Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS.
ANSWERED.
EOR is still a new concept for many UK businesses. We’ve answered the questions we hear most — clearly, honestly, and without the jargon.
Understanding EOR
WHAT IS AN
EMPLOYER OF RECORD?
What exactly is an Employer of Record?
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a company that becomes the legal employer of workers on behalf of another business. That means we hold the employment contract, handle payroll, manage statutory rights, and carry the legal employment responsibility — while your business directs the day-to-day work.
Think of it as outsourcing the entire employment function, not just payroll. You get all the benefits of a workforce without any of the employment administration or legal burden.
What’s the difference between Hakuhana and a recruitment agency?
A recruitment agency finds workers and places them with you — then their job is done. You become the employer. You carry the contracts, the compliance, the payroll, and the risk.
With Hakuhana, we are the employer — permanently. We handle everything related to employment so your business never carries that burden. We’re not a middleman for finding staff; we’re a long-term employment partner.
Who is legally responsible if something goes wrong with a worker?
As the Employer of Record, Hakuhana holds the legal employment relationship. That means employment law obligations — unfair dismissal claims, redundancy, statutory leave, pay disputes — sit with us, not with your business.
However, Clients remain responsible for health and safety at their premises and for directing workers lawfully. If a Client instructs us to act unlawfully, we will refuse and may suspend services. We take our obligations to workers extremely seriously.
Is this the same as zero-hours contracts?
Absolutely not. Zero-hours contracts are the opposite of what Hakuhana stands for. Our model is built around stable, long-term employment with predictable pay, proper benefits, and genuine job security. We exist precisely because zero-hours contracts have failed workers and, increasingly, businesses too. Unstable workers don’t stay, don’t perform, and don’t care. Stable workers do.
Working With Us
HOW DOES IT
WORK IN PRACTICE?
How quickly can we get started?
Once a service agreement is in place, we can typically onboard workers within 5–10 working days depending on the number of workers and complexity of the arrangement. We’ll talk you through the timeline on your initial call.
Can we use Hakuhana for just one or two workers?
Yes. We work with businesses of all sizes — from a single worker to large workforce deployments. There is no minimum headcount. Our pricing is structured so that smaller engagements are still commercially sensible for both parties. Book a call and we’ll give you a clear, honest figure.
Do the workers know Hakuhana is their employer?
Yes — full transparency is non-negotiable. Workers receive an employment contract from Hakuhana, understand who their legal employer is, and have direct access to us for any employment-related queries. We believe workers deserve to know exactly who is responsible for their employment. Hidden arrangements are not something we participate in.
What happens if we need to end a worker’s assignment?
Because Hakuhana holds the employment contract, we manage the process in full compliance with UK employment law. You notify us, we handle the rest — including notice periods, final pay calculations, and any statutory obligations. You won’t face employment tribunals or legal exposure from ending an assignment correctly.
Compliance & Law
THE EMPLOYMENT
RIGHTS BILL & BEYOND.
What is the Employment Rights Bill and why does it matter?
The Employment Rights Bill 2026 is the most significant reform to UK employment law in a generation. It introduces day-one rights for workers, tighter rules on zero-hours contracts, and new enforcement powers through the Fair Work Agency.
For businesses still using casual or non-compliant arrangements, this creates serious legal risk. Hakuhana’s entire model is built around these standards — so our clients are already compliant before the rules even take effect.
What is the Fair Work Agency?
The Fair Work Agency is a new enforcement body with powers to investigate and penalise businesses that breach employment law — including minimum wage violations, unlawful deductions, and non-compliance with worker rights. Hakuhana clients are protected because we manage compliance on your behalf, proactively and continuously.
We already use contractors. Do we need to change anything?
It depends on how your contractors are engaged. IR35 legislation already creates significant risk for businesses using contractors who are — in practice — working like employees. The Employment Rights Bill tightens this further. We’d recommend a conversation to review your current arrangements. There’s no obligation, and we’ll give you an honest assessment.
Hakuhana Club
BUSINESS SUPPORT &
THE CLUB.
What is Hakuhana Club?
Hakuhana Club is our private membership for business owners who want direct access to 40 years of business expertise. Members get a private Telegram community, direct message access to Petrina, and a monthly 1-hour business review. It’s built for business owners who want straight talk, real strategy, and someone genuinely in their corner.
Do I need to be an EOR client to join Hakuhana Club?
No. Hakuhana Club is open to any business owner regardless of whether you use our EOR services. It’s a standalone membership for founders and business owners who want expert support, honest advice, and a serious community.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION? LET’S TALK.