
Cost of Employing in the UK -
Introduction
Hiring talent in the UK involves more than just offering a salary. There are a variety of hidden and mandatory costs that employers must consider — from statutory contributions to workplace benefits and compliance obligations.
This guide offers a clear overview of what UK-based businesses can expect when employing someone locally, and why outsourcing may offer a smarter, more cost-effective alternative.
Key Employer Costs in the UK
1. National Insurance Contributions (NIC)
Employers are legally required to contribute to National Insurance for their employees. This usually represents around 15% of an employee’s earnings, depending on their age and income level. Bonuses and incentives are also subject to NIC.
2. Workplace Pension Contributions
UK law mandates that eligible employees be enrolled in a pension scheme. Employers must contribute a minimum of 3%, while employees typically contribute the remaining 5%, totaling an 8% minimum contribution.
3. Employee Benefits & Overheads
Employee perks, healthcare, paid time off, and company-wide benefits — while varying across companies — add significant cost. These also include:
-
Holiday and sick leave
-
Maternity/paternity pay
-
Performance bonuses
-
Wellbeing initiatives
4. Recruitment & Training Costs
Hiring costs include advertising, recruitment agency fees, onboarding, and training. For mid-to-senior roles, these costs can range into thousands per hire.
5. Workplace Compliance & Insurance
Employers must also provide:
-
Employer’s liability insurance
-
Health & safety provisions
-
Compliance training and certifications
Real-World Cost Example
The actual annual cost to employ someone on a £40,000 salary in the UK can exceed £55,000+, after factoring in taxes, contributions, benefits, and overhead.

How Omnitech Helps You Save — Without Compromising Quality
At Omni Tech Business Ltd, we provide skilled IT professionals and teams from India to UK-based businesses, delivering up to 40% guaranteed savings over hiring in-house, without the administrative burden or hidden costs.

No Employer NIC or Pension Obligations

Zero Recruitment Overhead

Flexible & Scalable Teams

Managed delivery by UK-based experts
Want to Compare the Cost for Your Business?
Let us show you how much you can save with our free employment cost calculator. Contact us today for a custom comparison.
Final Thoughts
Hiring locally can offer control and proximity, but comes with a host of associated costs. With Omni Tech Business Ltd, you can build high-performing teams, reduce overheads, and maintain a UK delivery feel — all while enjoying cost-effective global talent.