EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT AND REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated July 23, 1998, in the Registration Statement (Form
S-1 No. 333-        ) and related Prospectus of ProBusiness Services, Inc. for
the registration of shares of its common stock.
 
    Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of ProBusiness
Services, Inc. listed in Item 16(b). This schedule is the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our
audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Walnut Creek, California
August 5, 1998