The Industry

The recruitment industry is highly fragmented, with in the region of 20 major players accounting for almost 25% of revenues generated and the remainder divided between several thousand small and niche consultancies. According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the temporary market equates for £21.4bn and the permanent market £1.6bn.

Recruitment consultancies play a vital role in providing flexibility, faster access to skilled candidates, lower costs and industry specific knowledge. 91% of The Times "100 Best Companies to Work for" use recruitment agencies as part of their recruitment process according to research by Allegra Strategies.

Staffing services range from supplying volume temporary workers through a national contract to providing one individual to a local company.

Key criteria for employers when selecting a recruitment agency are brand reputation, service quality, sector expertise, on-time delivery and perceived value for money.