Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IRU able to provide data on industry turnover by a specific sector?
The REC does provide industry turnover data in the Annual Industry Turnover and Key Volumes survey, but we cannot however break this down into turnover by sector. This is because although we request this information when conducting our survey, most companies find it difficult to split their annual turnover into sectors. The Unit is looking at different ways to source this information and hopes to publish new, sector-level turnover data in 2008.
Does the REC publish sector coverage and turnover data on the top recruitment companies in the UK?
The REC publishes the Annual Turnover and Key Volumes survey which covers industry turnover as a whole, however we do not have information that categorises recruitment companies according to their sector coverage and turnover. Details on the top recruitment firms in the UK are available through Recruitment International publications. Their annual Top 100 report gives information on the top 250 agencies in the UK, with details of turnover, sector coverage, number of branches, number of staff etc. Plimsoll also publish a ‘Portfolio Analysis’ of the industry which contains a more detailed financial profile of individual agencies.
What is the turnaround time I can expect from the IRU on my research query?
The REC will send out an acknowledgement email as soon as your email is received, but may request that you give us more detailed information about your query in order for us to correctly understand your requirements. Thereafter, you can expect to receive a response within 3 working days
How can we be certain that the call we have received on behalf of the REC Research department is valid?
The Unit only work with leading market research agencies that conform to the Market Research Societies Code of Conduct. As part of this Code, all researchers working on behalf of the REC should clearly state who they are and why they are contacting you - and provide independent proof of their identity if asked. If you have any doubts, please call the research team at REC. Currently, our monthly tracking surveys are undertaken by BMG Research, an independent market research agency that has been working closely with the REC Industry Research Unit for the last two years. For further information on this research, please call Rhian Dent at BMG Research, on 0121 333 6006.
Does the REC’s research data cover countries outside the United Kingdom?
The REC’s research is based on the UK Recruitment market in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales but does not include Ireland or Europe.
Why does the REC charge for its research publications?
The vast majority of the REC’s research is funded by external sponsors and not from Member subscription income. The Unit’s policy is to keep the fees for reports as low as possible (compared to similar reports) and to provide significant discounts to REC members. The income from report sales contribute to the overall costs of undertaking the research. The current research agenda would not be possible without this income.
