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Global Employer of Record in UK

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  1. Overview: United Kingdom (UK)
  2. Global HR Compliance
  3. Global PEO and Payroll
  4. UK Work Visas, Work Permits, Immigration
  5. Contractor vs Employee: Which Is Better?
  6. Expand into the UK without a Company Set Up
  7. Global Payroll Calculator
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Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK

Global Employment Solutions: How  Can Help You Expand to the UK

As the global employer of record, our experience and expertise can help you get started quickly and compliantly in the UK. Businesses expanding globally often face challenges when compliantly employing a workforce in foreign countries. In most cases, legal compliance requires establishing a legal in-country business entity, a complex, costly, and time-consuming process that many employers are not ready to undertake.

With our help, you’ll be able to confidently tap into the profitable economic opportunities available in the United Kingdom while maintaining a high level of legal and HR compliance.

To help your organization legally onboard and payroll a workforce in the United Kingdom, Acumen International offers a global employment solution via our Global Employer of Record (EOR) designed to help you circumvent the legalities of direct hiring, eliminating the need for you to establish a legal entity in the UK to conduct business there.

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What Is a Global Employer of Record?

A Global Employer of Record (Global EOR) is a third-party organisation that shoulders the legal and administrative responsibilities of hiring, employing, and managing staff on behalf of a client company. Unlike a standard Employer of Record, a Global EOR can operate across multiple countries, offering a unified solution for managing international employees.

This international talent engagement model is especially advantageous for companies expanding into new markets. Typically, such expansion would require establishing a local legal entity, a time-consuming process laden with bureaucratic hurdles. Global EOR circumvents this necessity. It allows companies to deploy staff in multiple jurisdictions without navigating the complexities of local employment laws, tax structures, and compliance norms. This streamlined approach eliminates the daunting upfront investment and operational costs of establishing a foreign subsidiary or business unit.

The flexibility of a Global EOR model makes it ideal for market testing and agile operations. Companies can quickly enter and exit markets, scaling their workforce up or down based on real-time needs and market conditions. Not only does this minimise risk, but it also preserves the company’s existing tax structure and corporate governance framework. The result is a more efficient, compliant, and strategic approach to international business expansion.

How Does a Global Employer of Record Work?

If you’re looking to do business in a foreign country, it’s essential to ensure you comply with local payroll laws. This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) can help. An Employer of Record (EOR) can act on your behalf to manage local employee-related matters such as payroll, tax deductions, and onboarding of new hires.

An EOR can provide a registered entity for running a local, compliant payroll, managing payroll taxes, benefits, compensations, deductions, social insurance, and employee information. An Employer of Record can guide you on the host country’s required notice periods, termination rules, and severance pays, saving thousands of dollars in lawsuits while freeing up HR from repetitive tasks.

With a global EOR partner, you can ensure that your business operates smoothly and legally in your new country of choice.

All-In-One Global Employment Solution

Express Global Employment provides comprehensive services for building a global team, handling all aspects from hiring to compliance.  

  • Global Mobility Support: Simplifies onboarding and immigration, enabling quick onboarding and engagement of international talent.
  • Effortless Onboarding: Streamlines global employee onboarding to enhance productivity and speed up results.
  • Global Payroll & Benefits Management: Manages international payroll and benefits, ensuring compliance and competitive compensation.
  • Borderless Expansion Without Local Entities: Facilitates workforce expansion in 190 countries, removing the need for local business entities.
  • Hire Internationally, Operate Everywhere: Offers support for scaling operations and seizing international opportunities swiftly.
  • Risk-Free Market Navigation: Provides expert guidance for secure expansion, managing permanent establishment, employee misclassification risks and compliance challenges in new markets.

