What contractors want from an agent

Almost half of contractors and temporary staff (42 per cent) think that continuity of relationship with their recruitment consultant is what they would most value from their recruitment agency, reveals a recent survey carried out for the Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo) by UKTECH.

Information on taxation and contractual issues was seen as the second most important service provided by staffing agencies, attracting 28 per cent of the vote. However, social and networking events organised by staffing only received two per cent of the contractors' votes.

Ann SwainAnn Swain, Chief Executive of ATSCo used the results of the survey to remind a conference of agents that they should pay more attention to developing relationships with their existing clients, the contractors, and to understanding their professional needs.

She said: "This really confirms what many agencies know – that contractors are ultimately interested in services that will have a tangible impact on their income. They want a consultant that knows their skill sets and job preferences well enough to provide back-to-back contracts and can help them manage their tax bill through a thorough understanding of IR35 and other relevant legislation.

"Contractors attach less importance to having a consultant that is a drinking buddy. As vital as building a relationship with their contractor is, it is important that recruitment advisers are experts on their client and the area they work in and are willing and able to give technical advice on tax and contracts."

Basic minimum service

Responses to the UKTECH survey also suggest that contractors and temps expect a basic minimum level of service, such as honesty from their consultant, prompt payment and CV/interview advice. These are generally taken for granted, but contractors would like to see their agency making more of an effort in other areas as well.

Ann Swain said: "It's a common misconception that contractors would prefer to not use an agency. What they really want is for their relationship with the agency to improve – so that they receive a service that is trouble free and mutually beneficial in the long term. Recruiters must ask whether what they are doing is valued by the contractors themselves.

"Recruiters need to alter their attitude so that they better appreciate the role of contractors and temps within the industry. They have to begin to treat the people they place as clients, rather than simply a resource. Good customer service can deliver benefits to both contractors and recruiters alike.

"The ultimate aim for recruiters should be to get to a stage where all three parties in the relationship (client, agency and contractor/temp) have a real appreciation of the role, responsibility and value that each stakeholder provides."

Survey results

Freelancers from the UKTECH were asked 'what contractors and temps most value from an agency?'

• Continuity of relationship 42 per cent
  
• Information regarding taxation and contractual issues 28 per cent
  
• Free/subsidised training 13 per cent
  
• Dedicated contractor care team 10 per cent
  
• Face to face meetings/surgeries 5 per cent
  
• Social/networking events 2 per cent