HR needs. This approach helps you manage the entire employee lifecycle efficiently and effectively.
Standout Services: The HR Dept offers performance appraisals to help you evaluate and improve employee performance. In addition, their diversity initiatives promote inclusive workplace practices, addressing key business goals and challenges.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Specialties: Recruitment, payroll, performance appraisals, health & safety management, and diversity initiatives.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive local support
- Comprehensive range of services
- Flexible service packages
Cons:
- Some dependency on external consultants
- Pricing details not specified
Avensure offers outsourced HR services, including employment law support and health and safety consulting, primarily serving small to medium-sized businesses. Their award-winning services focus on HR management, compliance, and risk assessment, catering to industries like healthcare, hospitality, and education.
Why I picked Avensure: Avensure's expertise in compliance sets them apart by providing tailored employment law support and tribunal representation, ensuring your business stays aligned with legal requirements. Their HR Protect package offers comprehensive coverage for HR-related compensatory awards.
With a dedicated HR advisor and legal support, Avensure helps you navigate complex compliance issues effectively.
Standout Services: Avensure provides health and safety consulting to help you manage workplace risks. Their tribunal representation also supports your business in legal proceedings, addressing core business challenges.
Target industries: Healthcare, hospitality, education, manufacturing, and retail.
Specialties: HR outsourcing, employment law support, health and safety consulting, tribunal representation, and HR management software.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fixed monthly fee structure
- Employment tribunal insurance available
- Dedicated HR advisor for clients
Cons:
- Some delays with follow-up actions
- Contracts may take time to finalize
Croner offers a wide range of HR services, including 24/7 HR advice, HR outsourcing, and contract documentation. They primarily serve businesses looking for expert guidance in employee relations and compliance.
Why I picked Croner: Croner specializes in providing employee relations advice, which is essential for businesses managing complex HR issues. Their 24/7 HR advice line ensures you have access to expert guidance whenever you need it.
With a focus on compliance, Croner helps you navigate employment laws effectively.
Standout Services: Croner provides workplace mediation to resolve disputes efficiently. They also offer redundancy advice to guide you through difficult decisions, addressing key business challenges.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Specialties: HR outsourcing, employee relations, workplace mediation, redundancy advice, and compliance support.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Trusted by numerous clients
- Helpful employment law advice
- 24/7 HR advice line
Cons:
- Not great with tech setup or tools
- Hard to leave without extra charges
HR Path provides outsourced HR services, software consulting, and systems integration for HR and payroll functions. They primarily work with mid-sized to large companies that need support with complex HR tech stacks.
Why I picked HR Path: Their focus on SAP-specific HR support makes it a good fit if your team uses SAP SuccessFactors or other SAP tools for HR and payroll. They cover the full setup, including configuration, data migration, and ongoing support. You can also bring them in to audit or upgrade your current SAP setup.
Standout Services: HR Path’s payroll outsourcing helps you manage payroll across multiple countries without the need for a whole internal team. They also offer HRIS selection support, which enables your team to choose the right HR software tailored to your size, needs, and existing technology setup.
Target industries: Public sector, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education.
Specialties: SAP implementation, hr digital transformation, payroll integration, talent management, and system audits.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Helpful with post-go live support
- Handles messy data migrations smoothly
- Good at fixing old ERP issues
Cons:
- May rotate consultants mid-project
- Some reports feel too complex
Pure Human Resources offers HR consultancy, recruitment, and training services, serving businesses seeking to enhance their workforce capabilities. Their services are designed to support organizational change and improve talent development and employee engagement.
Why I picked Pure Human Resources: Pure Human Resources excels in recruitment processes and training, offering fixed-fee recruitment services to attract top talent efficiently. The firm’s programs cover HR management, leadership skills, and personal development, ensuring your team is well-equipped to meet business challenges.
With a focus on employee engagement, they help you build a competitive advantage through comprehensive talent development.
Standout Services: Pure Human Resources offers psychometric assessments to help you understand your team's strengths. Their conflict resolution training also helps manage workplace disputes effectively, addressing key business challenges.
Target industries: Healthcare, education, technology, retail, and finance.
Specialties: HR consultancy, employee engagement, talent development, recruitment services, and training programs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers free HR audits
- Comprehensive training programs
- Fixed fee recruitment service
Cons:
- Limited support outside business hours
- Doesn’t handle payroll or admin work
Other HR Services in the UK
Here are some additional HR service providers in the UK that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:
- IRIS
For recruitment services
- Fitzgerald HR
For tailored HR solutions
- PS Human Resources
For flexible HR support plans
- Rise HR
For startup and SME support
- Evolve
For a bespoke HR consultancy
What are HR Services in the UK?
HR services in the United Kingdom are professional services that help UK-based businesses manage their human resources functions. They offer a range of services, including:
- Employee relations support
- Payroll management
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Compliance and legal advice
- HR auditing
- Training and development
HR departments in small businesses or startups typically seek out HR services in the UK to either outsource complex HR tasks and gain expert oversight and peace of mind regarding compliance with legal requirements.
Collectively, these providers address challenges like employee management issues, recruitment bottlenecks, and maintaining workplace standards.
Selection Criteria for HR Services in the UK
When selecting the best HR services providers in the UK to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included managing compliance with employment laws and enhancing employee engagement.
