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The Best Employment Agencies in Leeds That Don’t Just Fill Positions, They Fill Gaps

Track Record and Reputation: We chose agencies with a stellar history of placing candidates in roles that stick. Key things we looked into are proven success stories, solid client feedback, and repeat business.

Industry Expertise: You’ll spot agencies that specialise in multiple fields here. Those with more established connections earned extra points.

Experience: We only considered agencies with a minimum of 10 years in the recruitment game.

Communication: Our picks will typically keep you updated regularly, whether it’s about your interview progress or job availability.

Talent Pool: We opted for agencies with access to a wide, diverse talent pool. The options here source candidates from various channels and offer access to both active and passive job seekers.

Hiring Strategies: We prioritised agencies that use smart, data-driven hiring strategies. From screening techniques to personalised recruitment, their approach should be tailored and efficient.

Flexibility: The agencies we rounded up have flexible services to meet your ever-changing needs. For example, the names we compiled provide temporary, part-time, or full-time staffing solutions.

Approachability: You don’t want to deal with a robot; agencies should be easy to work with and have a personal touch. That’s why we selected names that listen and take the time to understand any candidate or business.

Cost Efficiency: Finally, we picked agencies that provide competitive pricing without downgrading the service.

If you’re an employer without a reliable employment agency, you might be one ‘urgent hire’ post from hurling your laptop out the window.

The reverse is true as well. As a job seeker, that dream job could quickly become a nightmare without help from the pros—a reality some of our teammates learned the hard way.

Fortunately for Leeds’ businesses and job seekers, the recruitment agencies around are competent. But since “competent” doesn’t always cut it, we’ve highlighted the very best below.

How much do employment agencies in the UK charge?

The cost of using an employment agency in the UK varies based on the fee structure. The most common is the contingency fee, which is usually a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary, typically ranging from 15% to 25%.

In addition, there are contractor fees that can run from 10% to 30% of a contractor’s hourly or daily rate.

1. Baker Recruitment Group

baker-recruitment-group-logo

Address: Simply Business Space – Malmarc House, 116 Dewsbury Rd

Contact Details: 0113 486 2870

Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 5 pm

Website

Boasting over 25 years and a massive client portfolio with big names like Coca-Cola and British Airways, Baker Recruitment Group cracked a spot without objection.

We reached out for permanent recruitment, and they did an impressive job tailoring the search. The agency’s team carefully matched qualifications, personality, and career goals, so post-hiring issues were few and far between.

On the business end, they streamline the hiring process brilliantly. With CV screening, application review, and candidate outreach all handled via an applicant tracking system, they can considerably lighten your admin load.

Communication is also prioritised here. Everyone we interacted with was polite, transparent, and quick with updates, even on minor matters. We also value the honest feedback they provided throughout.

However, not every past client left smiling. Some folks have had less-than-pleasant encounters with rude office staff.

Furthermore, their response time to queries can sometimes be slower than expected, which can be a hassle if you’re in a rush for info.

Pros

  • Offers temporary recruitment
  • Services multiple industries
  • Data and tech-driven processes
  • Transparent pricing
  • Great communication
  • High-profile clients
  • Tailor-made matchmaking
  • Experienced
  • Efficient
  • Streamlined processes

Cons

  • Some rude staff
  • Slow response rate

Every Client’s Needs Are Met with Precision and Care

“Baker Group is dedicated to delivering excellence, with customer satisfaction as their top priority. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and personalized service sets them apart, ensuring every client’s needs are met with precision and care.”

– JUSTICE ADU-OBENG (PASTOR KHAY), Google Review

Very Helpful and Understanding

“I went to register this morning 4/9 I was totally comfortable and made to feel welcome from the minute I walked through the door. The girls were very helpful and understanding during the whole process highly recommend. Only downside I wasn’t offered a coffee 😅”

– Gary Kentworthy, Google Review

2. Jo Holdsworth Recruitment

jo-holdsworth-recruitment-logo

Address: Angels Wing 3

Contact Details: 0113 233 7760

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon to Thu – 8 am to 5:30 pm
  • Fri – 8 am to 4 pm 

Website

Since 2005, Jo Holdsworth Recruitment (JHR) has been connecting talent with top roles in the public and private sectors, specialising in permanent placements and executive searches.

