Earned Wage Access (EWA) 2025-2026 research

Earned Wage Access (EWA), also known as On-Demand Pay, allows employees to withdraw a portion of their already-earned wages before their scheduled payday, rather than waiting for the traditional monthly pay cycle.  

EWA has been branded as a disruptor to the long-standing tradition of the monthly payday, offering workers greater control over their finances.  

In a bid to better understand the overarching sentiment behind On-Demand Pay, we’ve conducted a survey of 1,000 workers, gauging their views on traditional pay cycles and whether there’s truly a demand for EWA.

"For over a century, many Brits have lived by the rhythm of the monthly payday. It’s so ingrained that few of us ever question it. But technology is revolutionising every aspect of how we manage money, from instant payments to real-time banking. The workplace is the final frontier."

Stephanie Coward, Managing Director for HCM at IRIS Software Group

Earned Wage Access 2025 2026 research HC V3 792 | Earned Wage Access (EWA) 2025-2026 research

Understand the business case for On-Demand Pay

This report presents a general view of the UK workforce, surveying workers of all ages across the country. 

The respondents have painted a clear picture of financial hardship, current constraints and an appetite for more flexibility.  

We’ve broken these insights down into defined themes to provide businesses with a clear view of how they can better support employees.

Related Resources

iStock 2148710934 | Financial wellbeing: unpacking the employee experience

Blog Article

Financial wellbeing: unpacking the employee experience

By Anthony Wolny | 7th October 2025 | 4 min read

Read more
iStock 1061363878 | Research finds that 46% of UK workers want to scrap monthly pay

Blog Article

Research finds that 46% of UK workers want to scrap monthly pay

By Anthony Wolny | 16th September 2025 | 4 min read

Read more
smb hr | All-in-one HR and payroll training plan

Guide

All-in-one HR and payroll training plan

Read more