Recruitment Industry

REC's mission is to be recognised as the informed choice of the recruitment community, influencing government and business today for the benefit of members and the employment market of tomorrow.

We do this through offering a broad range of services (left), aimed at informing, guiding and educating our members and the public about the recruitment industry.

Current statistics relating to the recruitment industry include:

•  A drop in industry turnover to £22.491 billion compared to £27.006 billion in 2007/08. This represents a 16.8 per cent decrease in overall turnover.
• Temporary placements fell from 1,220,310 to 1,068,197, a contraction of 12.4 per cent.
• Overall turnover for temporary/contract staff went down to £19.882 billion from £22.730 billion, a drop of 12.6 per cent.
• Permanent placements decreased from 726, 863 in 2007/08 to 582,803, a fall of 19. 8 per cent.
• Total turnover for permanent staff also shrunk from £4.276 billion to £2.609 billion.
• The shifting values of permanent and temporary recruitment over the year has lifted the temporary share of the market to 88.4 per cent compared to 84.2 per cent last year – its highest for some time and a five per cent rise on the year.
• The permanent market now accounts for 11.6 per cent of the total share compared to 15.8 per cent last year.
• The largest number of temporary placements was again in the Industrial and blue collar sector with a significant rise to 33 per cent of the market followed by accounting and financial at 20 per cent then nursing, medical and care at 16 per cent.
• The largest sector for permanent placements was accounting and financial with 22 per cent of the market share followed by professional and managerial at 21 per cent then technical and engineering at 14 per cent.
• Staff employed in the recruitment industry dropped from 108,833 in 2007/08 to 95,865.

Source: The REC Annual Recruitment Industry Trends 2008/09.

Research
The Industry Research Unit provides information to support recruiters in running their businesses. The research also helps industry commentators to better understand the social and economic value of recruitment.

Policy Issues and Campaigns
The REC campaigns nationally and in Europe to protect and promote the interests of the UK’s recruitment industry.

Professional Standards
The REC is committed to ensuring our members reach high and professional standards.

Specialist Sectors
The REC operates twelve specialist groups representing some of the key niche markets within the recruitment industry.

A Career in Recruitment
A helpful guide to those interested in a career in recruitment

Diversity Pledge Holders
A comprehensive list of all members who have signed up to the Diversity Pledge

Diversity Assured Recruitment
The Diversity Assured scheme shows our members commitment to providing their clients with the best possible candidates through showing they are recruiting as widely as possible.