What is a Key Information Document?
The document every agency worker must receive before agreeing terms, and what it should show you.
A Key Information Document, or KID, explains how an agency worker will be paid before they agree terms. Since 6 April 2020, employment businesses have been required to give one to new agency workers.
What the law requires
- The requirement is in regulation 13A of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations, added in 2019.
- The document must be headed "Key Information Document".
- It must be given before the worker agrees terms.
- It must set out pay, deductions, fees and costs, with a representative example of what the worker could take home.
When an umbrella company is involved
The KID must show the umbrella company's details, the pay it will pay the worker, and its margin or fee. An agency cannot simply quote an "umbrella rate" without these details.
What to check in yours
- Who will employ you and pay you.
- The rate the agency will pay, and what you will be paid.
- Every deduction and fee, including the umbrella margin.
- An example that matches what you were told.
Compliance is enforced by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, and GOV.UK publishes guidance and templates for Key Information Documents.
Frequently asked questions
Who gives me the Key Information Document?
Your recruitment agency (the employment business) must give it to you before you agree terms.
My pay does not match my KID. What should I do?
Raise it with your agency and the umbrella company straight away. If it is not resolved, you can complain to the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate.
Need help with this? Our payroll and compliance team can talk it through with you. Talk to our team.
Last reviewed 9 October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.