Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The UK recruitment industry is substantial. As of the latest industry data, there are approximately 10,700 recruitment agencies operating across the United Kingdom.
These agencies collectively employ a workforce of over 200,000 people, serving virtually every sector—from technology, finance, and healthcare to construction, education, and industrial labor.
The market includes a mix of large multinational firms (e.g., Hays, Randstad, Adecco, PageGroup, Robert Walters), mid-sized specialist boutiques, and thousands of small independent agencies. The sector is regulated by the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, with many reputable firms also holding membership in the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).