1. Recruitment

2. Global Mobility

3. Checks

4. Onboarding

5. Payroll Administration

6. Working Time & PTO Processing

7. Benefits Administration

8. Tax Administration & Reporting

Offboarding

Talent skilled in highly specialised areas Employee Work Visa and Work Permit sponsorship Health checks Employment Agreement drafting In-country registration with statutory bodies Working hours Mandatory Benefits Tax Reporting frequency and requirements; Employment agreement termination:
Executive search Dependent Visa Criminal record checks Compliant worker onboarding on your behalf Day-to-day payroll management Overtime Health insurance Employer taxes & contributions Dismissal – by the employer
Contingency workforce Visa extension Background checks Account setup in the payroll and HR system​ Monthly pay slips or other pay frequency Public holidays Workers’ compensation Employee taxes & contributions Resignation – by the employee
Application for a sponsor license for a foreign national Education checks Employee data entry and records maintenance Accruals Annual leave Unemployment insurance Withholding tax Termination by mutual agreement
Relocation assistance Managing probation periods Allowances Parental leave Voluntary Benefits Local tax payments and reporting to local authorities Notice period handling
13th and 14th salary Sick leave Share plans for executives End of financial year reporting Final settlement & severance payments
Additional leave Bonuses & Equipment provision De-registration with statutory bodies
Expenses reimbursement & business trip processing
Health insurance, dental treatment

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When You Should Use a Global Employer of Record

Organizations looking to expand internationally often face many challenges. One of the biggest challenges is finding a way to do so quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality. In that case, a global EOR provider can be beneficial. A Global Employer of Record provider specialises in helping organisations with their international expansion efforts. They have the knowledge and expertise to help your business grow quickly and effectively. Here are some common situations where international employers can turn to an EOR provider for assistance in the UK.

1. Using Global EORs to Explore and Evaluate International Markets

EORs are a great way to test the readiness of an international market for your products or services. Hiring workers in target countries allows you to get a feel for the market without committing time and resources to set up a local entity. This is a great way to gauge interest and potential demand before making a significant investment.

2. Avoid  Independent Contractor Non-compliance and Misclassification Issues

Expanding your business with international contractors exposes you to employment and tax law risks. A Global Employer of Record (EOR) can mitigate these risks by hiring talent compliantly on your behalf, adhering to local labour regulations. This ensures a smooth, cost-effective transition of contractors to full-time employees while maintaining compliance with international employment standards.

3. Streamline International Expansion with a Global EOR without Entity Setup

Utilize a Global Employer of Record (EOR) for rapid and flexible market entry without the complexities of setting up a local entity. This approach enables businesses to quickly deploy their workforce in new countries, reducing the time and risk associated with traditional entity establishment. It offers a streamlined solution for entering and exiting markets, allowing for parallel setup of your entity when ready.

4. A Global EOR Can Support Your M&A Processes

When an organisation acquires a workforce in a new country, the contracted workforce will often be expected to operate in a different jurisdiction with different local laws and tax and compliance regulations. In the business world, where time and cost are critical factors, having a reliable and experienced EOR partner is essential to facilitate and expedite your business acquisitions.

11 Benefits of Using a Global Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK

1. Flexibility and Instant Access to International Talent Pool

If you want to expand your business quickly and efficiently, hiring full-time employees in any location is the way to go. With a trusted and experienced Employer of Record, you can do this without setting up a local entity or worrying about worker misclassification. This is a faster and risk-free way to build a pool of top international talent.

2. Speed of Global Hiring with a Global Employer of Record

Traditional hiring methods can’t keep up with the pace of today’s business world. That’s why more and more companies are turning to the Global Employer of Record (GEO) services that allow them to scale quickly and put international workers in place anywhere in the world in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods.

3. In-country HR Compliance Expertise across 190 Countries

There’s no need to navigate the complex world of local labour law, employer taxes, HR compliance regulations, and payroll processing details. Let a global EOR (Employer of Record) handle everything for you.

4.  Reduced Cost – No Need to Establish a Local Entity

If you want to hire an international team but don’t want to deal with the hassle and expense of setting up a local entity? Look no further! Acumen International Employer of Record can help you avoid costly registration and incorporation fees in every country where you hire new employees.

