What are the Best Absence Registration Softwares in UK?
Choosing the right absence registration software can be a challenge for UK businesses. How do you know which platform fits your needs best? What features really matter? And which platforms are trusted by other UK employers?
To help you decide, we’ve thoroughly reviewed and compared the top options available this year. We’ve considered usability, legal compliance (especially for UK employment laws), pricing, integrations, and real user feedback.
Here’s a quick summary of the top picks for 2025:
- Breathe HR: Best overall absence tracking tool for UK SMEs. One of the most popular HR platforms tailored specifically for UK small businesses. It’s easy to use, fully GDPR-compliant, and offers detailed leave reports, holiday planning, and absence insights all with outstanding customer support.
- Timetastic: Best for simplicity and affordability. Loved by startups and smaller teams, Timetastic makes leave tracking visual and hassle-free. Employees submit requests via a shared calendar, while managers approve with a click. Budget-friendly at just £1/user/month.
- Sage HR: Best for HR & payroll integration. Ideal if you already use Sage’s payroll tools. Sage HR offers smooth integration, mobile access, and an intuitive dashboard that simplifies both employee and manager leave management.
- CharlieHR: Best for startups and growing teams. Modern, flexible, and designed for UK businesses, CharlieHR offers absence management alongside onboarding and performance tracking. It’s especially appealing for tech companies and growing teams.
- BrightHR: Best for compliance and legal HR support. BrightHR combines powerful absence tracking with legal support. It even includes tools like the Bradford Factor, document storage, and a 24/7 HR advice helpline making it perfect for risk-averse sectors.
Want to dive deeper into how these tools work, what makes each one unique, and which suits your business best? Keep reading for in-depth reviews of all 15 top-rated absence management software solutions.
The 15 Best Absence Registration Software in the UK for 2025
- Timetastic – Best for simplicity and affordability
- HRLocker – Best for flexible, remote-friendly teams
- BrightHR – Best for legal support and compliance
- Factorial – Best for HR automation and scalability
- Personio – Best all-in-one HR system for SMEs
- Humaans.io – Best for fast-scaling tech companies
- Connecteam – Best for mobile workforce management
- Sage People – Best enterprise-grade HR solution
- Breathe HR – Best overall for UK SMEs
- CharlieHR – Best for startups and growing businesses
- Access PeopleHR – Best for comprehensive HR features
- Deputy – Best for scheduling + attendance
- Buddy Punch – Best for punch-in/punch-out teams
- Calamari – Best for leave policies and approvals
- Hubstaff – Best for remote and freelance time tracking
Before You Continue…
Choosing the right absence registration and HR software is more than just a matter of picking the most popular option it’s about finding the tool that aligns with your business needs, legal obligations, and future growth plans. The right software can significantly simplify HR processes, improve team collaboration, and ensure compliance with employment laws, especially those specific to the UK.
We’ve focused on UK-specific tools that are simple, affordable, and built to handle modern HR needs. Let’s explore the top options for 2025.
Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Absence Registration Software for Your Business:
- How many employees do you need to manage leave for?
- Do you need built-in support for UK-specific compliance and holiday rules?
- Is mobile access or app functionality important for your team?
- Will the software integrate easily with your existing HR or payroll systems?
- How important is automation or custom reporting to your HR process?
We have taken all of these questions into account in our research, and we are proud to present the results. Let’s dive in!
How This Top 15 List Was Created
Our team reviewed over 40 absence registration and HR platforms used in the UK. We evaluated each based on pricing, features, compliance with UK employment laws, ease of use, and real user feedback.
We considered the needs of startups, small businesses, and growing teams—making sure to include tools that support leave tracking, reporting, and employee self-service. After over 50 hours of testing and research, these 15 options stood out as the best for 2025.
Differences in Pricing and Pricing Models
When it comes to choosing absence registration software, pricing is often a key deciding factor—especially for startups, freelancers, and small businesses. However, comparing prices isn’t always straightforward, as providers use different models. Some charge per user, while others offer tiered pricing based on features, team size, or additional HR tools like time tracking and performance reviews.
Pricing Comparison for Small Teams and Startups:
If you’re a small team, Timetastic and Buddy Punch are among the most affordable, starting at around £1–£2 per user per month. They offer simple, effective absence tracking without unnecessary extras.
Pricing Comparison for Growing SMEs and Enterprises:
For mid-sized businesses or those needing broader HR functionality, tools like BrightHR, Sage People, and Personio offer scalable plans. These start higher—typically from £5 to £12 per user/month—but include advanced features like legal compliance, integrations, and performance tracking.
