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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.

See my overdue feesConnect Xero — free look

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.