When exploring outsourced HR support in the UK, you’ll usually come across two main pricing models: a monthly retainer or pay-as-you-go.
Both can be excellent solutions depending on how your business operates and what kind of support you need. Understanding how each model works and the pros and cons of both can help you make the right choice for your team and your budget.
Here’s an honest breakdown to help you decide which is best for you.
What is a HR Retainer?
A HR retainer is a fixed monthly fee paid to your HR provider for an agreed level of ongoing support. It’s a bit like having an external HR department that already knows your business, ready to step in whenever you need help — without worrying about running up an hourly bill.
You’ll typically get access to advice on everything from employee relations and absence management to policy reviews, contracts, and ongoing compliance updates.
Typical costs: From around £150–£500 per month for smaller businesses, increasing with staff numbers and the level of service required.
Benefits of a retainer
Predictable costs – You’ll know exactly what you’re paying each month, which makes budgeting and cash flow easier to manage. There are no unexpected invoices when issues arise.
Priority response – As a contracted client, your queries are treated as a priority. Whether it’s a tricky disciplinary, sickness absence, or employment law update, you’ll get fast, reliable support when you need it most.
Proactive support – Retained HR isn’t just about solving problems — it’s about preventing them. We can spend time developing your people strategy, improving engagement, and keeping your policies legally compliant so issues are less likely to occur in the first place.
Stronger relationship – Over time, we get to know your business, culture, and team dynamics. This means the advice you receive is more tailored, practical, and aligned with your goals.
When a HR Retainer is best
A retainer is often the most cost-effective and strategic option if:
- You have more than 10–15 employees
- You require regular HR advice throughout the month
- You want proactive HR planning, not just reactive problem-solving
- You value the peace of mind that comes with knowing expert help is always available
It’s particularly beneficial for growing companies who want to stay compliant, manage people effectively, and build positive workplace cultures without employing an in-house HR team.
What is pay-as-you-go HR?
Pay-as-you-go HR (also called ad-hoc HR) means you only pay for the support you actually use. You might call us in for a specific project, urgent issue, or piece of documentation — and once it’s done, that’s it.
It’s a great way to access expert advice without an ongoing commitment or fixed monthly cost.
Typical costs: Hourly rates usually range from £60–£125, or you can book day rates for on-site visits and larger projects.
Benefits of pay-as-you-go
Flexibility – You only pay for what you use, which is ideal for businesses with occasional HR needs.
No ongoing commitment – Perfect for one-off tasks or short-term projects such as contracts, handbooks, or grievance investigations.
Ideal for smaller teams – If you only have a handful of employees and HR issues are rare, this approach keeps your costs low while still giving you access to expert help when something arises.
When pay-as-you-go is best
This model suits you if:
- You have fewer than 10 employees
- You only need help with occasional HR tasks such as writing contracts, dealing with disciplinaries, or handling redundancies
- You’re not yet ready to invest in a proactive HR strategy or regular support
It’s a simple, flexible way to ensure you’re covered when specific issues come up — without paying for a HR retainer you may not use.
Can you switch between the two?
Absolutely. At The HR Booth, we know that every business evolves, and your HR needs can change too. You’re never locked into a single model — you can start on a pay-as-you-go basis to get a feel for how we work, then move to a retainer when your business grows or your HR workload increases. Likewise, if things quieten down, we can scale back your support so you’re only paying for what you need at the time.
Which option gives better value?
If you need HR advice regularly, a HR retainer almost always works out cheaper per hour and comes with the added benefits of continuity, priority support, and a closer working relationship. However, if you only need support a few times a year, pay-as-you-go is the more cost-effective and flexible choice.
Ultimately, the best option depends on how often you need HR input, how proactive you want your support to be, and what stage your business is at.
Next Step: Let’s Find the Right HR Support for You
Every business has its own challenges, goals, and ways of working — which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all HR solution.
The best next step is to have an open chat with our team at The HR Booth. We’ll take time to understand your business, the type of support you need, and how often you’re likely to use it. From there, we can recommend the most cost-effective model — whether that’s starting with pay-as-you-go support or setting up a tailored monthly retainer.
Our experienced team of HR professionals has supported hundreds of businesses across the UK, from small family-run firms to growing SMEs and established organisations. We have hands-on experience in every aspect of HR — including:
- Employee relations – handling disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters fairly and in line with UK employment law
- Compliance and legislation – ensuring your policies, contracts, and procedures meet current legal standards
- Recruitment and retention – helping you attract, engage, and retain great people
- Learning and development – supporting leadership growth and employee progression
- Culture and engagement – building positive workplaces where people thrive
What sets us apart is our practical, people-first approach. We don’t just quote legislation or send template documents — we take the time to understand your business and offer real-world solutions that make sense for your team. You’ll get straight-talking advice, fast responses, and the reassurance that your HR is being handled properly.
We’re proud to be an outsourced HR partner that businesses can rely on for both day-to-day support and long-term strategy. Whether you need us for one-off issues or ongoing partnership, we’ll make sure your people management runs smoothly and your business stays compliant, confident, and focused on growth.
Ready to explore your options?
Contact The HR Booth today for an informal chat. We’ll review your current HR setup, estimate your average needs, and help you decide which support model gives you the best value — so you can get back to running your business with complete peace of mind. Whether you go for a HR Retainer and Pay as you go service, we’re always here to help.
