In the UK, specific rules apply to digital platforms that facilitate staffing services, such as Florence. Known as the Platform Reporting Regulation, these requirements are part of a wider effort to increase transparency around income earned through work arranged via online platforms.
The regulation is especially relevant to businesses that use Florence to book agency staff from agencies, supporting staffing in health and social care settings.
At Florence, we are committed to making compliance as straightforward as possible. Whether you are a care provider booking staff or an agency placing workers into shifts, here is what this regulation means for you.
What Is the Platform Reporting Regulation?
The Platform Reporting Regulation applies to digital platforms that help individuals or businesses earn income by performing services, such as shift based staffing. Platforms like Florence are required to collect and report information to HMRC about the individuals and agencies earning income through their services.
This includes:
- Who worked
- How much they earned
- Fees and charges involved
- Dates and durations of shifts worked
The rules follow the OECD’s Model Reporting Rules, adopted by the UK government to help ensure income earned through digital labour platforms is properly declared for tax purposes.
Florence submits this information annually to HMRC, covering income from the previous calendar year.
For more information, you can visit the official HMRC guidance here
Why This Regulation Matters
The rise of digital staffing platforms has created flexible new ways for workers and agencies to earn income. However, this shift has also presented challenges around tax reporting, with some earnings going undeclared or tax responsibilities not fully met.
This regulation aims to:
- Prevent tax evasion
- Promote fair competition among agencies and workers
- Ensure a level playing field for those operating compliantly
At Florence, we fully support these goals. We believe that consistent and transparent standards benefit everyone in the care sector by improving trust and professionalism.
What This Means for Care Providers
If you are a care home, NHS trust, or other care organisation using Florence to book agency staff, this regulation does not apply directly to you.
However, at Florence, we believe in transparency across every part of the staffing process. That is why we think it is important you are aware of this regulation, because it does apply to the agencies and workers you engage through our platform.
We are required to collect and report information about their shift activity and earnings. While this does not change your responsibilities, it helps build a fairer and more accountable staffing system, and gives you added confidence that the professionals supporting your service are meeting the relevant regulatory standards.
What This Means for Agencies
If you are an agency placing staff through Florence, you fall within the scope of the regulation.
Florence is required to:
- Collect key business information such as your registration and tax details
- Record your workers’ bookings and earnings
- Report that information to HMRC once a year
To ensure compliance, we may contact you to confirm or update:
- Legal business name
- Business structure
- Tax identification number or equivalent
It is important to provide accurate and timely information to avoid any disruption to your use of the platform. All data is handled securely and used only for regulatory compliance.
Raising Standards in the Care Sector
Florence was founded to improve standards in health and social care staffing, and the Platform Reporting Regulation supports that mission.
By encouraging transparency, closing tax gaps, and holding all participants to the same standards, the regulation helps create a stronger and more ethical staffing system. It supports agencies and workers who operate fairly, and builds greater trust between care providers and the professionals they rely on.
We are proud to support a system that promotes accountability, professionalism, and high quality care.
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