Nearly four in 10 UK recruiters are worth a third less than they were a year ago, according to new data from company analysts Plimsoll.

Plimsoll’s latest industry analysis shows that 363 of the 1,000 companies surveyed are worth a third less than in 2009.

However, 384 companies in the market have actually increased their value.

David Pattison, author of a report valuing the top 1,000 companies in the market, describes how values are changing in the recruitment market: “It’s certainly been a tough few years. Values have fallen markedly from their peak but the number of companies that are worth more this year than last is encouraging.

“In all we identified 384 companies that have increased in value — quite an achievement considering current market conditions. Their performance adds to the growing belief that the market has stabilised and companies with their house in order can once again prosper and add value.

“With the 363 companies that have lost a third of their value in the last year, many are in such dire straits it’s unlikely they will return to their former glory. The post recession market is so highly competitive I would expect a number of these companies to be bought out on the cheap or decline further and eventually be wound up.”

Recruiter readers are entitled to a £50 discount of this new special edition of the ‘Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Recruitment Agencies’. Call 01642 626400 for further details and quote reference PR/SV30.