Talent / Assistant vs employee
Virtual assistant or employee: the real cost in the UK.
Salary is only the start. Here's what a UK employee costs once employer National Insurance, pension and holidays are counted, against a dedicated remote assistant, with every rate linked to GOV.UK.
In 2026, a full-time UK employee on the National Living Wage (£12.71 an hour) costs about £28,309 a year (£2,359 a month) once employer National Insurance (15% above £5,000) and the 3% minimum pension are added, before recruitment, equipment and insurance. That's about £16.27 per hour actually worked after 28 days' paid holiday. A full-time Renewminder Talent assistant costs £1,250 a month, about £7.35 an hour, with AI tools and a manager included.
The sums, side by side
An employee paid the UK National Living Wage (£12.71 an hour from April 2026), against our published prices. This is the legal minimum: pay more and every employee figure goes up.
| Renewminder, full-time | Employee, full-time | Renewminder, part-time | Employee, part-time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours | About 170 a month | 37.5 a week | About 85 a month | 20 a week |
| Pay | Included | £24,785 a year at £12.71 an hour | Included | £13,218 a year |
| Employer National Insurance | None | £2,968 (15% above £5,000) | None | £1,233 |
| Workplace pension | None | £556 (3% of qualifying earnings) | None | £209 |
| Total a year | £15,000 | £28,309 | £8,280 | £14,661 |
| Total a month | £1,250 | £2,359 | £690 | £1,222 |
| Days off with pay | Days we can't cover come off your bill | 28 days a year, paid | Days we can't cover come off your bill | Pro rata, paid |
| Not counted above | AI tools and a manager are included | Recruitment, equipment, software, insurance, sick pay, your time managing them | The same | The same |
Per hour actually worked
A full-time employee is paid for 52 weeks but, with 28 days' paid holiday, works about 145 hours a month. That makes the minimum-wage employee cost about £16.27 for every hour worked, once employer NI and pension are added.
A full-time Renewminder assistant is £1,250 for about 170 hours a month: about £7.35 an hour, with AI tools and a manager included. Days we can't cover aren't charged.
Employment Allowance. Many small employers can claim up to £10,500 a year off their employer NI bill. If you can, a full-time minimum-wage employee costs about £2,112 a month instead of £2,359. Check if you're eligible on GOV.UK.
When hiring is the better choice
If you need someone in your office or on site, if the role is at the heart of your business for years to come, or if you want to train someone up to run a team, hire. An employee builds knowledge inside your company in a way an outside service can't.
If you need help with email, admin, invoicing, data or customer messages, want to start this month without recruiting, and want to change hours or stop with 30 days' notice, a dedicated assistant is usually cheaper and quicker.
Sources
UK rates for 2026 to 2027, checked on 19 October 2026.
- National Living Wage from April 2026, age 21 and over (GOV.UK)
- Employer Class 1 National Insurance, 2026 to 2027 (GOV.UK)
- Minimum employer pension contribution, on earnings between £6,240 and £50,270 (GOV.UK)
- Statutory paid holiday for a 5-day week (5.6 weeks) (GOV.UK)
- Employers' Liability insurance is required as soon as you become an employer (GOV.UK)
Our prices
One monthly price per person, AI tools included. Or any hours from 10 a week, pro rata.
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Questions
How much does it cost to employ someone in the UK in 2026?
At the National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour, a full-time employee (37.5 hours a week) costs about £28,309 a year: £24,785 pay, £2,968 employer National Insurance and £556 minimum pension. Recruitment, equipment, software and insurance are extra.
Is a virtual assistant cheaper than an employee?
Usually, for admin, email, invoicing, data and customer messages. A full-time Renewminder assistant is £1,250 a month against about £2,359 for a full-time employee at the minimum wage, before the employee's recruitment and equipment.
What is employer National Insurance in 2026 to 2027?
15% on earnings above £5,000 a year for most employees. Many small employers can claim Employment Allowance of up to £10,500 a year off the bill.
Do I have to pay into a pension for an employee?
Yes, if they're eligible for automatic enrolment: at least 3% of their qualifying earnings, between £6,240 and £50,270 a year.
When should I hire instead?
When you need someone on site, or the role is central to your business for years and you want that knowledge inside your company.