October brings cobwebs, carved pumpkins, and the annual appearance of uninvited spectres. Good news. Most hauntings are caused by creaky processes, not actual monsters.

Light a lantern, and let’s ghost-proof your PSL .

Stake through the heart essentials

Get these right and the ghouls tend to stay in their coffins.

Check Companies House

Confirm registration details, trading history, and directors. Look for consistency and avoid companies with frequent name changes or similar names to known entities.

Confirm Tax Compliance

Check HMRC’s list of tax avoidance schemes: request proof that all the company tax obligations have been met and are up to date.

Transparency

Request a home pay illustration – this should include all deductions including all HMRC deductions, pensions and margin.

Confirm legal employment

Request a contract of employment and ensure it is a standard employment contract with no hidden non employment clauses.

Review payroll practices

Request copies of payslips, they should be transparent and show all breakdowns of gross pay, deductions and net pay. Sterling has veriPAYE accreditation giving you the confidence that every payment made is independently checked by veriPAYE to assure compliance.

Look for accreditations

Look for memberships, such as FCSA, veriPAYE etc.

Insurance

Full insurance cover including employers liability, public liability and professional indemnity cover.

Payments made on time

Check they pay contractors on time, every time via same-day Faster Payments and have an online portal or app for tracking timesheets, payslips, and all payroll information.

Customer Service

Do they have excellent customer service providing access to dedicated account managers and Human Resource support and have responsive knowledgeable customer service teams.

Positive Reputation

Do they have a positive reputation such as high ratings on Trustpilot, reviews and testimonials from contractors and a long-standing presence in the industry with a proven track record?

Final warding spell

Payroll compliance is about protecting your agency’s reputation, keeping contractors happy by providing excellent service.

Get in touch today to find out how we can support your agency

Call 01925 626200

Umbrella Company UK | Payroll Solutions | Sterling Group

Continuity of Employment: Stay Connected with Sterling Wherever Your Career Takes You

As a contractor, your skills open the door to exciting opportunities with different agencies and assignments. Each new role brings fresh experiences – but that doesn’t mean you should have to start from scratch with a new Umbrella every time you change agency. At The Sterling Group, we make sure you don’t have to. With us, you can keep your continuity of employment, giving you stability and peace of mind as your career grows.

What continuity of employment means for you
Continuity of employment is all about keeping your employment status unbroken, even as you move between agencies. For contractors, that means:

Your benefits stay intact
Your employment history remains consistent
You avoid unnecessary resets or complications

It’s one less thing to worry about, so you can focus on what you do best.

Why stay with Sterling?
Many contractors don’t realise they have a choice — even if your new agency has a preferred supplier, you can ask to remain with Sterling. By doing so, you’ll:

Stay consistent – No gaps in your employment history.
Keep trusted support – Our team continues to take care of you, no matter where your next assignment is.
Enjoy flexibility – Move freely between agencies without sacrificing your continuity.
Rely on experience – With Sterling, you know your payroll and employment are in safe hands.

A partner who values you
We know how much effort you put into your work, and we believe your employment support should match that. Staying with Sterling means choosing a partner who appreciates the value you bring — and who works to make your professional life simpler and more secure.

How to make it happen
It’s simple: when you accept a new assignment, just let your recruiter know you’d like to continue with Sterling. We’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to keep your continuity of employment and enjoy the benefits of staying with Sterling? Contact us today to learn more.

In recruitment, payroll is more than just a back-office function. It’s the backbone of trust between agencies, contractors, and clients. When compliance is overlooked, the consequences can be severe — from financial penalties to damaged reputations. In today’s regulatory landscape, payroll compliance isn’t optional. It’s essential.

The True Cost of Non-Compliance

Recruitment agencies face constant pressure to deliver accurate and timely payments while staying on top of complex legislation. Mistakes can lead to HMRC fines, reputational damage, and in some cases, the loss of valued contractors who simply won’t risk being paid late or incorrectly.

Common pitfalls include:

Misunderstandings around IR35 and other legislation
Inaccurate reporting or delayed submissions
Lack of transparency for contractors
Weak audit trails that won’t stand up to scrutiny

Each of these risks can harm an agency’s credibility and long-term growth.

Why Payroll Compliance Is More Complex Than Ever

The demands on agencies have grown significantly. Contractors now expect complete visibility over their pay, while regulators continue to tighten the rules. Agencies need more than a ‘good enough’ payroll process — they need certainty, accountability, and a system they can trust.

Enter veriPAYE —This is why Sterling have chosen this as their Compliance Powerhouse

This is where veriPAYE comes in. Developed as a compliance-first solution, veriPAYE gives agencies and contractors real-time transparency and reassurance that payroll is being handled correctly. With clear, accessible reporting and robust audit-ready systems, veriPAYE helps agencies eliminate compliance headaches before they start.