5. Consistency of Operations & Effective Cost Management 

There is no one-size-fits-all regarding how local companies charge for their services. However, by consolidating your relationship with one global EOR solutions provider, you can achieve consistency in pricing. Acumen International’s Employer of Record solution offers a single, transparent, and easy-to-understand pricing model that can be applied to managing all your global employees. This way, you can avoid the hassle of working with multiple providers with different charging structures.

6. Employer of Record – Your Single Point of Contact

A single global EOR can make your global hiring experience much smoother and more efficient. You will have a dedicated account manager who knows your business and needs, which makes communication across multiple countries, different languages, and time zones much simpler and more manageable, saving your company time and money in the long run.

7. Instant Global Employment Cost Prediction 

As your company grows and expands its operations globally, it becomes increasingly important to have a global employment cost prediction that can give you visibility into your worldwide workforce expenses. Global Payroll Calculator can do that by providing you with predictive analytics on global employment costs and employer and employee tax analysis capabilities. This allows you to budget more effectively for your expansion plans and manage your international workforce. Having global employment costs at your fingertips helps you stay ahead of the competition and maintain a healthy bottom line.

The Global Payroll Calculator leverages unique, up-to-date data collected by Express Global Employment’s in-house expert team research of over 1500 official government sources and validated with local lawyers, compliance experts, and accountants. 

Global Payroll Calculator helps companies minimize labour costs while providing up-to-date information on hiring, compensation, and tax requirements across 190 countries.  The Global Payroll Calculator is also ideal for rapid global employment as it accurately estimates an organization’s international intake, accounting for relevant factors such as salary levels, taxation rules, hiring requirements, and other legal standards across multiple jurisdictions. 

8. Legal and HR Compliance Assurance

An Employer of Record (EOR) provides payroll and benefits services to your selected employees in foreign jurisdictions. An EOR assumes all compliance responsibility and significantly mitigates your company’s risk of compliance issues and penalties. An Employer of Record can be a valuable service for companies who want to avoid the risk of non-compliance with various laws and regulations when going global.

9. Immigration Support

Applying for a business visa or work permit for your foreign employees may not be as simple as you think. Finding an experienced Employer of Record who can navigate the visa and work permit challenges and understands immigration laws is critical for ensuring your business remains compliant in each country.

The UK offers exciting opportunities for businesses looking to expand their operations. At Acumen International, we understand that hiring a foreign workforce and relocating employees can be stressful and time-consuming for employers with convoluted immigration rules. That’s why we have a dedicated team of professionals who will guide you through every step of the immigration or relocation process, from visa and work permit sponsorship to compliant onboarding of your employees or managing contractors. 

Fortunately, our pre-existing employment companies in the UK are well-equipped to take care of all the necessary paperwork and get your business up and running quickly.

We also offer 100% compliance with all local requirements, so you can rest assured that your employees will be able to transition smoothly into their new roles. Our experience and in-country expertise will ensure that the entire process is as stress-free as possible for you and your employees, acting as an extension of your in-house HR team.

11. Employment Risks and Liabilities Covered

As a leading provider of global Employer of Record (EOR) services, we offer a competitive advantage with our risk-free engagement. Acumen Global EOR services are incredibly affordable and protect employers and employees from compliance exposure throughout the employment lifecycle. We assume 100% of the risk instead of transferring it to third parties. Our competitors might charge less, but they don’t offer the same level of protection. We take on 100% of the liability for service delivery, regardless of any third-party involvement, and provide a higher standard of service than any other company. Our in-country expertise is unrivalled, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our clients.

12 Scenarios When You Might Need a Global Employer of Record

Navigating the complex terrain of international hiring can be a daunting task. The challenges are manifold, from grappling with local labour laws to ensuring tax compliance. Add to that the potential pitfalls of working with an inadequate service provider, and you’re in for a turbulent journey. Explore 12 scenarios where a Global Employer of Record (Global EOR) can be your strategic ally. Whether you’re an NGO, a scaling startup, or an established enterprise, discover how a Global EOR can help you focus on your core business while efficiently managing international hiring complexities in the United Kingdom.

