The number of complaints against the recruitment industry has soared by 30%, according to latest government figures.

Data from the DTI’s Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate revealed the number of complaints this year jumped by 315 to 1,380 – the highest number ever recorded.

However, despite the record number of complaints, the number of actual infringements identified was only 12% above the previous year.

The figures were based on information gathered in the year ended in March. Overall, 377 cases were found to be substantiated, although 127 of these involved the modelling and entertainment sector.

Industrial and driver agencies accounted for 22% of cases and 20% of infringements.

Secretarial and admin agencies were responsible for 21% of cases and 18% of infringements.

The report blamed the increase on publicity caused by revised employment agency regulations, which came into effect last year.

The inspectorate successfully prosecuted one case, but this was overturned on appeal.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation said it would continue to campaign for better enforcement against rogue agencies.

According to the report, the overwhelming majority of agencies found to be in breach of any provisions were willing to change working arrangements to comply with the rules.

“When you exclude entertainment and model agencies, which don’t really come under our remit, this is an extremely low level of complaints,” said REC director of external relations Tom Hadley.

“The figures are almost too good. There are some bad practitioners out there and we need more effective application of legislation.”

Hadley believes the government is unwilling to put up the cash to finance a licensing scheme for recruitment agencies, so the industry must regulate itself better.