The construction industry in London is among the most dynamic and fast-paced in the UK, driving economic growth and infrastructure transformation across the city. With major projects like HS2, Battersea Power Station redevelopment, and new housing developments underway, the demand for skilled construction professionals has never been higher.
But with opportunity comes competition both for jobs and for talent. That’s where construction recruitment companies come in. These firms bridge the gap between construction businesses and a reliable, skilled workforce. Whether you’re a project manager looking to fill multiple roles quickly or a skilled labourer searching for your next opportunity, choosing the right agency can significantly affect your outcome.
In this guide, we explore the best construction recruitment companies in London and explain why they matter, how to evaluate them, and what sets the top agencies apart.
Why Should You Use a Construction Recruitment Company in London?
Access to a Pre-Screened Talent Pool
Recruitment agencies maintain a database of qualified professionals. This eliminates the lengthy process of sourcing and vetting candidates from scratch, ensuring a faster turnaround for urgent hires.
Sector-Specific Knowledge
Construction recruitment agencies understand the industry’s nuances, including regulatory compliance, safety certifications, and the skills required for different construction phases from groundwork to finishing trades.
Reduced Time-to-Hire
With streamlined recruitment processes, construction staffing agencies help fill roles more quickly, reducing project delays and minimising downtime on-site.
What Are the Top 10 Construction Recruitment Companies in London Right Now?
1. Fawkes & Reece – “Shaping the Built Environment with Talent That Delivers”
Fawkes & Reece is a leading UK recruitment firm that specialises in both white-collar and blue-collar construction staffing. Known for its long-term partnerships with major contractors and developers, the firm offers placements across civil engineering, residential, and commercial sectors. Their dedicated London team has extensive knowledge of regional construction demands.
Primary Offering
Permanent and freelance placements in construction management, quantity surveying, and site labour.
Ideal For
Developers and Tier 1 contractors needing full project teams or specialist hires.
Pricing: Not publicly disclosed depends on contract type and role seniority.
- Website: www.fawkesandreece.co.uk
- Phone: 0207 288 0166
- Address: 68 Cornhill, London EC3V 3QX, UK
- Email: recruitment@fr-group.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their recruiters understood our needs better than we did we hired three site managers in under two weeks!”
2. Randstad Construction & Property – “Global Reach. Local Construction Expertise.”
Randstad’s construction division is a powerhouse in labour and professional placements, offering contract and permanent staffing solutions across all areas of construction. Their London team works closely with clients to meet large-scale or urgent hiring demands.
Key Focus Area
Temporary, contract, and executive staffing with a national network.
Preferred By
Firms requiring scalable labour forces or interim executive roles.
Pricing: Customised per client and placement type.
- Website: www.randstad.co.uk
- Phone: +44 1582 811600
- Address: 7th Floor, 120 Holborn, London EC1N 2TD, UK
3. Daniel Owen Ltd – “Building Careers. Constructing Futures.”
Daniel Owen Ltd focuses exclusively on construction and the built environment. Their team is renowned for placing reliable tradespeople, technical professionals, and managerial candidates across London and the South East.
Core Strength
End-to-end recruitment for trades, housing maintenance, and white-collar roles.
Most Suitable For
SMEs and property services firms requiring vetted trades and technical staff.
Pricing: Project-dependent; quotes available on request.
- Website: www.danielowen.co.uk
- Phone: 0345 810 1020
- Address: 1st Floor, Genesis House, 17 Godliman St, London EC4V 5BD, UK
- Email: web.enquiries@danielowen.co.uk
4. Build Recruitment – “Dedicated to Construction, Passionate About People”
Build Recruitment specialises in placing professionals in public sector, housing, and facilities management roles. Their London office works closely with local authorities and major social housing providers.
Specialisation
Recruitment for public sector, FM, and housing maintenance professionals.
Recommended For
Public organisations or contractors involved in government or social projects.
Pricing: Role-specific; variable depending on contract terms.