Some platforms, like Connecteam or Factorial, offer freemium models, ideal for businesses testing out the platform before scaling.
Want to explore the full breakdown of features and value? Keep reading for detailed reviews of the top 15 absence registration tools in the UK for 2025.
#1- Timetastic – Best for Simplicity and Affordability
When it comes to user-friendly absence tracking without the extra clutter, Timetastic leads the pack. Designed with simplicity in mind, it’s an ideal tool for startups, small teams, and companies that want an easy and visual way to manage time off.
With a clean interface, fast setup, and intuitive features, Timetastic removes the need for paper forms, spreadsheets, and endless back-and-forth emails. It’s used by thousands of businesses across the UK and remains one of the most affordable solutions on the market—starting at just £1 per user per month.
Reviews
Users love Timetastic for its simplicity, minimal learning curve, and seamless functionality. Many reviewers mention how quickly they were able to roll it out across their team, with hardly any training required. Managers appreciate the real-time visibility into team absences, while employees enjoy the clarity and transparency of a shared leave calendar. A few reviews note limited customization, but most agree it’s perfect for straightforward leave tracking.
Features of Timetastic
Timetastic focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well absence management. Key features include:
- Shared team calendar with clear visual indicators for absences
- Customizable leave types (e.g., sick leave, annual leave, unpaid time off)
- Automatic holiday allowance calculations
- Integration with calendars (Outlook, Google, Apple)
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Slack and Microsoft Teams integration for absence notifications
- Absence reporting and exportable summaries
You can also set up department rules, approval flows, and reminders—ensuring that all requests are routed and recorded correctly. Timetastic’s no-fuss dashboard gives managers instant visibility into who’s off and when.
Final Verdict
For businesses looking for a simple, affordable, and reliable absence tracking solution, Timetastic is an excellent choice. It doesn’t try to do everything—it just does absence management really well. Ideal for startups, small businesses, and remote teams that need a lightweight HR tool without the HR overload.
Pros of Timetastic:
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Extremely affordable (£1/user/month)
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Simple, clean, and intuitive design
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No training needed—easy for teams to adopt
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Mobile apps and calendar integrations
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Instant overview of team availability
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GDPR compliant and UK-based
Cons of Timetastic:
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Lacks broader HR features like performance or onboarding
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Not ideal for companies needing highly customized workflows
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Limited reporting compared to more complex platforms
#2 – HRLocker – Best for Flexible, Remote-Friendly Teams
HRLocker is built for the modern, hybrid workforce. Whether you’re fully remote or managing a distributed team, HRLocker makes it easy to track time off, manage policies, and stay compliant. HRLocker goes beyond basic HR management by offering a full suite of tools designed specifically for companies embracing flexible work environments. Its cloud-based platform allows managers to easily oversee employee records, track annual leave, and ensure that remote workers stay engaged and compliant with company policies.
HRLocker also provides detailed reporting and analytics, helping organizations make data-driven HR decisions. Whether you’re scaling a growing business or managing multiple locations, HRLocker simplifies complex HR tasks, making it a valuable asset for modern teams.
Reviews
Users praise its flexibility and customizability. HRLocker is often cited for its great time tracking tools and easy HR document storage. A few reviewers mention the UI could use a refresh, but overall, it’s well-liked for remote-friendly workflows.
Features of HRLocker
- Absence management
- Timesheets and clock-in/out
- Remote work support
- Document management
- Training & CPD tracking
Final Verdict
Ideal for remote-first companies that need structure without friction.
Pros:
- Great for remote/hybrid teams
- Easy document sharing and storage
- Strong compliance features
Cons:
- UI not as modern as competitors
- Can be overkill for very small teams
#3 – BrightHR – Best for Legal Support and Compliance
BrightHR is more than just an HR software—it’s a complete compliance partner. Designed with legal precision in mind, it offers businesses everything they need to stay on top of evolving labor laws and workplace safety regulations. From automated document storage to real-time legal updates, BrightHR ensures your business is always audit-ready.
The platform is especially useful for industries like healthcare, construction, and finance, where non-compliance can lead to hefty penalties. With its intuitive tools and 24/7 expert advice, BrightHR takes the stress out of HR and compliance management.
Reviews
Customers highlight the 24/7 HR advice line and extensive legal templates. Some say it’s a bit pricey but worth it for peace of mind.
