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See how Kelo works for any service business

You placed the candidate. Now get paid.

Connect Xero. See every overdue placement fee, sorted by amount, age, and who's most likely to pay after one nudge.

Built for contingency recruiters who bill on 30–60 day terms. You approve every draft. Nothing auto-sends.

Why recruitment agencies struggle to get paid on time

  • ✓See every overdue placement fee sorted by value and days late
  • ✓Prioritised chase queue, biggest fees and slowest payers first
  • ✓Approve tone-appropriate drafts, firm for slow corporates, professional for valued clients
  • ✓Rebate calendar: know when your guarantee window closes before your client does
  • ✓Near-term slippage: see which this-week invoices are likely to drift before they do
  • ✓Connects to Xero and QuickBooks, no ATS cleanup required

Why recruitment agencies struggle to get paid on time

What happens if a client doesn't pay a recruitment fee?

You're legally entitled to the fee under your terms of business. You can issue a formal payment demand, add statutory interest at 8% above Bank of England base rate, and claim fixed debt recovery costs under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998.

The hidden cost of overdue placement fees, and how to calculate yours

Can I charge interest on a late recruitment invoice in the UK?

Yes, for B2B clients. Statutory interest is 8% above Bank of England base rate. You can also claim £40–£100 fixed recovery costs depending on the invoice value.

The recruitment rebate calendar: the cash risk most agencies ignore

What is a rebate period in recruitment and how do I track it?

Typically 8–12 weeks post-placement, during which the candidate may leave and the client claims a partial fee back. Tracking these dates prevents unexpected cash calls at the worst time.

How to write a chase email that gets paid without damaging the relationship

Kelo generates tone-appropriate drafts based on the client relationship and invoice age, firm for slow-paying corporates, professional for valued long-term clients. You review and approve every word.

Prioritising which fees to chase first: a practical framework

How long should I wait before chasing a recruitment invoice?

At the due date, not after. A polite nudge at day 1 overdue is professional, expected, and significantly more effective than waiting until day 14. Most recruiters wait too long.

Download: UK recruitment late payment letter template

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if a client doesn't pay a recruitment fee?

You're legally entitled to the fee under your terms of business. You can issue a formal payment demand, add statutory interest at 8% above Bank of England base rate, and claim fixed debt recovery costs under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998.

Can I charge interest on a late recruitment invoice in the UK?

Yes, for B2B clients. Statutory interest is 8% above Bank of England base rate. You can also claim £40–£100 fixed recovery costs depending on the invoice value.

What is a rebate period in contingency recruitment?

Typically 8–12 weeks post-placement, during which the client may claim a partial fee back if the candidate leaves. Tracking these dates prevents unexpected cash calls.

How do I prioritise which placement fees to chase first?

Chase by value × days overdue × payment history: your biggest, oldest, slowest-paying client comes first. A structured priority score prevents emotional ordering.