Almost three quarters (72%) of employers say that recruiters do not offer value for money, according to research from IT and engineering recruiter Modis.

Jim Albert, managing director at Modis International, says the role of recruiters will become increasingly important as organisations look to attract the highest calibre people to help them grow.

Albert says: “These figures show the reputational issue recruiters have faced in the past remain as persistent as ever. There has been a movement within the industry in recent months aimed at achieving a more serious shift in how we’re seen by the wider business community. That movement is failing to have a significant impact so far.

“For the situation to change to any great degree, recruiters need to put action behind their words. Invest more heavily in understanding clients and candidates, hire and train the brightest consultants possible, and use their skills and expertise to deliver truly consultative advice.”