Recruitment companies move from being a 'necessary evil' to a value added service

Date published: 15/03/2004

A recent survey commissioned by Rochdale based Arras People revealed that 45% of recruitment companies believe their services offer significant value to clients.

The survey was carried out with over 100 REC (Recruitment Employment Confederation) registered agencies to gain a snapshot of the recruitment market across the UK. 43% of agencies also believe candidates see agencies as a professional industry where quality of service is improving, with 18% seeing agencies as a necessary evil.

“The recruitment companies own perceived value is that of a provider of professional and high quality recruitment services to both its clients and candidates, but the reality can often be very different” said Lindsay Scott of Arras People. “Many candidates are still surprised to be offered a professional service where the recruiter treats them with respect and dignity so I often wonder what kind of service they’ve received in the past.”

The survey also revealed that activity in both the contractor (50%) and permanent (51%) market places has increased; there are now more jobs available through recruitment agencies in most sectors. In terms of the anticipated market trends for agencies, there is a resounding agreement of yes to expected growth over the next 12 months particularly in the contractor arena (68%).

Ian McKenzie from Arras People, “We are pleased to report the job market has picked up for many agencies (positive for candidates also) with sustained growth expected over the coming 12 months. The agencies view themselves as seeking to do a better quality job, improving their professionalism and value to both candidate and client.”