In the dynamic world of retail, managing payroll can be a particularly challenging task, given the sector’s characteristic fluctuating work hours, seasonal employment patterns, and varied contract types. Thankfully, a range of retail payroll software and services are available to streamline these complexities, ensuring accurate and efficient payroll management.
This article explores seven leading payroll solutions tailored for the retail sector, helping UK businesses find the perfect fit for their needs.
Best payroll systems for retail – Software & services
| Feature/Solution | Sage Payroll | QuickBooks Payroll | Xero Payroll | BrightPay | ADP Payroll | Moorepay | Zellis HCM Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Business Size | SMEs | Small businesses | SMEs | All sizes | All sizes | SMEs | Large organisations |
| Integration | HR systems | QuickBooks Accounting | Xero Accounting | Various HR and accounting software | POS systems, HR systems | HMRC, pension providers | Comprehensive HR solutions |
| Cloud-based | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User-Friendly Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies | Yes | Varies |
| Compliance with UK Tax Laws | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support for Various Employment Types | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Enrolment for Pensions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Robust | Good | Good | Strong | Extensive | Dedicated | Extensive |
| Notable Features | Flexible, comprehensive | Easy integration, mobile app | Seamless financial management, self-service | Security, unlimited employees | Advanced analytics, robust | Real-time information submission, scalability | Complex payroll handling, all-encompassing solution |
| Ideal For | Businesses seeking comprehensive features and flexibility | Those looking for ease of use and financial software integration | Businesses requiring comprehensive, cloud-based financial and payroll management | Businesses valuing security, support, and flexibility | Larger retail chains needing scalable and reliable service | Retailers prioritizing compliance, ease of use, and scalability | Large organisations seeking comprehensive HR and payroll solutions |
1. Sage Payroll
Sage Payroll stands out for its comprehensive feature set, designed to accommodate the intricate needs of retail businesses.
It offers flexibility in handling various employment types and work patterns, integrates seamlessly with existing HR systems, and ensures compliance with UK tax laws.
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Its user-friendly interface and robust support make it a favourite among small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Pricing
| Number of Employees | Monthly Price (£) |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | £8.00 |
| 6-10 | £13.00 |
| 11-15 | £19.00 |
| 16-25 | £29.00 |
| 26-35 | £39.00 |
| 36-50 | £55.00 |
| 51-75 | £80.00 |
| 76-100 | £106.00 |
Further information
Read our Sage Payroll review or visit the website.
2. QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is renowned for its ease of use and integration with QuickBooks’ wider accounting software.
This solution is ideal for small retail businesses looking for an efficient way to manage payroll alongside their financials.
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With features like automatic tax calculations, digital payslips, and a mobile app, QuickBooks Payroll simplifies payroll processes and enhances accessibility.
Pricing
QuickBooks Payroll is available as an add-on for all plans except the basic Self-Employed option. The payroll feature starts “From £2 per month”, though QuickBooks has not publicly disclosed the detailed pricing structure for this service.
Further information
Read our QuickBooks Payroll review or visit the website.
3. Xero Payroll
Xero‘s payroll solution is praised for its seamless integration with Xero’s accounting platform, providing a unified system for financial and payroll management.
It offers features such as automatic tax updates, employee self-service portals, and detailed reporting, making it a strong contender for businesses seeking a comprehensive, cloud-based solution.
Pricing
| Plan | Standard Monthly Cost | Discounted Cost (First 6 Months) | Included Payroll | Cost After Free Period | Additional Employee Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | £15 | £7.50 | 2 Months Free | £5/month for up to 5 | £1/month |
| Standard | £30 | £15 | 2 Months Free | £5/month for up to 5 | £1/month |
| Premium | £42 | £21 | 2 Months Free | £5/month for up to 5 | £1/month |
| Ultimate | £55 | £27.50 | Up to 10 Included | £1/month per extra | £1/month |
Further information
Read our Xero Payroll review or visit the website.
4. BrightPay
BrightPay is a versatile payroll software that caters to the needs of both small and large retail businesses.
It offers flexibility in payroll processing, comprehensive reporting, and supports automatic enrolment for pensions.
Its strong emphasis on security and customer support, alongside the ability to manage payroll for unlimited employees, makes it an excellent choice for growing businesses.
Pricing
| Number of Employees | Cost Per Tax Year (£) |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 | 79 |
| Up to 10 | 139 |
| Up to 25 | 209 |
| Unlimited | 289 |
Note: All prices are per tax year and exclude VAT.
Further information
Read our BrightPay review or visit the website.
5. ADP Payroll
ADP Payroll is a global leader in payroll services, known for its scalable solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes.
Its retail-focused features include time and attendance tracking, integration with POS systems, and comprehensive analytics.
ADP’s extensive experience and advanced technology make it suitable for larger retail chains seeking a robust and reliable payroll service.
Pricing
Offers tailored plans and pay-as-you-go one-off payroll processing options. See our guide to ADP payroll prices.
Further information
Read our ADP Payroll review or visit the website.
