What workforce outsourcing covers
Workforce outsourcing suits businesses that rely on a large flexible workforce but do not want their own managers tied up with rotas, timesheets and absence calls. Instead of booking agency workers shift by shift, you agree service levels with us and we run the labour side of the operation, usually with our own coordinator based on your site. It works best where temporary labour is a permanent feature of the site rather than an occasional top-up.
A typical arrangement starts with a review of your current setup: headcount by shift, absence rates, how holiday is covered, how new starters are inducted and where the costs are going. We then agree the staffing model, the reporting you want and the standards our people must meet. Our on-site team handles recruitment, induction, daily attendance, rota planning, timesheets and first-line performance issues, and escalates anything affecting production or safety to your managers.
Payroll for the outsourced workforce runs through us, including holiday pay, pension auto-enrolment and statutory payments. You receive a single invoice and regular reports on hours, attendance, turnover and fill rates against what was agreed. Because the arrangement covers the whole workforce rather than individual bookings, it is easier to plan for peaks, cut overtime that has crept in and spot problems before they reach the shop floor. We hold regular review meetings with your operations team to go through the figures and agree any changes.
Workforce we can manage for you
- On-site account coordinator
- Shift team leader
- Warehouse operative
- Picker packer
- Reach truck driver
- Counterbalance forklift driver
- Production operative
- Line feeder
- Goods-in operative
- Returns processor
- Hygiene operative
- Inventory controller
Why businesses outsource their workforce
Your managers get their time back
Absence calls, rota gaps, timesheet queries and new starter inductions are handled by our coordinator, leaving your supervisors to manage output, quality and safety.
One invoice, clear reporting
You receive one consolidated invoice and regular reports on hours, attendance, fill rates and turnover, so labour cost is visible and easy to question.
Agreed service levels
We agree measurable standards with you at the outset, such as fill rate and induction completion, and review our performance against them at regular meetings.
Easier scaling for peaks
With a managed pool already inducted to your site, adding shifts for seasonal peaks or new contracts is quicker and less disruptive than recruiting from scratch.
Compliance responsibilities we take on
Outsourcing the workforce does not remove your health and safety duties as the site operator, but it does move most of the employment administration to us. We carry out right to work checks, keep records of hours and holiday, run payroll correctly and track Agency Workers Regulations 2010 entitlements, so equal treatment is applied when workers reach 12 weeks in the same role. You can review our records whenever you need to.
- Right to work checks with records kept on file
- Working hours monitored under the Working Time Regulations
- Holiday pay and pension auto-enrolment through payroll
- AWR comparator information agreed with you
- Site induction and training records maintained
Who outsources their workforce to us
- Distribution centres
- E-commerce fulfilment
- Food production
- Manufacturing plants
- Parcel and postal hubs
- Recycling and waste sites
How we deliver workforce outsourcing
- BriefWe take the details: roles, numbers, site, hours, start date and the checks you need.
- ShortlistWe match candidates from our pool and complete compliance before anyone is put forward.
- StartWorkers arrive briefed and ready, with a named consultant as your single contact.
- SupportWe handle timesheets, pay and replacements, and check in regularly on performance.
Frequently asked questions
How is workforce outsourcing different from using a staffing agency?
With standard agency supply, you book workers and manage them yourself. With an outsourced model, we take responsibility for running the workforce to agreed standards, including scheduling, attendance and first-line supervision. You manage one relationship with us rather than dealing with dozens of individual workers and their day-to-day issues.
How is a managed service priced?
Pricing is usually based on an hourly charge rate per worker, with the cost of our on-site coordinator either built into that rate or charged separately. Some clients prefer a fixed management fee. We work out the model once we understand your headcount and shift patterns, and set it out in writing.
Can you take over workers from our current agency?
Often, yes. Where workers are happy to move, we can bring them onto our payroll so you keep the people who already know your site. We plan the transition with you, and with your existing supplier where possible, to avoid gaps in cover. Talk to us early, as notice periods in your current contract may affect timing.
Do we still control how the work is done?
Yes. You set the standards, processes and safety rules for your site, and your managers stay responsible for operational decisions. Our coordinator makes sure the workforce follows them, deals with day-to-day people issues and reports back to you. We agree in writing who is responsible for what before the service starts.
Is there a minimum size or contract length?
Managed services work best where flexible labour is a regular part of the operation rather than an occasional need. We do not set a fixed minimum, but there needs to be enough volume to justify on-site management. Contract length is agreed with you, and we can start with a trial period if that helps.
