Agents are "Cannibals" says ATSCo

Concerned that the industry has relied on cannibalism to fill its staffing gaps, Agency rep body ATSCo has reached agreement with members that they will not poach each other's staff.

In a report in the Interviewer, Chief Executive of ATSCo, Ann Swain stated, "ATSCO members feel that they should not be headhunting each other's staff. Not only is it detrimental to them it is not ideal for the industry" she continues "This is a huge step in an industry that has concentrated heavily on cannibalism to fill its staffing gaps."

ATSCo will set up a preferred list of recruitment to recruitment companies (these are agencies to find work for agents) who, to make the list, will adhere to a code of conduct which will include the prohibition of direct approaches to ATSCo members' staff.

It would appear that agents cannot stand the constant headhunting calls made to their staff. Ann Swain states "Obviously if consultants want to move between companies no one will stop them, but some consultancy teams are receiving so many headhunt calls a day that work and morale are being affected"

Many clients will reflect that they understand the situation only too well, but are unfortunate that they have no such preferred agreement with ATSCo, to prevent their staff being headhunted.

--

Andy White