UK Workforce & Agency Comparison
RoleLane vs Deputy: UK Workforce & Temp Agency Comparison (2026)
Deputy is a global workforce suite built for multi-site enterprise retail and hospitality chains needing POS sales-forecasting integrations and native mobile apps on a recurring per-user monthly or annual plan (where managers and admins also count as billed users). RoleLane is built specifically for UK small businesses and UK temporary staffing agencies: office managers, recruiters, and client approvers are £0.00 unlimited, workers clock in via a 2-second PWA (30s rotating Wall QR or 150m GPS) with zero App Store downloads, and UK Right-to-Work, CIS, and PAYE compliance come built in at £4.00 per active shift worker (£0.00 VAT).
Key UK Capabilities & Commercial Guarantees
- UK small businesses, care homes, clinics, and hospitality venues wanting fast 2-minute setup, £0 manager logins, and £0.00 VAT.
- UK temporary staffing agencies dispatching workers across client sites who require separate client timesheet sign-off portals and Right-to-Work enforcement.
- Workforces where instant browser PWA access outperforms mandatory App Store downloads.
RoleLane vs Deputy (Verified October 2026)
| Dimension | RoleLane (£4 Pass · No VAT) | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| Who Counts Toward Your Bill? | Only active shift workers (£4.00 per 30 days). Managers, admins, recruiters & client approvers are £0.00 unlimited. | Every active user — including managers, supervisors, and administrators — is billed per month (as of Oct 2026). |
| Contract & Commitment | Prepaid 30-day pass (min 5 workers = £20.00, £0.00 VAT). Zero recurring direct debit. | Recurring monthly subscription (£20 monthly invoice minimum) or annual contract commitment + VAT. |
| Worker Onboarding Friction | Zero App Store install — 2-second Mobile PWA Shift Pass via SMS/email link. | Requires App Store / Google Play download and full user account setup. |
| On-Site Anti-Cheat Clock-In | 30-second rotating HMAC Wall QR on any browser/tablet + 150m UK postcode GPS. | Tablet kiosk (iPad/Android app) and mobile GPS stamp on Core/Pro plans. |
| UK Statutory & Temp Agency Native Rules | Built-in UK Right-to-Work (£45k/£60k shield), Enhanced DBS, SIA, CSCS, WTR 48h, 15% Employer NIC & CIS. | Global template architecture; lacks tripartite UK temp agency client authorisation portals and CIS splits. |
| Casual Leaver Protection | Automatic 7-day (168-hour) free grace period for every newly added worker. | Users activated during a billing period count toward monthly seat billing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are managers and client timesheet approvers really free on RoleLane?
- Yes. RoleLane only counts active shift-working staff toward your £4.00 per worker 30-day pass (minimum 5 active workers = £20.00, £0.00 VAT). Office managers, recruitment consultants, and external hiring-company approvers are £0.00 unlimited.
- How fast can a UK team switch from Deputy to RoleLane?
- Most UK workplaces configure their postcode geofence, open the 30-second Wall QR Kiosk on an entrance screen, and publish their first rota in under 10 minutes using the 7-day free trial.