Half of contractors say recruiters are more relevant than ever before, according to a survey from accountancy firm Brookson.

The survey of self-employed professionals operating in sectors including oil & gas, nuclear, aerospace, defence, rail and chemical found 31.4% recruiters had been useful to them through the downturn, while 50% said they were more relevant to them now than ever before.

Martin Hesketh, managing director of Brookson, says: “We carried out the survey among our customers to determine the current opinions from the contracting and freelancer community, with a particular emphasis on the value recruitment businesses bring to contractors.

“What has come to light from this research is that the perception of recruiters by the contractor community is positive.”