6. Moorepay
Moorepay is a UK-based payroll and HR solutions provider with a strong focus on the needs of small to medium-sized businesses, including those in the retail sector.
It offers a cloud-based platform that simplifies payroll processing, with automatic updates to ensure compliance with legislation changes, real-time information submission to HMRC, and support for pension auto-enrolment.
Moorepay’s solution is particularly noted for its user-friendly interface, dedicated support, and scalability, making it an attractive choice for retailers looking to streamline their payroll operations without compromising on functionality or compliance.
Pricing
| Service Type | Cost Item | Estimated Cost Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS Payroll Software | Subscription Fee | £50 – £200+ per month | Varies based on the number of employees and features |
| Set-Up Fee | £150 – £300 one-time | Initial set-up | |
| Additional Modules | £20 – £50 per month | Optional HR and time-tracking add-ons | |
| Outsourced Services | Per Employee, Per Month (PEPM) | £5 – £8 per employee | Price increases based on services |
| Additional Services | £100 – £300 annually | Custom reports, end-of-year processing | |
| Implementation Costs | £500 – £1,000 one-time | One-off fee for transitioning | |
| Bundled Services | Combined Monthly Fee | £100 – £500+ per month | Includes both payroll and HR services |
Further information
Read our Moorepay review or visit the website.
7. Zellis HCM Cloud
Zellis HCM Cloud offers a cloud-based, comprehensive human capital management solution, including a strong payroll component tailored for the UK market.
Its advanced features support complex retail payroll requirements, such as handling seasonal workers and varying shift patterns, making it a fit for large retail organisations looking for an all-encompassing solution.
Pricing
| Feature/Package | Small Business (up to 50 employees) | Medium Business (51-200 employees) | Large Business (201+ employees) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Payroll Subscription | £50/month | £100/month | £200/month |
| Real-time Reporting Add-on | £10-£20/month | £20-£40/month | £40-£80/month |
| Employee Self-service Portal | £25-£50/month | £50-£100/month | £100-£200/month |
| Premium Support | £20-£40/month | £40-£80/month | £80-£160/month |
| Basic HCM Cloud | £200/month | £400-£600/month | £800-£1,200/month |
| Customised HCM Modules | £50-£100/month | £100-£200/month | £200-£400/month |
Further information
Read our Zellis Payroll review or visit the website.
Features to look for in a retail payroll system
When selecting a payroll solution for the retail sector, there are several critical features and capabilities to consider. These features not only ensure compliance with legal and tax obligations but also facilitate smooth operational workflows, accommodate the unique demands of retail staffing, and enhance overall business efficiency. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Flexibility in payroll processing
Retail businesses often deal with variable work schedules, seasonal peaks, and part-time contracts. A payroll solution must offer the flexibility to accommodate different pay rates, bonuses, commissions, and overtime, ensuring accurate payroll calculations under varying conditions.
2. Integration capabilities
Efficient payroll management requires seamless integration with existing systems such as HR management, time and attendance tracking, and accounting software. This integration minimises manual data entry, reduces errors, and streamlines payroll processes.
3. Compliance with UK tax laws and regulations
Given the complexity of tax laws and employment legislation in the UK, it’s crucial that the payroll solution is up-to-date with the latest regulations, including tax rates, pension auto-enrolment, and statutory pay requirements. Compliance features should automate deductions and contributions, ensuring accuracy and avoiding penalties.
4. Employee self-service portals
Employee access to personal payroll information through self-service portals empowers staff and reduces administrative overhead. Employees can view payslips, submit timesheets, request leave, and update personal details, enhancing transparency and satisfaction.
5. Scalability
As retail businesses grow, their payroll systems must adapt to handle an increasing number of employees and more complex payroll requirements. Scalability ensures that the chosen solution can support business growth without the need for costly and disruptive system changes.
6. Robust security measures
Payroll data includes sensitive personal and financial information. Strong security measures, including encryption, secure data storage, and controlled access, are essential to protect against data breaches and maintain confidentiality.
7. Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Insightful reporting tools and analytics are valuable for strategic planning and decision-making. Payroll solutions should offer detailed reports on payroll expenses, employee attendance, and other metrics to aid in budgeting, compliance, and resource allocation.
8. Customer support and training
Excellent customer support and comprehensive training resources are vital to resolve issues quickly and ensure that staff are proficient in using the payroll system. This support can significantly reduce downtime and enhance the efficiency of payroll management.
FAQ – Retail payroll software and services
Look for flexibility in payroll processing, integration capabilities, compliance with UK tax laws, employee self-service portals, scalability, robust security measures, comprehensive reporting and analytics, and strong customer support and training.
A retail payroll solution can improve employee satisfaction by providing accurate and timely payments, transparent access to payroll information through self-service portals, and efficient handling of queries and updates.
A retail payroll system should integrate seamlessly with HR management, time and attendance systems, and accounting software to streamline operations and reduce manual data entry.
Yes, there are retail payroll solutions specifically designed for small businesses, offering simplicity, affordability, and the essential features needed to manage payroll effectively.