Choosing rota software in 2026 means thinking about more than just scheduling. ERA 2025 has changed what compliance requires, and the platform you choose now will need to handle the guaranteed hours data obligation arriving in 2027. This comparison is written specifically for UK businesses with mixed workforces — not the generic list you will find on review aggregators.
Disclosure: FlexiWork is one of the platforms reviewed here. We have made every effort to represent each platform fairly, but you should verify current features and pricing directly with each provider before making a decision.
Before diving into specific platforms, the questions that matter most for UK businesses right now are:
From £17.50/month (flat fee, up to 15 workers) · 50% off early access
Built from the ground up for UK shift-based businesses. Manages permanent, casual, and agency workers in one rota. Wage calculation from actual hours included on every plan. ERA 2025 records — including 12-week rolling actual hours per worker — built automatically. Agency marketplace at 15% for direct worker booking.
Best for: UK businesses with mixed workforces, ERA 2025 compliance needs, or regular agency use.
Per user per month — est. £3.50–£6 depending on tier
Well-established global platform with significant UK market share. Good scheduling and communication features. US-founded — UK employment law compliance requires configuration. Payroll features typically cost extra. No agency marketplace.
Best for: Businesses already on Deputy with international operations, or those comfortable configuring UK compliance settings.
Per user per month — verify current pricing at rotaready.com
UK-founded, hospitality-focused scheduling platform. Good labour cost forecasting. Per-user pricing. ERA 2025 compliance requires verification. No agency marketplace.
Best for: Larger hospitality businesses focused primarily on labour cost management alongside scheduling.
Per user per month — verify current pricing at planday.com
Danish-founded with European reach. Good team communication features. Per-user pricing. UK compliance requires configuration. No agency marketplace.
Best for: European businesses with UK operations needing cross-border scheduling.
| Feature | FlexiWork | Deputy | Rotaready | Planday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat fee | Per user | Per user | Per user |
| ERA 2025 native | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| Wage calculation included | ✓ | ✗ (add-on) | ~ | ~ |
| Agency marketplace | ✓ (15%) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 12-week hours records | ✓ automatic | ~ requires config | ~ | ~ |
| Unlimited venues | ✓ | ✗ | ~ | ~ |
| Free trial | ✓ 30 days | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
UK-native rota software with ERA 2025 compliance built in. No card required.
Start free — 30 days