And the best part? veriPAYE is completely free for every agency working with The Sterling Group. We are committed to protecting agencies and their contractors, without adding to the cost of doing business.

The Sterling Difference

Technology is only part of the solution. At The Sterling Group, we combine the power of veriPAYE with decades of payroll expertise and a customer service team dedicated to your success. That blend of innovation and human support is what sets us apart — ensuring agencies not only remain compliant but also build stronger, more reliable relationships with their contractors.

Final Word

Payroll compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about protecting your agency’s reputation, keeping your contractors happy, and building a foundation for growth. With Sterling and veriPAYE, compliance comes as standard — and at no extra cost.

Get in touch today to find out how we can support your agency:
📞 01925 626200
🌐https://www.thesterlinggroup.co.uk/
✉️ info@thesterlinggroup.co.uk

At The Sterling Group, we know that contractors are often juggling multiple sites, deadlines, and responsibilities — so the last thing you need is a time-consuming admin. The Sterling App is designed with contractors in mind. That’s why we created the Sterling app: built specifically for contractors using our CIS and Umbrella services, and designed to simplify the tasks that matter most.

Whether you’re working remotely, on-site, or in-between assignments, the Sterling app keeps everything you need just a tap away.

Stay in control, wherever you are

The Sterling app puts contractors in control of their payments and expenses — no emails, no chasing, and no paperwork to carry around. It’s all right there in your pocket, so you can manage your admin on your terms, in your own time.

Here’s how it works:

Key Features of the Sterling App

Payment Information
Want to check if your payment has landed? Need a quick overview of your recent pay history? The app gives you up-to-date information at a glance, so you always know where you stand.

Submit Expenses on the Go
If you’re travelling for work, sorting expenses can be a hassle. With the Sterling app, you can submit claims for mileage no matter where you are. It’s fast, simple, and ensures your expenses are processed quicker.

Why Contractors Love It

Contractors using the Sterling app tell us it’s made their lives a lot easier. Here are just some of the reasons why:

Convenient – Access your account from anywhere, at any time. No need to be tied to a desktop or office.
Fast – Submitting information takes just a few clicks. Select your document type, enter the details, and hit submit.
Secure – Your data matters. That’s why our app is regularly updated and monitored to ensure maximum security.
Easy to Use – The interface is clean and simple, designed to work for busy contractors, not against them.

“So easy to use. Great app, makes life so much easier.”
– A happy Sterling contractor

Available Now on iOS and Android

The Sterling app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices. Just search “Sterling Group” in your app store and get started today. The Sterling App is designed with contractors in mind

Got questions?

We’re here to help.
📞 01925 626200
🌐 www.thesterlinggroup.co.uk
📩 info@thesterlinggroup.co.uk

When it comes to choosing the right partners for your recruitment agency, few decisions are as important as who makes it onto your Preferred Supplier List (PSL). These are the go-to partners your agency trusts to deliver consistently, reliably, and compliantly – and it’s a list that should be reviewed with care and on a regular basis.

But what exactly is a PSL? And why does The Sterling Group deserve a spot on yours?

What is a Preferred Supplier List?

A Preferred Supplier List is a curated group of trusted businesses that your agency has vetted and approved to deliver specific services – from payroll and back-office support to compliance, umbrella companies and beyond. Having a PSL helps streamline procurement, mitigate risk, and maintain quality by ensuring you only work with partners who meet your standards.

For recruitment agencies, choosing partners for your PSL isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about finding experts who can evolve with you, support your growth, and safeguard your reputation.

Why The Sterling Group deserves a place on your PSL

✅ 26 years of proven experience

The Sterling Group has been supporting recruitment businesses for over two decades – 26 years and counting. That kind of longevity isn’t just rare – it’s a sign of deep industry understanding and long-term client trust. In a sector known for change and challenges, we’ve not only stood the test of time, we’ve helped our clients do the same.

✅ Fully accredited and fiercely compliant

When compliance matters – and in recruitment, it always does – you need a partner who’s up to the job. The Sterling Group holds all relevant industry accreditations and takes a proactive, no-shortcuts approach to staying compliant. We don’t just follow legislation – we stay ahead of it.

Whether it’s IR35, Off-Payroll reforms, or the constant shifts in employment law, we’ve weathered every change and emerged stronger, ensuring our clients stay protected.

✅ Reliable, responsive, and ready

Our clients trust us because we deliver – accurately, consistently, and quickly. We understand how vital it is that your back-office, payroll, and compliance functions run smoothly. That’s why we combine real human support with robust systems and in-house tech that’s built around your needs.

More than a supplier – a partner

Your PSL shouldn’t just be a list of names. It should be a toolkit of trusted partners who make your business better. The Sterling Group isn’t just another provider – we’re a team who genuinely care about your success.

