Current News

Highlights from the report include: 

Current Performance 

• Overall numbers of registered workers and workers on assignment have dropped again during the second quarter of the year. The latter trends reflect a seasonal influence but the pattern varied significantly by business size and region
• Employers are generally working with more agencies but the actual use of agencies has fallen slightly. 

Efficiency 

• Overall efficiency (proportion of registered workers out on assignment) is increasing, a trend which is especially marked among larger agencies and those based in London
• Length of assignments continues to increase gradually over time to 5.5 months

• All audiences reported a slight drop in levels of satisfaction in Q2 although overall levels remain high

• Most agencies are optimistic about future business prospects believing that the majority of the sector will see an improvement over the next six months.
• Employers generally believe that the use of agency workers will continue at existing levels although they do forecast an uplift in permanent recruitment next year

Commenting on the results of the research, Roger Tweedy, the REC’s Director of Research said: “Recruiters need to take a long hard look at this findings in the context of their own businesses. It is clear that the ‘war for talent’ continues to intensify for employers on all fronts: they are registering with more agencies, training more workers and also exploiting the full range of recruitment channels.  

“The research suggests that new opportunities and challenges lie ahead in an increasingly competitive environment. It gives recruiters the understanding they need to make informed business decisions going forward.”  

Of the report’s impact on the industry, Roger added: “This has become a powerful new resource with the ability to track and understand market changes that are pivotal to the increased professionalism and growth of other sectors such as retail and financial services. 

“I am delighted that the reliable, detailed and timely flow of information delivered by the tracking surveys is now being so widely used across the industry.” 

The REC’s IRU is supported by key members including Adecco, matchtech, Meridian Business Support, Pertemps, Randstad and Vedior. 

As John Nurthern, Steering Group member and senior Director at Vedior commented: “It fills an important gap in our understanding of trends in the UK recruitment industry.  Such insights are invaluable in assessing how ongoing economic and demographic changes  impact on our business.”  

For a copy of the latest tracking survey and other research undertaken by the REC’s Industry Research Unit, call Maggie Pattinson on 0207 009 2159 or email maggie.pattinson@rec.uk.com.