Pricing Model FAQs for Employers

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How do recruitment agencies charge fees?

Recruitment agencies typically charge employers either a percentage of salary for permanent hires or an hourly or daily rate margin for interim roles.

Fee structures depend on hiring model, role seniority and speciality, and engagement scope.

We agree fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and alignment with delivery objectives.

What is a retained recruitment model?

Retained recruitment is a model where an agency is paid staged fees to run an exclusive search.

This approach is common in the UK for executive searches and confidential hires.

We prefer retained models for senior leadership and hard‑to‑fill specialist searches because they deliver superior results.

What is contingency recruitment?

Contingency recruitment is a model where fees are paid only when a successful hire is made.

It is commonly used for mid‑level and volume roles.

We operate retained or contingent models and recommend exclusivity on contingent roles rather than use multiple agencies.

Are recruitment fees refundable?

Some recruitment agencies offer refunds or replacements if a hire leaves within an agreed guarantee period.

Terms and duration vary by agency and contract.

We provide defined replacement periods in line with agreed terms.

How much does a recruitment agency charge in the UK?

In the UK, recruitment agencies typically charge employers between 15% and 30% of base salary for permanent hires, while interim and contract roles are charged on a daily or hourly rate basis.

Permanent recruitment fees vary depending on role seniority, scarcity, and hiring model. Junior or high‑volume roles often sit at the lower end of the range, while senior, specialist, or confidential hires are typically charged at higher percentages.

For interim and contract recruitment, agencies usually apply a margin on top of the contractor’s daily or hourly rate rather than a percentage of salary.

For permanent roles, we agree a percentage‑based fee in line with market rates, based on role complexity and delivery scope, while interim assignments are structured around a transparent hourly or daily rate aligned to UK market benchmarks.

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Related Topics

Interim Management
Temporary Recruitment