Features of BrightHR
- Absence tracking
- Legal templates and policy storage
- Bradford Factor calculation
- HR advice line (24/7)
- Health & safety tools
Final Verdict
Best choice for HR managers focused on compliance and legal risk.
Pros:
- Strong legal support
- 24/7 HR helpline
- Comprehensive HR documents
Cons:
- Higher pricing
- Interface can feel busy
#4 – Factorial – Best for HR Automation and Scalability
Factorial is designed for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes and reduce manual tasks. Its powerful automation tools handle everything from onboarding to performance tracking, freeing up HR teams to focus on strategy and growth.
The platform’s flexibility makes it suitable for companies of all sizes, but it truly shines for fast-growing organizations that need to manage increasing complexity without adding extra admin work. With detailed analytics and customizable workflows, Factorial empowers businesses to make smarter HR decisions and keep operations running smoothly.
Reviews
Users love the automation features and all-in-one dashboard. A few note that setup can take time, but support is responsive.
Features
- Absence and time off tracking
- Document management
- Employee portal
- Automated workflows
- Payroll integrations
Final Verdict
Excellent for scaling companies that need automation and efficiency.
Pros:
- Time-saving automation
- Great UI/UX
- Scales well with company growth
Cons:
- Setup takes time
- Some features behind paywalls
#5 – Personio – Best All-in-One HR System for SMEs
Personio is a versatile HR platform built specifically to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe. It combines HR, recruiting, and payroll functionalities into one seamless system, making it easy to manage the entire employee lifecycle.
Personio stands out for its focus on local compliance, ensuring that businesses meet country-specific legal requirements effortlessly. With intuitive navigation and customizable modules, Personio offers both flexibility and depth, helping SMEs streamline operations and improve HR efficiency as they scale.
Reviews
Praised for its comprehensive feature set and local support. Some SMEs mention pricing can grow with feature use.
Features of Personio
- Absence and holiday tracking
- Payroll prep
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Performance reviews
- Document and workflow automation
Final Verdict
A great fit for small to mid-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one HR platform.
Pros:
- Very complete solution
- Strong European compliance
- Local support team
Cons:
- Higher cost for full features
- Occasional complexity for new users
#6 – Humaans.io – Best for Fast-Scaling Tech Companies
Humaans.io is built with the fast-paced nature of tech startups and scale-ups in mind. Its lightweight design focuses on simplicity and speed, allowing teams to manage HR tasks effortlessly while integrating smoothly with the tools they already use, like Slack and Google Workspace.
Humaans.io shines in environments where agility is key, providing a streamlined solution for onboarding, absence management, and organizational visibility. It’s especially popular among tech-driven companies that value clean design, automation, and ease of use over heavy, traditional HR systems.
Reviews
Users love the interface and quick setup. It’s highly rated by startups and scale-ups. Some users wish for deeper analytics.
Features of Humaans.io
- Employee records
- Absence tracking
- Org charts
- Onboarding workflows
- Slack and G Suite integration
Final Verdict
Perfect for fast-growing tech firms that want a lightweight yet powerful HR platform.
Pros:
- Ultra-modern UI
- Fast and flexible
- Great integrations
Cons:
- Limited analytics
- Less suited for traditional businesses
#7 – Connecteam – Best for Mobile Workforce Management
Connecteam is purpose-built for companies with a large mobile or deskless workforce. Whether managing teams in construction, retail, hospitality, or logistics, Connecteam makes it simple to handle scheduling, task assignments, and real-time communication from a single mobile-friendly platform.
Its intuitive app ensures employees can clock in, check tasks, and stay connected wherever they are. Connecteam also provides managers with powerful GPS tracking and reporting tools to maintain oversight and boost productivity. It’s the go-to choice for businesses that rely on field teams and need seamless mobile operations.
Reviews
Users praise the mobile app and scheduling tools. It’s considered very intuitive for deskless workers.
Features of Connecteam
- Mobile absence requests
- Employee scheduling
- Task management
- GPS time tracking
- Communication tools
Final Verdict
An excellent platform for teams that are always on the move.
Pros:
- Built for mobile teams
- Strong GPS/time tools
- Easy onboarding
Cons:
- Not ideal for office-only teams
- Some advanced features cost extra
#8 – Sage People – Best Enterprise-Grade HR Solution
Sage People is a robust cloud-based HR platform tailored for mid-sized to large enterprises with global operations. It offers a full suite of advanced tools covering everything from workforce planning to talent management and compliance across multiple regions.
