Understand the placement
We start with where the worker will be based, what they’ll be doing and how the engagement is intended to work.
Global workforce compliance for recruitment agencies
Compliance changes when you cross borders
There isn’t one set of rules for global recruitment. The requirements depend on the country, the worker, their status and the nature of the assignment.
Sapphire helps you understand the areas that need to be considered before a placement begins.
Worker classification
Understand whether a worker can be engaged independently or needs an employment structure based on the circumstances and local requirements.
Employment requirements
Where employment is required, we help put the appropriate local employment structure behind the placement.
Payroll and statutory obligations
Manage relevant payroll, deductions and statutory requirements according to the rules applying to the engagement.
Contracts and documentation
Put the appropriate agreements and documentation in place for the worker, assignment and jurisdiction.
Ongoing compliance
Requirements don’t stop once a worker is onboarded. Our specialists support the engagement throughout the assignment as circumstances or local requirements change.
The right structure for every global placement
Rather than applying the same model everywhere, we look at the individual placement and the requirements of the market.
Assess the appropriate route
Our specialists consider the requirements of the market and whether EOR, AOR or another appropriate structure is needed.
Put the structure in place
We manage the relevant employment or contractor engagement processes, documentation and payment infrastructure.
Support the assignment
You have a dedicated team to help manage the ongoing requirements behind the placement.
12+Years supporting recruitment businesses
500+Agencies across the UK
£700m+Annual turnover
10,000+Contractor payments processed each week
100,000+Contractors supported
102+Countries supported
£1m+Paid in contractor bonuses since 2024
20%Year-on-year contractor growth
Top 5UK Umbrella/CIS market share
Sapphire is a trusted, compliance-first partner. Alex is always on hand, respectful of our preferred ways of working and quick to resolve queries and payment issues. As umbrella legislation changes, their audit-ready approach and clear, timely communication give us and our contractors real confidence.
Sophie Anderson, Associate Director, Venn Group
I have worked with Sapphire for a number of years and have consistently found their service and attention to detail in account management to be exceptional. Marcus, in particular, stands out — he resolves any issues quickly and, no matter how busy he is, always takes the time to personally speak with customers and clients. That level of dedication goes a long way. I would highly recommend Sapphire.
Jim Fleming, Director, Buildforce Solutions
I’ve worked with Sapphire for years and brought the relationship over to my own agency. They register temps quickly, keep us updated throughout and make sure they’re paid reliably each week. Any issues are resolved swiftly, allowing me to focus on placing temps with complete confidence. Jake’s guidance was also invaluable when launching my business, and the whole team consistently goes the extra mile. I see Sapphire as an extension of my accounts department and couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Luke Lysandrou, Director, LLC Recruitment
We’ve worked with Sapphire for over a year and have found them an excellent company to deal with. The Quartz system is easy to use, but what really stands out is their proactive customer support and willingness to listen, adapt and accommodate the specific requirements of our business. Ray, Shauna and the wider team are responsive, practical and genuinely great people to work with. I’d have no hesitation in recommending them.
Steve Gearing, Managing Director, Gearing Recruitment Solutions
Keep ahead with global recruitment intelligence
Stay ahead of the regulatory and market changes shaping international recruitment.
Germany’s Temporary Employment Act: What Recruiters Know
Kris Simpson discusses the Dutch labour market
Kris Simpson on France taking steps to reduce abuse of fixed-term contracts
Managing global contractors and payroll with an EOR
What is an Employer of Record, and why do growing businesses need one?
Understanding bogus self-employment in Germany: how contractors and clients can stay compliant
Income illustrations: Knowing what is right
Kris Simpson on Sweden’s Economic Employer Legislation 2021
One partner for everything your agency needs
International placements are just one part of running a growing recruitment business. We bring together the services you need across the full cycle, so you’re not managing a different provider for every function.
Contractor services
Fully managed UK and international contractor payroll, with FCSA-accredited compliance built in.
Global workforce
EOR, AOR and international payroll across 102+ countries, managed by dedicated specialists.
Operational technology
Purpose-built tools that automate timesheet processing, compliance checks and reporting.
Accounting & intelligence
Real-time financial insights and benchmarking to help you make faster, better-informed decisions.
Trusted by agencies
Trusted by 500+ recruitment agencies, with eight years of FCSA accreditation and an Excellent Trustpilot rating from 5,000+ reviews.
Frequently asked questions
What is FCSA accreditation and why does it matter?
The Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA) sets the compliance benchmark for umbrella and contractor providers. Its accreditation involves an independent audit of financial and operational processes. Sapphire has held it for eight consecutive years, giving you assurance that your payroll partner operates compliantly.
What does SafeRec accreditation add?
SafeRec uses AI to audit every payslip against the underlying pay data in real time. It confirms contractors are paid correctly and deductions are accurate. For your agency, that means independent evidence of compliance on every single payment, not just an annual check.
Why do accreditations matter for PSL inclusion?
Our 2025 research shows 66% of recruiters now require FCSA membership and 28% require SafeRec accreditation before adding an umbrella to their PSL. Working with an accredited partner protects your supply chain and meets the standards your clients increasingly demand.
How do these credentials reduce risk for my agency?
From April 2026, agencies are now jointly liable for unpaid PAYE or NICs if a payroll partner fails to operate compliantly. Choosing an accredited, independently audited partner reduces that exposure and gives you a clear audit trail if questions ever arise.
