Hiring in 2025 is more competitive, fast-paced, and complex than ever. The UK job market is evolving, candidate expectations are shifting, and businesses are under pressure to fill roles quickly without sacrificing quality. One of the most common questions we hear at Resource Provider Ltd is: Should we use a recruitment agency, or handle it ourselves?
The answer depends on your hiring goals, timelines, and resources. In this blog, we break down the real pros and cons of working with a recruitment agency so you can make the best decision for your business.
Why Some Employers Rely on Recruitment Agencies
Speed is everything in today’s market
Hiring managers don’t have weeks to sort through hundreds of CVs. Recruitment agencies come with ready-to-go networks and talent pipelines. In 2025, where competition for top candidates is fierce, getting quality applicants in the door quickly can make all the difference.
Agencies offer access to passive talent
Many of the best candidates aren’t actively applying they’re already working and not checking job boards daily. Agencies often know how to reach these individuals and present roles in a way that gets their attention. This opens your vacancy to a broader, higher-quality talent pool.
They reduce the burden on internal teams
Even if you have an HR or hiring team, they’re often juggling multiple roles, onboarding, and internal matters. Agencies can take on the heavy lifting screening, initial interviews, and scheduling so your internal team can focus on final selection and integration.
Specialist knowledge is a game-changer
From tech and finance to healthcare and engineering, agencies often specialise in sectors. They know what good looks like, understand salary benchmarks, and can advise you on how to make your offer stand out in a competitive field.
But There Are Trade-Offs
It comes at a cost
Recruitment agencies typically charge between 15% and 25% of the candidate’s first-year salary. While that’s often worth it for key or difficult roles, it may be harder to justify for high-volume or entry-level positions especially for small businesses or startups with tight hiring budgets.
You lose some control
When you outsource any process, you give up a bit of control. If you’re very focused on cultural fit or want to manage the candidate experience directly, using an agency means trusting someone else to represent your brand.
Quality can vary
Not all agencies take the time to understand your company or the role properly. Some may rush to send over candidates to fill quotas, rather than focusing on long-term fit. Choosing the right recruitment partner is just as important as choosing the right hire.
You might become too dependent
Using an agency can be a relief so much so that some companies end up relying too heavily on them. This can slow the development of your own recruitment systems, and in the long term, limit the growth of your employer brand.
When a Recruitment Agency Makes Sense
At Resource Provider Ltd, we generally recommend using a recruitment agency when:
- You need to fill a role quickly
- You’re hiring for a niche or high-skill position
- Your internal team is stretched or lacks sector knowledge
- You’ve tried and failed to attract suitable applicants directly
- You want a partner to support salary negotiation, onboarding, or offer management
When It’s Better to Hire In-House
Hiring in-house might be the better route when:
- You have a steady flow of roles to fill
- You’re focused on building a long-term employer brand
- You want to engage with candidates personally
- Your team has the time and tools to manage the recruitment process
- You’re hiring for junior, non-specialist, or easily sourced positions
The Bottom Line
Using a recruitment agency in 2025 can be a smart move but only if it aligns with your hiring needs, budget, and long-term plans. The best agencies don’t just send CVs. They act as partners, helping you shape your hiring strategy, improve candidate experience, and secure talent that fits.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we believe every employer deserves the right hiring support whether that means using an agency, building in-house capability, or a mix of both. If you’re unsure what route to take, we’re here to help you weigh your options and create a strategy that works.