If you’re reviewing your PSL or just starting to build one, let’s talk.

Get in touch

📞 01925 626200
🌐 www.thesterlinggroup.co.uk
📩 info@thesterlinggroup.co.uk

The Sterling Group is a veriPAYE secured Partner: Revolutionising Contractor Services

The UK business landscape is continuously evolving, and staying ahead means leveraging strategic partnerships that enhance value. veriPAYE, the UK’s most advanced payroll verification service, has added The Sterling Group as a secured partner , a leading name in contractor and recruitment services. Together, they’re set to elevate the standards of compliance, transparency, and support for contractors, agency workers, and recruitment businesses across the country.

About veriPaye

veriPAYE is a cutting-edge platform designed to simplify and streamline payroll validation processes for contractors, recruiters, and umbrella companies. With robust compliance measures and an unmatched commitment to transparency, veriPAYE ensures workers are treated fairly and paid accurately.

Key Features of veriPAYE:

Enhanced Compliance: Real-time payroll validation ensures adherence to HMRC guidelines.
Risk Reduction: Identify and resolve payment anomalies before they escalate into larger issues.
Secure Platform: With encryption and two-factor authentication, veriPaye ensures bank-level security for all users.
Time & Cost Savings: Advanced automation reduces manual effort, saving significant time and resources.

veriPAYE empowers businesses by providing a centralised view of payroll data, helping all stakeholders maintain the highest standards of financial integrity.

About The Sterling Group

The Sterling Group has over two decades of experience serving contractors and recruitment agencies with tailored financial solutions. Their services are diverse, covering umbrella, PAYE, limited company set-ups, and self-employment support.

Sterling’s focus on compliance and customer service has solidified their reputation as an industry leader. Whether assisting contractors with tax efficiency or providing agencies with payroll flexibility, Sterling helps businesses operate with confidence and efficiency.

Unlocking Benefits Through the VeriPAYE-Sterling Partnership

This unique collaboration between veriPAYE and The Sterling Group is a game-changer for UK contractors, umbrella groups, and agencies. By leveraging each other’s strengths, the partnership is creating a seamless ecosystem that prioritises trust, accuracy, and efficiency.

For Contractors and Agency Workers:

Improved Financial Transparency: Contractors can access complete visibility into their payroll, ensuring every penny is accounted for.
Secure Transactions: Payments are verified with next-level encryption, eliminating common risks like miscalculations or delays.
Peace of Mind: With enhanced validation technology, contractors can rest easy knowing they’re receiving their rightful dues.

For Recruitment Businesses:

Streamlined Payroll Processes: Businesses can save invaluable time with automated payroll reconciliations and real-time validations.
Risk Management: Potential discrepancies in payslips and HMRC filings are flagged promptly, reducing compliance risks.
Enhanced Credibility: Businesses gain the trust of both workers and regulators by adhering to best compliance practices.

Key Features of the Combined Offering

Together, veriPAYE and The Sterling Group are delivering an unparalleled financial solution. Here’s what you’ll gain access to:

Automated Payroll Validation

With veriPAYE’s real-time checks, businesses can validate payslips from top to bottom, including tax deductions, national insurance contributions (NICs), holiday pay, and pension deductions.

Compliance You Can Trust

Both organisations boast decades of experience ensuring adherence to UK employment laws and HMRC best practice

The combination of the robust FCSA annual audit and the introduction of veriPAYE ensures that all parties in the supply chain can expect the highest levels of compliance, transparency and reliability.

Dashboard Transparency

A robust, centralised dashboard provides a clear view of financial data, from payslips to RTI (real-time information) reconciliations. Agencies can easily track all payments and quickly address issues.

Security & Trust

Using advanced cloud-based servers and bank-level encryption, the system ensures data integrity and protects sensitive payroll information.

Unmatched Expertise

By working with industry leaders, contractors, and UK businesses alike access insights, training, and support designed to optimise financial and HR operations.

Take Advantage of the Partnership

Whether you’re a contractor looking for payroll peace of mind or a business seeking to improve compliance, this partnership has something transformational to offer.

Here’s how to get started:

Learn More About veriPAYE

Explore their sophisticated payroll validation tools and how they simplify your processes.

Discover Sterling’s Services

Explore tailored financial solutions designed for contractors and agencies.

Experience the Difference

Contact veriPAYE or The Sterling Group today to see how they can positively impact your operations.

Elevate Financial Wellbeing Across the Board

The Sterling Group veriPAYE – secured status is more than just a business collaboration; it’s a commitment to better financial practices, transparency, and trust for the entire contractor ecosystem. This forward-thinking move represents a significant leap in payroll innovation, empowering contractors and businesses to grow, thrive, and scale with confidence.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your operations.

Get in touch today and unlock a smarter, more efficient way to manage payroll and compliance.