Designed for scalability and flexibility, Sage People allows companies to customize workflows and reporting to fit complex organizational needs. Its global functionality—including multi-language and multi-currency support—makes it ideal for businesses with international teams seeking unified HR management on an enterprise scale.
Reviews
Praised for depth and configurability. Some say it requires a dedicated admin due to complexity.
Features of Sage People
- Global absence tracking
- Performance and talent management
- Workforce planning
- Advanced analytics
- Multi-language, multi-currency support
Final Verdict
Best for large enterprises needing advanced control and global capabilities.
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade features
- Global capabilities
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Complex setup
- High cost
#9 – Breathe HR – Best Overall for UK SMEs
Breathe HR is designed with the unique needs of UK small and medium-sized businesses in mind. Its clean and user-friendly interface makes core HR tasks—like managing absences, storing documents, and tracking performance—simple and efficient.
Breathe HR also ensures full compliance with UK employment laws, offering peace of mind for business owners. The platform is especially suited to companies with limited internal HR resources, providing all the essentials without overwhelming complexity, and making it easy to keep employee management organized and compliant.
Reviews
Users often mention Breathe HR’s intuitive layout and excellent UK-focused support. It’s especially popular among HR teams in the 10–50 employee range.
Features of Breathe HR
- Absence tracking
- Performance management
- Document storage
- HR dashboards and reports
- UK holiday compliance
Final Verdict
A strong all-rounder tailored specifically to UK small businesses.
Pros:
- UK-tailored
- Great customer support
- Feature-rich yet easy to use
Cons:
- Some limits on customization
- No payroll
#10 – CharlieHR – Best for Startups and Growing Businesses
CharlieHR is a streamlined HR platform crafted specifically for startups and small businesses looking for simplicity and style. Its modern design and intuitive tools help teams manage essential HR tasks like leave tracking, onboarding, and performance reviews without unnecessary clutter.
CharlieHR also provides helpful compliance alerts, ensuring startups stay on top of legal requirements as they grow. It’s a great fit for founders and small HR teams who want an easy-to-use system that focuses on the basics while maintaining a polished, user-friendly experience.
Reviews
Reviewers highlight the attractive UI and friendly support. Some say it’s missing a few advanced enterprise features.
Features of CharlieHR
- Absence and holiday tracking
- Performance reviews
- Onboarding tools
- Custom leave types
- HR compliance alerts
Final Verdict
Ideal for startups and small teams that want great design and straightforward HR tools.
Pros:
- Startup-friendly
- Modern interface
- Helpful compliance reminders
Cons:
- Limited reporting
- Not built for complex orgs
#11 – Access PeopleHR – Best for Comprehensive HR Features
Access PeopleHR is a comprehensive HR solution designed to cover the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to performance management and beyond. Its all-in-one platform offers a rich set of tools that help HR teams automate routine tasks, streamline recruitment, and maintain accurate employee records.
With powerful custom reporting and training management features, Access PeopleHR gives growing businesses the insights they need to make informed decisions. It’s particularly well-suited for organizations looking for a robust system that can scale with their evolving HR needs.
Reviews
Users like the depth of features and reporting. Some find it less intuitive without training.
Features of Access PeopleHR
- Absence and holiday tracking
- Applicant tracking system
- Performance reviews
- Training records
- Custom reporting
Final Verdict
A solid option for growing businesses that need a full-featured HR system.
Pros:
- End-to-end HR suite
- Strong recruitment tools
- Detailed reporting
Cons:
- Learning curve
- UI could be more modern
#12 – Deputy – Best for Scheduling + Attendance
Deputy is an HR platform specifically designed for businesses with shift-based workforces, such as those in the hospitality, retail, and healthcare industries. Its robust scheduling tools allow managers to easily create and adjust shifts, while its time tracking capabilities ensure accuracy in labor cost management.
With features like mobile clock-in and geolocation tracking, Deputy makes it easy for teams to stay on top of attendance, while seamless payroll integrations simplify payment processing. It’s an ideal solution for organizations with complex staffing needs that require a solution built for scalability.
Reviews
Users love how easy it is to manage shifts and track hours. It’s praised for syncing well with payroll tools.
Features of Deputy
- Smart scheduling
- Time & attendance tracking
- Leave management
- Mobile clock-in with geolocation
- Labor cost tracking
Final Verdict
Top pick for hospitality, retail, and healthcare teams with complex shifts.
