If you’re thinking about outsourcing your HR, one of the first questions on your mind is probably “How much does outsourced HR cost UK?”
It’s a fair question — and the honest answer is that it depends on your business size, the level of support you need, and how you choose to work with your HR provider.
At The HR Booth, we believe in being completely transparent about pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that influence cost, along with ballpark figures to help you plan.
Your business size and number of employees
The more employees you have, the more HR requirements you’re likely to face.
- Small businesses (under 20 staff) often need occasional advice and compliance support.
- Medium businesses (20–100 staff) usually require a mix of reactive and proactive HR help, including employee engagement, recruitment, and policy development.
- Larger SMEs (100+ staff) tend to need ongoing strategic HR management alongside day-to-day issues.
Generally, the bigger the headcount, the higher the HR time requirement — and the higher the outsourced HR cost UK.
Type of service: Retainer vs Pay-As-You-Go
You can choose between:
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Retainer agreements – a set monthly fee for a defined number of hours or services. This gives you predictable budgeting and priority response times. Retainers can start from around £150–£500 per month for small businesses, increasing with complexity and staff numbers.
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Pay-as-you-go services – charged hourly or per project. Rates typically range from £60–£125 per hour. This works well for one-off issues or seasonal needs but may be less cost-effective if you need regular support.
Level of support
The depth of support you need will influence outsourced hr cost UK. Some businesses just want legal essentials, while others want a partner to help with culture, growth, and strategy.
Basic compliance packages – from around £500
Designed for smaller businesses or those with simple needs. Typically includes:
- Tailored contracts and policies
- A basic staff handbook
- Advice on day-to-day queries
- Legal updates and templates
This provides peace of mind that you’re covered and compliant, without ongoing strategic input.
Full-service Outsourced HR Cost – £160–£600+ per month
Suited to growing SMEs or businesses that want HR to play a proactive role. This can include:
- Compliance plus hands-on case support
- Performance and appraisal systems
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Manager training and coaching
- Employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives
This option goes beyond staying legal — it’s about building a stronger, more productive workplace.
Example:
- 10 staff: compliance support £159+/month
- 50 staff: proactive, full-service HR £450+/month
- 100+ staff: comprehensive HR partnership £500+
Specialist HR projects
Some HR needs fall outside day-to-day operations, for example:
- Redundancy management
- TUPE transfers
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Complex disciplinary or grievance cases
These are usually quoted separately due to the additional expertise and time required.
What you get for your money with The HR Booth
With The HR Booth, you’re not just paying for time — you’re paying for:
- Access to a team of experienced HR professionals, not just one person
- Fast, practical advice that keeps you compliant with UK employment law
- Reduced risk of costly mistakes or legal claims
- Support in building a positive workplace culture
- Flexibility to scale your support up or down as your business changes
Example of HR Pricing
It’s important to us that businesses easily understand their outsourced HR cost UK. Therefore, we provide transparent, clear pricing tailored to the size of your business. Whether you’re a small local startup, a growing company, or established SME in the UK, we deliver affordable HR support without hidden charges. Here’s a simple example off our pricing system to illustrate:
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A 15-employee company on a HR retainer will pay around £199 per month.
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A 50-employee business needing a more hands-on service will pay £319 per month.
- A pay-as-you-go client will spend:
- £80 an hour for in person advice
- £65 an hour for remote support
- Daily rate: £600
How to get an exact quote
The simplest way to find out your exact cost is to have a quick conversation with us. During this chat, we’ll take the time to understand your team size, the specific challenges you’re facing, and what you want to achieve in the future. With that information, we can put together a tailored proposal that fits your business perfectly.
You’ll receive a clear, transparent breakdown of costs, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. There are no hidden fees, no confusing jargon, just straightforward outsourced hr cost UK and advice you can trust.
Why choose The HR Booth
When you outsource your HR, you want more than just a helpline. At The HR Booth, we provide a dedicated team who get to know your business, your people, and your goals. We don’t just advise from a distance — we work alongside you to solve challenges, reduce risk, and create a stronger workplace culture.
Our clients value us because we are:
- Transparent – clear pricing with no hidden extras
- Experienced – a whole team of HR professionals at your side
- Flexible – support tailored to your size, sector, and stage of growth
- Proactive – not just keeping you compliant, but helping you achieve your business ambitions
With us, you’re not tied into a one-size-fits-all package. You get practical, friendly advice and flexible solutions that grow with your business.
Contact us
If you’re exploring support and want clarity on outsourced hr cost UK, we’d be happy to help. Let’s arrange a quick chat about your needs, and we’ll provide a tailored proposal so you can see exactly what support and investment look like for your business.
📞 Call us on 01383 668 178
📧 Email us at info@thehrbooth.co.uk
🌐 Or visit www.thehrbooth.co.uk to book a call
We’d love to show you how outsourced HR can save you time, reduce risk, and give you peace of mind.