Their efficiency has earned them a positive reputation in Leeds, with clients noting they land placements or candidates in weeks. It’s especially encouraging for rookies, as the agency maintains a strong success rate even with less experienced candidates.

However, they’re not without slip-ups. A few folks have flagged issues with receiving occasional to zero updates, while some mentioned instances where salary details differed from what was initially promised.

On the upside, JHR’s processes are highly personalised, with them providing tailored and detailed interviews for businesses and job seekers, ensuring a good fit on abilities and values.

Employers, meanwhile, frequently praise JHR’s rigorous shortlisting and pre-screening, which shaves down hiring time without compromising on quality. The holistic interviews help ensure candidates fit well culturally, too.

Pros

  • High success rate
  • Works with various industries
  • Strong aftercare support
  • Rigorous pre-screening
  • Personalised candidate matches
  • Diverse client base
  • Effective retention strategies
  • Cultural fit focus
  • Efficient communication

Cons

  • Salary information inconsistencies
  • Slow updates

Extremely Grateful for Their Support

“I can’t recommend Jo Holdsworth recruitment enough! They helped me secure my ideal job in such a short amount of time and their communication was always fantastic. Special thanks to Danielle and Davina for prepping me for my interviews – everyone I spoke to at this agency was so lovely and I’m extremely grateful for all their support throughout this process!”

– juliana, Google Review

I Am Now in a Great Role with a Great Company

“I had the pleasure of working with Davina to help secure me a leadership position. She worked tirelessly with local businesses to open doors and secure interviews for me. As a result I am now in a great role with a great company. I would highly recommend JHR for their support, guidance and commitment to finding the right roles for their client base. Thanks so much JHR and Davina in particular”

– James Dickerson, Google Review

3. Huntress Recruitment

huntress-recruitment-logo

Address: Broad Gate, 22 – 26 The Headrow

Contact Details: 0113 205 6400

Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 6 pm

Website

Founded in 2000, Huntress Recruitment is one of the most versatile agencies on this list. They cover contract, permanent, and temporary roles across various sectors like marketing, HR, and beyond.

They also excel at easing administrative burdens; employers we’ve spoken with highlighted Huntress’ onboarding and shortlisting strategies. These strategies dive deeper into things like your company’s long-term goals and dynamics, all while filtering candidates based on general criteria.

Candidates also appreciate the personalised support Huntress provides. For instance, they offer tailor-made interviews and CV tips, investing time to fully understand each individual and the role they’re gunning for.

Their response times could definitely use a boost, though. Not everyone has the patience to wait weeks for updates concerning general queries.

One client also noted that while they secured the job, they never received any follow-up emails or calls from Huntress regarding the placement.

Pros

  • Versatile recruitment options
  • Multi-sector expertise
  • Efficient onboarding process
  • Tailored shortlisting strategies
  • Personalised job placements
  • Strong CV/interview support
  • High client satisfaction
  • Transparent pricing
  • Has several offices

Cons

  • Slow response times
  • History of poor post-placement communication

I Was Able to Secure a Fantastic Job

“I had the pleasure of working with Olivia from Huntress during my job search, and I couldn’t be more impressed with her professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. Olivia went above and beyond to understand my skills, experience, and career goals, and she quickly identified opportunities that were a great fit for me. Thanks to her proactive approach and extensive network, I was able to secure a fantastic job within just three weeks of working with her. Olivia’s guidance and support throughout the process were invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for her expertise and commitment to helping me succeed. I would highly recommend Olivia and Huntress to anyone seeking a job opportunity.

Thank you Olivia😊”

– Michela Campanile, Google Review

I Would Highly Recommend Huntress

“I have dealt with Olivia Wood at Huntress in Leeds on two occasions. I have been very well looked after by both Olivia and the firms I went temping for, on this second occasion I have been made permanent. I would highly recommend Huntress to anyone.”