- Website: www.buildrec.com
- Phone: 02031 764 790
- Address: Crowne House, 56-58 Southwark St, London SE1 1UN, UK
- Email: info@buildrec.com
5. One Way Recruitment – “Right People, Right Time, Right Results”
One Way is known for its speed and accuracy in sourcing high-quality trades and labour workers. They serve clients across commercial build, fit-out, and civil projects throughout the capital.
Niche Service
Trades & labour workforce deployment for urgent or high-volume projects.
Targeted Towards
Contractors needing fast turnaround for large sites or new tenders.
Pricing: Available upon consultation.
- Website: www.oneway.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)2089457705
- Email: info@owoa.co.uk
6. PSR Solutions – “Strengthening Projects with Proven People”
PSR Solutions works primarily within civil engineering, infrastructure, and project consultancy. Their expertise lies in permanent placements for senior roles across the UK’s largest construction sites.
Service Area
Consultative recruitment for infrastructure and senior civil engineering posts.
Best Fit For
Companies delivering high-value or technically complex civil projects.
Pricing: Contact required for individualised quotes.
- Website: www.psrsolutions.co.uk
- Phone: 0203 800 0050
- Address: 18 King William Street, London, EC4N 7BP
- Email: recruitment@psrsolutions.co.uk
7. 3D Personnel – “Supplying the Backbone of UK Construction”
3D Personnel offers a strong local network of trades and site operatives. With offices across the UK and Ireland, their London branch supports small builders and national clients alike.
Expertise
Trades and general site labour with emphasis on local availability and rapid response.
Great For
Subcontractors and mid-sized firms looking for flexible labour coverage.
Pricing: Day-rate and role-based pricing available.
- Website: www.3dpersonnel.com
- Phone: info@3dpersonnel.com
- Address: The Stables Market, Atrium, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH, UK
- Email: london@3dpersonnel.com
8. Setsquare Recruitment – “Recruitment Built Around You”
Setsquare provides construction staffing for commercial, residential, and civils markets. Their recruiters focus on regional understanding and strong candidate relationships to ensure perfect matches.
Service Focus
White- and blue-collar construction roles across multiple sectors.
Recommended Client Type
Contractors needing balanced labour and site management coverage.
Pricing: Tailored per assignment.
- Website: www.setsquare.co.uk
- Phone: 0118 938 0140
- Address: 5th Floor, 4 Coleman St, London EC2R 5AR, United Kingdom
- Email: info@rgsetsquare.com
9. Approach Personnel – “Staffing You Can Trust”
Approach Personnel offers temp, freelance, and permanent solutions to construction firms across London. Their recruiters understand trade-specific compliance and specialise in rapid mobilisation.
Area of Focus
Multi-discipline construction staffing with payroll and compliance handling.
Great For
Clients with fluctuating workforce needs or national contracts.
Pricing: Based on scope of project and duration.
- Website: www.approachpersonnel.co.uk
- Phone: 0115 900 3171
- Address: 20 Little Britain, London EC1A 7DH
- Email: info@approachpersonnel.co.uk
10. McGinley CEP – “Smart Recruitment for Smarter Projects”
McGinley CEP covers construction, engineering, and property sectors, offering white-collar and technical recruitment services. Their consultants bring industry experience, ensuring accurate placements.
Recruitment Strength
Building services, MEP, and technical roles in commercial property and infrastructure.
Best Match For
Clients seeking highly qualified engineers, project managers, or designers.
Pricing: Quoted per role and service level.
- Website: www.mcginleycep.co.uk
- Phone: 020 3874 0070
- Address: 6-8 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4BX
- Email: info@mcginleycep.co.uk
Which Construction Recruitment Firms in London Excel at Skilled Trades Placement?
Precision in Matching Tradespeople with Projects
Skilled trades require precise recruitment. Agencies like Daniel Owen and One Way excel at placing electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and scaffolders quickly and accurately.