I also used the following framework to keep my evaluations structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Employee relations management
- Payroll processing
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Compliance assistance
- Training and development
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score): To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Diversity and inclusion programs
- Advanced HR analytics
- Mental health support initiatives
- Leadership coaching
- Remote workforce management
Industry Experience (10% of total score): To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in operation
- Range of industries served
- Client testimonials
- Case studies
- Expertise in specific HR functions
Onboarding (10% of total score): To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Speed of setup
- Clarity of instructions
- Availability of training materials
- Support during onboarding
- User-friendly technology
Customer Support (10% of total score): To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of support channels
- Response times
- Quality of assistance
- Availability of dedicated account managers
- Support for troubleshooting issues
Value for Price (10% of total score): To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Transparency of pricing
- Competitiveness against similar providers
- Range of services included
- Flexibility of pricing plans
- Overall cost-effectiveness
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency of positive feedback
- Specific mentions of service quality
- Reports of value for money
- Feedback on customer support
- Overall satisfaction ratings
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the UK-based service providers that go beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through advanced services, deep industry experience, smooth customer onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
How to Choose an HR Services Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Ensure the provider aligns with your strategic goals. Look for services that support your growth plans, whether it's scaling operations or improving employee engagement. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Check what services are included and the Service Level Agreements. Ensure they cover your essential HR functions, such as payroll, compliance, and recruitment. |
| Support Availability | Evaluate the availability of customer support. Consider if you need 24/7 assistance or specific support hours to match your business operations. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand the pricing model. Look for transparency in costs and ensure there are no hidden fees. Consider if they offer flexible payment plans that suit your budget. |
| Communication and Reporting | Assess how the provider communicates updates and reports. Ensure they offer regular insights into HR metrics that matter to you and your team. |
| Technology Integration | Verify if their technology integrates with your existing systems. This can save time and reduce errors when managing HR data. |
| Industry Experience | Check their experience in your industry. Providers familiar with your sector can offer more tailored solutions and understand specific regulatory requirements. |
| Reputation and Reviews | Look at customer reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback from similar businesses can indicate reliability and quality of service. |
Key Human Resources Services
When selecting an HR services provider in the UK, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Employee relations management: Helps you handle disputes and improve workplace harmony by providing expert advice and mediation.
- Payroll processing: Ensures accurate and timely payment to your employees, reducing errors and saving time.
- Recruitment and onboarding: Assists in attracting and integrating new talent, ensuring a smooth start for new employees.
- Compliance assistance: Maintain your business's alignment with employment laws and regulations to minimize legal risks.
- Training and development: Offers programs to enhance employee skills and boost productivity.
- Performance management: Provide tools and strategies to evaluate and improve employee performance.
- Diversity and inclusion programs: Helps create a more inclusive workplace, improving morale and broadening perspectives.
- Health and safety management: Ensures your workplace meets safety standards, protecting your team and reducing liabilities.
- HR consulting: Offers expert advice on HR strategy and operations tailored to your business needs.
- Technology integration: Facilitates the integration of HR software with existing systems to streamline processes.
Benefits of Human Resources Services
Partnering with an HR services provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved compliance: Keeps your business aligned with employment laws, reducing legal risks through compliance assistance.
- Efficient recruitment: Streamlines recruitment processes and helps you find the right candidates quickly with hiring and onboarding services.
- Enhanced employee performance: Boosts productivity by providing tools and strategies for effective performance management.
- Cost savings: Reduces expenses by outsourcing HR functions like payroll processing and employee relations management.
- Better workplace culture: Promotes inclusivity and morale with diversity and inclusion programs.
- Increased safety: Protects your team and reduces liabilities by ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
- Strategic HR support: Offers expert advice on HR strategy and operations through tailored HR consulting services.
Costs & Pricing Structures for HR Services
HR services typically offer custom pricing to accommodate different business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Subscription-based: Charges a recurring fee, often monthly or annually, for ongoing services.
- Project-based: Costs are determined by the specific project scope and duration.
- Hourly rate: Charges are based on the time spent working on your HR needs.
- Fixed fee: Offers a set price for a defined set of services or deliverables.
- Pay-as-you-go: Allows you to pay only for the services you use, offering flexibility.
Key Factors That Influence HR Services Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of HR services:
- Customization level: Tailoring services to fit your specific business needs can increase costs due to additional time and resources required.
- Industry regulations: Compliance with complex industry-specific regulations may require more specialized expertise, affecting pricing.
- Number of employees: Larger organizations may incur higher costs due to the increased scale of services needed.
- Service scope: The breadth and depth of services you choose will impact the overall cost.
- Geographic location: Services in certain regions may be priced differently based on local market conditions.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
HR Services in the UK: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about HR service providers in the UK:
How do I choose the right HR services provider?
Start by identifying your company’s specific HR needs and business goals. Look for providers that offer services aligned with these requirements. Consider factors like pricing, industry experience, and customer reviews. It’s important to engage with potential providers to understand their approach and ensure they fit well with your business culture.
What should I expect during the onboarding process?
During onboarding, you can expect the provider to assess your current HR processes and understand your business needs. They should offer clear guidance and support to help integrate their services smoothly into your operations. The goal is to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to your team.
How do HR services providers handle compliance?
HR services providers help ensure your business complies with employment laws and regulations. They offer guidance on legal requirements and assist with documentation and reporting. Providers stay updated on changes in legislation, helping you avoid potential legal issues and penalties.
Can HR services providers help with employee training?
Yes, many HR services providers offer training and development programs. They can design and deliver training sessions tailored to your team’s specific needs, focusing on areas such as leadership, compliance, and skill development. This helps improve employee performance and satisfaction.
How do HR services providers charge for their services?
Providers may use various pricing models, including subscription-based, project-based, or pay-as-you-go models. Costs can vary based on factors like service scope, customization, and the number of employees. It’s essential to understand the pricing structure and any additional fees before committing.
What level of support can I expect from an HR services provider?
The level of support varies by provider but typically includes access to HR experts, regular updates, and assistance with HR-related issues. Some providers offer 24/7 support, while others have specific service hours. It’s essential to choose a provider that matches your support needs and business hours.
What's Next?
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