Almost half of UK recruiters are in good health, according to Plimsoll’s latest Industry Analysis of 1,000 companies.

The data shows that 456 of the 1,000 firms analysed are “powering ahead”. Conversely, the report finds 149 firms in trouble, while 159 are set to be taken over.

David Pattison, author of the new Plimsoll Analysis - Recruitment Agencies, says: “Having rated 149 struggling companies as ‘danger’ and given 456 others a ‘strong’ rating, I am surprised at the gulf in performance in the market. Despite all other factors, success still comes down to how well a company is run.

“Acquisitions. The market, in the current economic climate cannot support this many companies. There has to be further, more radical consolidation in the market. Strong companies will be buying up distressed competitors in the next 12 months,” he adds.

The reports analyses the top 1000 companies in the market and rates them as ‘Strong’, ‘Danger’ and/or ‘exposed to being takeover by region’.

Recruiter readers are entitled to a £50 discount of this new special edition of the Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Recruitment Agencies. Call 01642 626400 for further details and quote reference PR/SV30.