Compliance-Ready Workers
Many recruiters supply candidates who already meet CITB and CSCS certification standards, reducing on-site onboarding issues.
How Do Temporary Construction Job Agencies Compare to Permanent Recruiters?
Speed and Flexibility
Temporary staffing agencies can fill urgent vacancies in hours. They’re ideal for short-term projects, seasonal work, or covering staff absences.
Drawbacks of Temporary Roles
While temp roles offer flexibility, they may come with lower job security and fewer benefits, making them less attractive for long-term career seekers.
What Services Should You Expect from a Top Construction Recruitment Agency in the UK?
End-to-End Hiring Support
Leading firms offer CV screening, candidate vetting, interview scheduling, and post-placement follow-up making hiring seamless for employers.
Payroll and Compliance Services
Agencies often manage payroll, pensions, and holiday pay plus ensure legal compliance with HMRC and HSE standards.
How Can You Choose the Right Construction Recruitment Partner in London?
Evaluate Based on Project Needs
Are you hiring for a short-term project or building a permanent team? Choose an agency that aligns with your hiring volume and skill requirements.
Check Their Specialisation
A general recruiter may not understand site safety requirements or union expectations. Choose a construction-specific firm for best results.
What Are the Emerging Trends in Construction Recruitment in London?
Digital Platforms and AI in Hiring
Construction recruitment agencies are increasingly leveraging digital platforms, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and AI tools to speed up candidate matching. These technologies not only reduce hiring times but also improve the accuracy of role fit.
For instance, some London-based recruiters now use machine learning to match candidate skills with job specs in real-time, leading to more relevant applications and faster placements.
Demand for Green Construction Talent
Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of construction in the UK. Recruitment companies are experiencing rising demand for professionals skilled in environmentally friendly construction practices, such as LEED certification, energy-efficient design, and sustainable materials handling.
Flexible Work Models
The pandemic has reshaped traditional work structures. Today, flexible scheduling, contract-based roles, and project-based hiring dominate. Agencies that can quickly adapt to these demands stand out in the recruitment landscape.
How Is London’s Construction Sector Shaping the Future Job Market?
Infrastructure Investment Is Driving Skilled Labour Demand
Major government and private investments from Crossrail to Thames Tideway continue to create significant job opportunities. This has led to a shortage of experienced tradespeople, particularly in civil engineering, mechanical systems, and finishing trades.
Rise of Apprenticeship and Upskilling Programs
To combat skill shortages, many recruitment firms are partnering with training providers to deliver upskilling and apprenticeship pathways. This benefits both job seekers looking to start or change careers, and employers eager for site-ready talent.
Increased Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
Modern construction projects are prioritising inclusive hiring. Leading London recruitment agencies now have dedicated diversity officers and inclusive recruitment policies that promote hiring across gender, ethnicity, and background, particularly in senior and technical roles.
Conclusion
The construction recruitment landscape in London is both competitive and resource-rich. The right recruitment partner can save time, reduce hiring costs, and improve workforce quality. Whether you’re an employer or a skilled professional, aligning with a top-tier agency ensures you’re building or joining projects that matter.
FAQs About Construction Recruitment Companies in London
What’s the average cost of using a construction recruitment agency in London?
Recruitment fees vary based on the role’s seniority and whether it’s a temp or permanent placement. Typically, fees range from 10–25% of the employee’s first-year salary.
How fast can agencies fill construction roles?
Urgent roles can often be filled within 24 to 48 hours, especially for temporary labour positions.
Do these firms provide health and safety training?
Some agencies offer CSCS training or partner with safety bodies to ensure workers are site-ready.
Can temporary roles turn into permanent jobs?
Yes, many temp-to-perm contracts exist, allowing both parties to trial before committing long-term.
What documents are required to register with a construction agency?
Typically, proof of ID, right to work in the UK, qualifications, and CSCS certification are needed.
Are night shifts and weekend roles commonly offered?
Yes, especially in infrastructure and public sector projects, which require work during non-peak hours.