Scenario Description
Unhappiness with the Current Provider You have hired an employee but are unhappy with your current service provider and looking for better options.
Contractor Compliance You have decided to hire an independent contractor instead of a full-time employee, and you need help ensuring compliance with local labour, tax, and immigration laws.
Quality Improvement You seek to enhance the quality of employment services while avoiding the risk and hassle of dealing with multiple service providers in different jurisdictions.
Budget Constraints Your company can no longer afford to maintain a fully-fledged legal operation in the target country and needs a more cost-effective solution.
Temporary Projects You have a temporary or short-term project in a foreign country that does not warrant setting up a full legal entity.
Hiring Foreign Workforce You need to hire a foreign workforce for a new international project and ensure legal compliance.
Business Transitions Your company is undergoing a business transition such as mergers, acquisitions, or shutdowns, and you want to ensure smooth and compliant employee transitions.
NGO Staffing You are an NGO that needs to hire professionals in different locations across the globe quickly.
Interim Employment Solution You are in the process of establishing a legal entity in a foreign country but need an interim solution for hiring and payroll.
Scaling up operations Your company is rapidly growing and needs to hire in countries where you don’t have an established presence yet.
Remote Work Expansion You want to leverage the global talent pool by enabling remote work, but you need help with the employment regulations in each worker’s country.
Reducing Legal Liability Your company wants to reduce potential legal liabilities related to international employment and seeks expert assistance.

Global EOR Efficiency: Reducing Vendor Complexity

Utilising a single Global Employer of Record partner empowers businesses to manage employees across multiple countries efficiently. This unified approach simplifies complex international HR processes, providing consistency in employment practices and compliance standards across different jurisdictions. It eliminates the need for multiple local HR teams or legal advisors, ensuring a cohesive and streamlined strategy for global employment.

A Global Employer of Record can effectively consolidate multiple services, replacing the need for various vendors across jurisdictions:

  1. Payroll and Tax Compliance: Manages payroll processing, tax withholding, and reporting, aligning with local regulations.
  2. Benefits Management: Constructs and administers comprehensive and competitive employee benefits packages, adhering to local laws.
  3. HR Expertise: Offers a full range of HR services, including streamlined and compliant employee onboarding, talent management., and offboarding.
  4. Background Verification: Conducts employee background checks, ensuring compliance with regional standards.
  5. Intellectual Property Assistance: Aids in protecting intellectual property rights across different jurisdictions.
  6. Tax Consultation: Provides expert advice on local tax laws and compliance.
  7. Translation Services: Offers language support to bridge communication gaps in multinational operations.
  8. Legal Advisory: Delivers legal expertise, including contract review and regulatory compliance.
  9. Immigration Guidance: Assists with work permit sponsorship and visas for international employees, simplifying the immigration process.

The United Kingdom: Country Overview

The United Kingdom encompasses the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The island nation is situated in northwestern Europe. Recently, as part of the European Union (EU), UK citizens voted in 2020 to withdraw from the EU and reclaim national sovereignty.

  • Capital: London, England
  • Population: About 68 million
  • Labor Force: 34,738,347
  • Ease of Doing Business: The World Bank ranks the UK 8th among 190 nations for ease of doing business. The UK’s highly evolved Western culture, culturally diverse population and English as its primary spoken language play into the UK’s high ranking.
  • Global marketplace position: The United Kingdom has the 6th largest economy in the world, based on the gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Industries: The top industries in the UK are construction services, banking, automotive, and healthcare.
  • Import/Export partners: The UK’s top trading partners are the USA, China, Germany, Netherlands, and France.
  • Local currency: Despite its previous membership in the EU, the UK never adopted the Euro as its main currency, and the country’s local currency remains the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Workers are paid in GBP.
  • Minimum wage: As of April 2021, the UK’s minimum wage for adults under age 23 was 8.72 GBP per hour, and the National Living Wage was 9.5 GBP or 10.85 GBP for people working in London. All workers over age 23 are entitled to the UK’s minimum National Living Wage.

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