UK Care Services Sector Shows Strong Payment Performance, But Major Disparities Remain

The Numbers

• Companies analysed: 103
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 78.1/100
• UK average: 50.0/100 (Care Services is 28.1 points above)
• Top payer: GLF SCHOOLS - 98.8/100
• Bottom payer: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE (UK) LIMITED - 27.3/100
• Highest regional average: Yorkshire and The Humber: 91.9/100 (3 companies)
• Lowest regional average (of those shown): North West: 83.0/100 (8 companies)

What Stands Out

The Care Services sector's average payment score of 78.1 significantly outperforms the UK average of 50.0, suggesting a generally healthy payment culture. However, the massive spread between the best and worst payers – a difference of 71.5 points between GLF SCHOOLS and FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE – highlights significant internal inconsistencies. That's food for thought if you're deciding who to partner with.

Best Payers

1. GLF SCHOOLS - 98.8/100
2. GOLDEN CHARTER LIMITED - 98.6/100
3. SUNDERLAND CARE AND SUPPORT LIMITED - 98.24/100
4. WEST NORFOLK ACADEMIES TRUST - 98.1/100
5. LEARNING PARTNERS ACADEMY TRUST - 98.1/100

Worst Payers

1. FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE (UK) LIMITED - 27.3/100
2. ABERDEEN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL SERVICE - 29.2/100
3. MEARS GROUP PLC - 30.7/100
4. LLOYDS CLINICAL LIMITED - 31.27/100
5. TJX UK - 42.5/100

Regional Patterns

While the sample sizes are too small to draw definitive conclusions, Yorkshire and The Humber's average of 91.9 across three companies suggests a potentially stronger payment ethic in that region, compared to the North West's average of 83.0 across eight companies. Whether or not the data is compelling enough to make a claim is down to you.

If you're feeling shortchanged, you can use this late payment calculator to see if you're due compensation.

The disparity between the best and worst payers, with a range of 71.5 points between GLF SCHOOLS and FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE, illustrates that despite the sector's above-average performance, some companies severely lag behind.

2025: The Story

Care Services saw a modest but positive shift in payment performance in 2025, with the average score inching up by 0.9 points to 78.1/100 across 103 companies. This overall improvement was underpinned by some notable turnarounds, particularly from NORTH EAST AUTISM SOCIETY, which dramatically improved its score by 19.1 points to reach 74.8/100, indicating a significant commitment to better payment practices. Conversely, LEIGH ACADEMIES TRUST saw the most substantial decline, dropping 7.3 points to 72.9/100. An interesting pattern emerged with multiple "Academies Trust" entities, including TRURO & PENWITH ACADEMY TRUST, appearing on the decline list, hinting at sector-specific pressures. Meanwhile, new entrant WEST NORFOLK ACADEMIES TRUST immediately set a high bar with an impressive 98.1/100. Suppliers should closely monitor whether these sector-specific trends become systemic or if new high-performing companies establish a higher benchmark for the wider care industry.