The value of employment agencies continues to rise, up 19% in the past four years, according a report by Plimsoll Publishing.

It found 68 recruitment firms have seen their companies rise in value by 33%. However, 32 companies have seen their value fall by 19%.

David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll, says: “It’s no wonder there is so much acquisition speculation in the market when valuations change so rapidly from year to year.”

Pattison adds there are eight recruitment agencies which stand out for their acquisition potential.