Recruitment agencies and employers "work against each other"

More than three quarters of UK employers feel ripped off by their recruitment agencies and complain that they are not getting value for money, according to a study.

A new poll of 250 HR professionals and business owners at 250 UK companies employing up to 750 staff, which was undertaken by researchers Vanson Bourne, indicated that about £2.5 billion was spent each year on external recruitment services.

But even though respondents spent precious time briefing agencies on their requirements, they were all too often sent CVs from inappropriate candidates. As a result, 58% felt that briefing recruitment agencies was a waste of time, while 36% were frustrated at what they saw as the ‘over-selling’ of potential prospects.

A further 31% were irritated by the fact that they received 'unqualified' CVs, while constantly having to chase feedback about both candidates and their CVs was another gripe.