Client

Consultative And Compliant Workforce Solution

Discover how an evolving recruitment partnership scaled hiring and reduced risk, combining master vendor delivery, specialist supply chain access, and payroll.

About the Client

The client is global financial services organisation.

The Challenge

In 2018, Adecco partnered with the client to deliver a large and on-site contingent workforce solution for its IT division.

Their business grows through frequent acquisitions. They needed a reliable partner who could support changing requirements across the UK business, delivered through best-in-class workforce management, hiring capability, and compliance and payroll expertise designed to reduce complexity and risk.

Our Solution

Adecco delivers a contingent workforce solution, including a fully managed supply chain to increase access to talent.

For all supply chain workers, payroll is managed by Adecco. This ensures IR35 risk and responsibility sits with us, reducing exposure for the client. The team also take responsibility for onboarding direct and referred workers already known to the client’s management team, ensuring all IR35 risk and background checks are overseen. Our recruitment solution also includes access to wider Adecco capabilities across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. We provide a dedicated on-site consultant in London – enabling close collaboration with stakeholders and proactive support as priorities shift, particularly during acquisitions.

UK and International Delivery

We fill the majority of roles directly, drawing on specialists across the Adecco ecosystem. This includes the proven delivery of the Adecco Career Centre (ACC) for roles at scale, and LHH for leadership positions.

Where requirements are highly niche – or where additional capacity is needed – roles are routed to established supply chains, while retaining full programme control

The client’s acquisition activity requires delivery across multiple UK locations. It has also extended to Ireland, where we utilise cross-team collaboration with the Adecco Ireland team to deliver.

We have also supported compliant hiring outside of the UK. When the client were looking to hire within mainland Europe following an acquisition, we utilised local Adecco teams to ensure compliant hiring through their own payroll, while maintaining UK invoicing and governance. This approach helped the client scale into new territories with confidence.

Compliance and IR35 Risk Control

We take direct payroll responsibility for all contingent workers, whether sourced directly, through the supply chain, or through agencies engaged by hiring managers. Our team fully manages onboarding, background checks, and the IR35 process, so the client can maintain control and reduce risk, while still accessing specialist talent.

Supporting Outcome-Based Projects Through SOW

We have also supported the client with a statement of work (SOW) solution. A recent example included deploying a fully managed team of training specialists to support a critical rollout of a new broker platform. By following a fully compliant model based on deliverables and outcomes, we have been able to provide significant cost reductions compared to the client’s previous suppliers.

Rather than contracting for activity or headcount, an effective SOW helps to structure delivery around defined outcomes, milestones, and acceptance criteria. Execution becomes measurable, governed, and commercially accountable.

Looking Ahead

Our team are currently exploring how technology can be used to support a more efficient, data-led workforce model for the client, with a primary focus is on improving visibility and streamlining approvals.

“Adecco are a safe pair of hands, and they know what good looks like. It’s a pleasure to work with them and know that things will just get done. Adecco are able to change and flex with what we need in order to support us.” – Client Stakeholder.

Key Results

Evolving contingent workforce partnership in place since August 2018.
Circa 100 contingent workers currently managed, with proven ability to flex during acquisition periods.
Risk reduced through consistent, compliant payroll and onboarding, including IR35.
UK and international fulfilment, drawing on the wider Adecco ecosystem.
Contract recently renewed for a further three years, reflecting confidence in the partnership.

Strengthen Your Contingent Hiring with Adecco

We help organisations stay in control of contingent hiring – improving governance, reducing risk, and enabling scalable access to specialist talent.

Talk to us today about your workforce needs