With changes to tax and employment law fast approaching — from the Finance Bill to the Employer Rights Bill — agency users are coming under increasing pressure to understand how their temporary workforce is engaged and paid.
The truth is, not all agencies operate to the same standards. Some run fully compliant payroll models with robust checks in place. Others cut corners, leaving end clients exposed.
That’s where the Key Information Document (KID) comes in.
What is a KID?
A Key Information Document is a legally required document that recruitment agencies must provide to every worker before an assignment starts.
It sets out the basics:
- The type of contract the worker is engaged on
- How and by whom they’re paid (PAYE, Umbrella, etc.)
- Deductions such as tax, NI, holiday pay, pension
- An estimated take-home pay figure
In short, it’s a snapshot of how a worker is being engaged.
Why KIDs Are a Good Place to Start
As an agency user, asking to see a KID won’t give you the full picture of compliance — but it’s a quick, simple way to start the conversation and try and understand what’s really going on.
The important point is this:
👉 Don’t just ask “do you issue KIDs?”
👉 Ask to see the actual KID given to a named worker in your supply chain in relation to their assignment with your business.
This forces clarity. If the KID doesn’t line up with reality — or worse, if one can’t be produced — it’s a red flag and should prompt for a speedier and more in depth audit.
A Word of Caution
KIDs alone won’t protect you from risk. They’re not a substitute for proper due diligence, auditing, or legal review. But they are an easy, accessible entry point to start checking how agencies in your supply chain really operate.
Think of them as the first step, not the whole journey.
How Pure Staff Approach It
At Pure Staff, we make it simple. Because we run 100% in-house PAYE payroll, our KIDs are straightforward, transparent, and tailored to each worker. No umbrellas, no outsourcing, no hidden deductions.
That means when clients ask to see KIDs, they get exactly what they expect — clear, accurate information that reflects reality.
Final Thought
If you’re an agency user unsure where to begin with compliance checks, start with KIDs. They’re not exhaustive due diligence — but they are a smart, practical place to begin.
And if you’d like advice on what to look for (or what questions to ask next), Pure Staff is here to help.
