- Planday, recently acquired by accounting software giant Xero, can now offer its 350,000 users earned wage access service Orka Pay
- Orka Pay lets workers claim up to 50% of their wages as soon as they’ve completed shifts
- Planday also aims to integrate Orka’s other core products into its client offering in the future, including labour-as-a-service platform Orka Works
Staff management platform Planday has partnered with Manchester-based WorkerTech business Orka Technology Group, giving over 350,000 employees access to their pay as soon as they have earned it.
Planday’s clients will be able to offer their staff access to up to 50% of their wages in advance through Orka Pay, helping them to meet unexpected expenses during the month and avoid turning to high-interest loans or credit. The partnership comes during a period of rapid client growth for both companies, and will be Planday’s first official earned wage access partnership.
Denmark-based open platform Planday provides businesses with workforce management solutions that simplify staff scheduling, allowing them to better manage payrolls and staffing needs. In March, the firm was acquired by accounting software giant Xero in its largest purchase to date, paving the way for further expansion into new markets and accelerating Planday’s partnership programme.
Through the partnership, Planday also aims to integrate Orka’s other core products into its client offering in the future, including labour-as-a-service platform Orka Works. The Orka Works platform is used by over 65,000 people in the security and cleaning sectors to find fair and flexible work, and for large employers, makes the process of filling roles and managing HR processes much easier and more cost-effective.
The Manchester-based firm, founded in 2016, is creating a portfolio of tech solutions for frontline workers and their employers, catering to the shift towards flexible employment taking place across many industries. Earlier this year, the company completed a £3m Series A fundraise with Praetura Ventures.
James Doyle, co-founder and COO or Orka, said: “This is a hugely significant partnership which will enable thousands of businesses across the UK to offer their staff more financial freedom during the cost-of-living crisis through early access to wages, helping to improve employee satisfaction and retention. As these firms continue to face global hiring challenges, this offering will also help them to stand out and attract the best talent.
“We intend to build on this by becoming long-term innovation partners with Planday and we’re very excited about the possibilities this will offer in the future.”
Planday’s Partnerships Manager Mitchell Walker, commented: “As a leading Earned Wage Access partner, and as an exciting business who shares our mission to make life easier for employers and employees, Orka’s offering is timely for our clients and will help them retain talent at a critical period in the jobs market.
“With our partnership programme evolving rapidly, we’re looking forward to building a long-term strategic partnership with Orka as both businesses continue on their very exciting trajectories.”