Pros:
- Excellent shift tools
- Syncs with payroll
- Easy to use mobile app
Cons:
- Less focus on broader HR
- Costs scale with team size
#13 – Buddy Punch – Best for Punch-In/Punch-Out Teams
Deputy specializes in simplifying workforce management for industries that rely on shift work, such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare. Its intuitive platform makes it easy to create, assign, and adjust employee schedules while keeping labor costs under control.
With mobile clock-in/out features, geolocation, and seamless payroll integrations, Deputy helps businesses maintain accuracy and efficiency in time tracking and attendance. It’s especially valuable for managers who need to juggle complex rotas and ensure compliance with labor laws, all from a user-friendly interface.
Reviews
Customers praise its GPS and facial recognition features. Some wish it had broader HR tools.
Features of Buddy Punch
- Time tracking
- GPS and webcam punch-ins
- Absence management
- Overtime calculation
- Integration with payroll software
Final Verdict
Perfect for businesses where accurate attendance is crucial.
Pros:
- Advanced time tracking
- Very accurate records
- Flexible clock-in options
Cons:
- Narrow HR scope
- Interface could be more modern
#14 – Calamari – Best for Leave Policies and Approvals
Calamari is a leave management tool designed for teams that need flexibility and precision in handling time-off requests. Its customizable leave types and approval workflows make it ideal for companies with unique policies or operating across multiple countries.
With easy calendar integration and support for popular collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, Calamari streamlines leave tracking and keeps everyone informed. It’s especially useful for international teams that require multilingual support and adaptable policy management without the complexity of a full HR suite.
Reviews
Praised for policy flexibility and quick setup. Some users wish for more detailed reports.
Features of Calamari
- Absence tracking
- Custom leave types
- Approval flows
- Calendar integrations
- Slack, MS Teams integrations
Final Verdict
A great fit for international teams or those with unique leave rules.
Pros:
- Highly customizable leave policies
- Quick to set up
- Multilingual support
Cons:
- Limited reporting
- Smaller feature set overall
#15 – Hubstaff – Best for Remote and Freelance Time Tracking
Hubstaff is built to help remote teams, freelancers, and agencies keep precise records of time spent on tasks and projects. With features like activity monitoring, GPS tracking, and automated payroll, Hubstaff ensures accountability and streamlines client billing.
It’s particularly valuable for teams that need to manage billable hours or track productivity across multiple projects. Hubstaff integrates with many popular project management tools, making it easy to fit into existing workflows. While it focuses heavily on time tracking and productivity, it’s best suited for those who don’t need a full-scale HR system.
Reviews
Users love its depth of tracking and project billing tools. Some say the constant tracking feels intrusive.
Features of Hubstaff
- Time tracking with screenshots
- Productivity reports
- GPS tracking
- Payroll and invoicing
- Project/task tracking
Final Verdict
Ideal for remote teams, freelancers, and agencies managing billable hours.
Pros:
- Very detailed time tracking
- Project billing support
- Strong remote work tools
Cons:
- May feel too invasive
- Not a full HR platform
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many employees do you need to manage leave for?
Most leave management tools scale with your team size. For small teams (under 10), simple tools like Timetastic or CharlieHR work perfectly. For mid-sized or growing businesses (20–250), platforms like Breathe HR, Personio, or Access PeopleHR offer more robust features. For enterprise-level needs, Sage People is a top-tier choice.
Do you need built-in support for UK-specific compliance and holiday rules?
Yes, especially if you’re managing UK-based staff. Tools like BrightHR, Breathe HR, and CharlieHR are designed with UK legislation in mind. They handle statutory leave, bank holidays, and right-to-work tracking so you stay compliant without the stress.
Is mobile access or app functionality important for your team?
If your workforce is often on the move or remote, mobile functionality is a must. Apps like Connecteam, Buddy Punch, and Deputy shine here they’re built for mobile-first experiences, letting employees request leave and track time from anywhere.
Will the software integrate easily with your existing HR or payroll systems?
If you already use tools like Sage, Xero, or Slack, it’s worth checking integration options. Personio, Factorial, HRLocker, and Breathe HR all offer great integrations with common HR/payroll tools and even calendar apps like Outlook and Google Calendar.
How important is automation or custom reporting to your HR process?
If you need automated workflows, absence trends, or compliance tracking, tools like Factorial, Sage People, and Hubstaff are ideal. They reduce manual work and give you custom dashboards or reports to make data-driven HR decisions.
