How much does HR support cost?
Looking for outsourced HR pricing? Here's what you need to know.
It's one of the most common questions we get asked, and understandably so.
The truth is that our HR support isn't a one-size-fits-all service. The HR needs of a five-person business are very different from those of a company employing 50, 100 or even 500 people.
That's why we don't publish fixed prices on our website.
Instead, we provide tailored recommendations and pricing based on your business, your people and the support you need.
The good news? Outsourced HR support is often significantly more cost-effective than employing an in-house HR professional.
Get a tailored HR quote
Why don't we publish prices?
If you were buying a laptop or office chair, a fixed price would make sense.
HR support is different.
Every business has unique challenges, goals and people issues. Some employers simply want access to expert advice when needed. Others require comprehensive support covering contracts, policies, employee relations, recruitment and strategic people planning.
A published price would rarely reflect what a business actually needs.
Instead, we focus on understanding your requirements first so we can recommend the right level of support and provide an accurate quotation.
Understanding the cost of HR support for small businesses
When businesses search for HR pricing, what they're usually trying to understand is whether professional HR support is affordable.
The reality is that the cost of HR support varies depending on factors such as:
- Business size
- Number of employees
- Industry sector
- Existing HR documentation
- Level of support required
Many SMEs choose outsourced HR support because it provides access to experienced HR professionals without the salary costs, pension contributions, National Insurance, training expenses and overheads associated with employing an in-house HR specialist.
The most accurate way to understand potential costs is to speak with your local HR Dept team and receive a recommendation tailored to your business.
What factors affect HR costs?
Number of employees
The larger your workforce, the greater the level of HR support typically required.
Level of support needed
Do you require occasional advice or a fully outsourced HR department?
Complexity of issues
Businesses dealing with frequent employee relations matters may require more ongoing support
Existing documentation
If contracts, handbooks and policies need creating or updating, this can affect costs
Growth plans
Expanding businesses often require additional HR guidance around recruitment, onboarding and compliance
Retained or ad hoc
Some businesses require project-based support, whereas some may prefer an ongoing retainerWhat can HR support look like?
While every quotation is tailored to the individual business, the examples below show how different organisations may require different levels of support.
Small start-up
5 employees | Professional Services | No dedicated HR | Wants compliance and advice
What they might need
✓ Employment contracts
✓ Employee handbook
✓ HR advice line access
✓ Basic HR support when issues arise
Typical investment
A business of this size would usually require a relatively modest level of support compared with larger employers.
The final cost would depend on the services selected and the level of ongoing support required.
Growing SME
25 employees | Multiple managers | Recruiting regularly | Experiencing occasional employee relations matters
What they might need
✓ Ongoing HR support
✓ Manager guidance
✓ Recruitment assistance
✓ Policy updates
✓ Disciplinary and grievance support
✓ Absence management advice
Typical investment
Businesses at this stage often invest in ongoing HR support to ensure compliance, reduce management time spent dealing with people issues and provide managers with expert guidance when challenges arise.
Established employer
75 employees | Multiple departments | High levels of management responsibility | Regular HR requirements
What they might need
✓ Fully outsourced HR department
✓ Strategic HR support
✓ Employee relations expertise
✓ Recruitment support
✓ Employee engagement initiatives
✓ Management training
✓ HR project work
Typical investment
Larger organisations generally require more regular support due to workforce complexity and the volume of HR activity taking place throughout the year.
What level of HR support do you require?
- Retaining staff
- Performance management
- Onboarding and Inductions
What level of HR support do you require?
This short quiz will identify where your people practices are strong - and where there is room for improvement. It's free to take and you'll get a short report direct to your inbox once you're done.
- Free
- 2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does outsourced HR support cost?
Pricing depends on factors such as employee numbers, the services required and the level of ongoing support your business needs.
Is outsourced HR cheaper than employing an HR manager?
For many SMEs, outsourced HR support can be a more cost-effective option than employing an in-house HR professional. With outsourced HR, you gain access to a team of specialists covering employment law, employee relations, recruitment, training and strategic HR, without the additional costs associated with salaries, pensions, National Insurance, annual leave and ongoing training.
The best solution depends on your business size, growth plans and the level of HR support you require.
Can I get support for a single HR issue?
Yes. Many clients engage us for standalone projects or one-off advice.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. Unlike some competitors, we agree one year contracts with our clients. We believe that if you are not satisfied with the service you are being provided, you shouldn't be tied down to a multi-year contract.
Can I get a free quote?
Absolutely. We can assess your requirements and provide a tailored recommendation and quotation.
How much HR support does a small business need?
There is no universal answer because every small business is different.
A business with five employees and straightforward people management needs may only require occasional advice and compliant documentation. A growing business with multiple managers, regular recruitment activity and employee relations challenges is likely to benefit from more comprehensive support.
The right level of HR support should reflect your business's size, complexity and ambitions.
What is included in an HR retainer?
Retained HR support is designed to provide ongoing access to HR expertise and typically includes a combination of:
- Day-to-day HR advice
- Employment law guidance
- Support with disciplinary and grievance matters
- Absence management advice
- Contract and policy guidance
- Management support and coaching
- Updates on employment law changes
- Employment tribunal insurance
Services can vary depending on the needs of the business and the support package selected.
Do I need HR support if I only have a few employees?
Even businesses with a small number of employees have legal responsibilities as employers.
Having the right contracts, policies and procedures in place from the outset can help provide clarity, consistency and protection as your business grows.
Let's talk about your HR requirements
Every business is different, and we believe it is important to get to know yours before we recommend an appropriate solution. Let us know the key info below and we'll be in touch to discuss your needs.
Typical HR services we provide
Everyday HR support
HR advice
Employment law guidance
Employee relations
Absence management
Performance management
Disciplinary procedures
Grievances
HR documentation
Employment contracts
Employee handbooks
HR policies
Staff letters and documentation
HR audits
Strategic HR support
Recruitment support
Organisational development
Management coaching
Employee engagement
Training workshops
HR strategy
What type of HR support is right for your business?
Ongoing HR Support
Perfect for businesses wanting regular access to HR expertise and proactive support, covered by employment tribunal insurance.
Project-Based HR Support
Ideal when you need help with a specific issue such as:
- Redundancy projects
- TUPE transfers
- Employee disputes
- Handbook updates
- Recruitment programmes
One-Off HR Advice
For businesses that occasionally need expert guidance on a particular employment matter.
