Which payroll solution is right for you?
Five models compared, with real-world examples and a quick questionnaire to point you in the right direction.
Answer a few questions.
A starting point only. It does not decide anyone's employment status, and it is not advice.
| Umbrella | CIS | PAYE | PEO | Payroll bureau | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who employs the worker | Kingsley Crest | Nobody (self-employed) | Your business | Kingsley Crest | Your business |
| Tax deducted | PAYE tax and NI | CIS deduction (20%, 30% or 0%) | PAYE tax and NI | PAYE tax and NI | PAYE tax and NI |
| HR handled by us | For the umbrella employment | No | No | Yes | No |
| KC Rewards+ | With Platinum | With Platinum | No | Included as standard | No |
| Usually suits | Agency contractors | Self-employed construction subcontractors | Agencies and employers | Agencies and businesses wanting employment handled | Businesses and accountants |
| Our fee | £20 or £22.50 a week worked | £22 or £24.50 a week worked | Quoted | Quoted | Quoted |
Scenarios
An agency places a worker on a temporary assignment. If the agency does not want to employ the worker, umbrella employment gives them full employment rights and PAYE. If the agency wants to employ them directly, agency PAYE suits better.
A genuinely self-employed subcontractor works on construction projects. CIS may apply, but only after a status check confirms they are not working under supervision, direction or control.
An agency wants help with employment administration as well as payroll. PAYE outsourcing keeps the agency as employer; a PEO arrangement moves the employment and HR to us.
An accountant runs payroll for 60 business clients and wants to stop processing it in-house. Our white-label payroll bureau processes it behind the scenes under the practice's brand.
A business with 15 staff wants its monthly payroll taken off its hands. A payroll bureau service is the simplest fit: the business stays the employer and we do the processing.
Still not sure?
Tell us about your situation and we will recommend the right model.