– Samantha Bell, Google Review

4. Headway Recruitment

headway-recruitment-logo

Address: Avenue HQ, 10-12 E Parade

Contact Details: 0113 532 5920

Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5:15 pm

Website

Headway Recruitment first made waves in 1980, and yet it remains one of the hottest agencies around.

Their biggest asset? Innovation. By leveraging psychometric data through the INSIGHT model, they help employers pinpoint candidates who are not only a great fit but also more likely to stay, excel, and produce exceptional results.

They cover a broad spectrum of industries too, with IT (IT company leeds), accounting, and marketing (marketing agencies Leeds) being some of their most successful sectors. Even better, candidates looking to work for these industries get the full package: CV advice, interview preparation, and more.

On the flip side, the registration process could be quicker, as it often takes over an hour.

Their communication could also use some polishing. Candidates have occasionally been left in the dark when a match isn’t found, and a timely update would be appreciated.

The good news is they have a superb placement rate and A-tier shortlisting and profiling strategies.

Pros

  • Innovative psychometric model
  • High placement success rate
  • Excellent candidate profiling
  • Comprehensive sector coverage
  • Strong employer partnerships
  • CV & interview support
  • Long-term retention focus
  • Transparent pricing
  • Personalised approach

Cons

  • Slow registration process
  • Communication lapses

Contact Was Easy

“Headway Recruitment were a pleasure to work with! Annabel was so professional and made sure you had all the information needed before an assignment. Contact was easy and you always got a really quick reply. Can’t recommend them highly enough! 5*”

– Emma Goodall, Google Review

Very Efficient

“I am happy with Headway Recruitment. I have worked directly with Sam and she’s been nothing but brilliant and excellent. Sam is very efficient, she reached out to me and made sure I was constantly informed of each progress of my job application. Her passion for finding the right fit for you and making sure you’re informed is unmatched. Thank you to headway recruitment (and Sam), i got a job offer that matches my skillset with a great company.”

– Godfirst Eziako, Google Review

5. CLD Recruitment (Leeds) Ltd

cld-recruitment-leeds-ltd-logo

Address: Unit 10, Pavilion Business Park, Royds Hall Rd

Contact Details: 0113 829 3380

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon to Thu – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Fri – 8:30 am to 5 pm 

Website

If you’re after an agency with long-term clients, CLD Recruitment should be one of the first picks. Trusted by major names like Eversheds, DLA Piper, and Capita, they’ve built a strong client base.

Since 2002, they’ve also been one of the go-tos for permanent recruitment. CLD’s team is quite known for matching businesses with employees whose skills, ambitions, and experience align for long-lasting success.

Their temporary and contract recruitment is equally remarkable, offering flexible pay rates and access to a diverse talent pool.

Candidates also lauded CLD for their interview prep—knowing exactly what will be asked and helping you prepare for the questions from the very start of the application process.

If there’s one area for improvement, it’s communication. Candidates have reported being ghosted, even when they were well-qualified for a role.

A few also mentioned not receiving clear details about the positions they applied for, leading to some confusion.

Pros

  • Long-term clients
  • Trusted by big names
  • Strong client base
  • Permanent recruitment experts
  • Skilled matching team
  • Flexible pay rates
  • Diverse talent pool

Cons

  • Communication gaps
    Unclear role details

Their Expertise and Commitment to Their Clients Are Unmatched

“I cannot thank Kim and Nicola at CLD Recruitment enough for their exceptional help in finding me a job. Their dedication, professionalism, and personalised approach made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Kim and Nicola went above and beyond to match me with the perfect opportunity, and I am truly grateful for their hard work. I highly recommend CLD Recruitment to anyone seeking employment. Their expertise and commitment to their clients are unmatched!”

– Taleb Ozgun, Google Review

The Whole Process Was Seamless

“I can’t praise CLD enough! Bethany was amazing from start to finish. She communicated all information, checked in with me before and after my interviews and was always available to answer any questions I had. The whole process was seamless and I would definitely recommend. Thank you! x”

– Talia Green, Google Review

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