Thorn Baker Ltd. Market Share Analysis for July 2026

​Is your Agency charge rate really sustainable?​Its no secret that everyone’s watching costs right now, so it’s no surprise that agency charge rates are being scrutinised more than ever.​On paper, a cheaper hourly rate can look like a win, but in today’s compliance-focused environment, the real question is - "What’s sitting behind that rate, and does it actually stand up to scrutiny"? Because low cost doesn’t always mean low risk. And “cheap” doesn’t always stay cheap for long.​Why cheap isn’t always cheaper​We often hear clients assume the gap between pay rate and charge rate is what the agency is making - and that we’re working on crazy margins.​In reality, there are legal employment costs and statutory obligations behind every PAYE temp, including​Employer National InsuranceHoliday PayPension Contributions.​So when a charge rate looks very low, it’s worth asking - "how is that rate being achieved, and what’s been compromised to make it work"? Because if those statutory costs aren’t being factored in transparently, they’re often being absorbed, avoided, or pushed further down the supply chain - and that’s where risk starts to creep in.​The biggest risk is often the part you can’t see​A lot of businesses don’t revisit how their temporary workers are paid once an agency relationship is in place, but payroll models matter, especially if mini umbrella or intermediary arrangements are involved anywhere in the supply chain.​In recent years, HMRC has increased its focus on labour supply chains, and the uncomfortable truth is, if something isn’t operating correctly further down the chain, it’s often the end client who ends up answering the difficult questions later.​Compliance isn’t just payroll - it’s people protection​Charge rates don’t just fund recruitment delivery. They also play a key role in making sure workers are safeguarded properly. ​As a labour provider, we’re on the front line when it comes to protecting people and upholding the intention of the Modern Slave