Industry professionals have been left scratching their heads in bemusement after it was claimed that the number of people working as estate agents was in decline.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) claim that in April to June this year there were 50,000 people working as estate agents or auctioneers in Britain, compared to 55,000 in the same period last year.
It said that on top of the 5,000 agents who had supposedly lost their jobs, a further 16,000 people who worked in the industry, but who did not describe themselves as agents, had also left their roles. These would have included roles such as back office staff, signage contractors and receptionists.
However, EYE called into question the validity of the statistics, pointing out to the ONS that although its figures said there were currently 35,000 people employed full-time as estate agents and 7,000 part-time, it put the total at 41,000 rather than 42,000. It said a further 7,000 were self-employed – but put the total at 8,000.
When questioned, a spokesman said the figures were “rounded” so the part-time and full-time figures actually given did not always match up.
An article in the weekend’s Sunday Times said: “Just as they’ve been getting used to their shiny new premises, the great boom in estate-agency jobs seems to be coming to a standstill.”
It went on: “If you see a sad figure in a sharp suit and a garish tie lurking round a job centre, the chances are that he is one of the 21,000 people who, according to the Office for National Statistics, have left the industry in the past 12 months. Of those, 5,000 were agents.”
But Anthony Hesse, managing director of recruitment firm Property Personnel, told EYE yesterday that the picture being presented by the statistics could not be further from the impression he was getting.
He said: “It’s the total opposite. We have been inundated with clients looking for staff. That’s across the board, from junior level right up to the top. Lots of our clients are having to take on new blood.
“In 2009-2010, people were losing their jobs in this industry, but not now. Maybe this is just another example of people wanting to knock estate agents.”
And Joshua Rayner, managing director of recruitment firm Rayner Personnel, said: “The market is inundated with jobs and there aren’t enough good people to go around.
“The most sought-after individuals are those with 18-24 months’ experience who can fee earn from day one and ideally list.”
The argument appears to be backed up by the amount of agents appealing for staff through social media, while Rightmove has reported growth in membership to a new record of 19,590.
The ONS figures claim that following the recession there were as few as 33,000 people employed as agents in 2009. That figure dropped to 28,000 in 2010 but shot up to 41,000 in 2011. It steadily grew up until 2014 but appears to have slipped slightly since last year.
However, the ONS themselves even admitted the stats were open to interpretation.
A spokesman told EYE: “The figures do indicate a 5,000 drop, but this could well be accounted for by sampling variability, so I would be careful about drawing too many conclusions based on just two snapshot periods.”
Property Ombudsman Christopher Hamer said a number of factors needed to be taken into account when dissecting the figures.
He told EYE: “As in any industry, technology will have an impact. Prospective buyers and sellers now use the internet first to see what is available and to check prices.
“The Sunday Times article refers to estate agency staff which could cover both those actually marketing the property who carry out viewings and negotiations, but also back-office staff.
“A reduction in staff looking after sales progression and dealing with any dissatisfaction during that process may impact more on the consumer than a reduction in those tasked with the marketing duties.”
The ONS’ Labour Force statistics from 2001 to this year can be seen here
Im being a tad mischievous here but 5000 agents gone missing? Now who’s got 5000 Agents?…….over to you Ian!
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Here’s the thing – last year’s figure of c.55k was supposedly a 10% increase on the previous year which in itself was up 19% on 2012. The fact that this year it again shows c.50k is more likely to be an indication that the 2014 ‘statistic’ was incorrect – IF, in fact, ANY of them can be relied upon.
One way or another, it gave some smarmy journo an opportunity to have yet another dig at the industry…
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Ross Clark, the journalist who wrote the article for the Sunday Times, rang me last week for my angle on this. I sensed he got a little frustrated with me!
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There was a high number of smaller online only agents that started up and quickly folded…perhaps this may have contributed?
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What lovely people some of these journalists are, as if we didn’t know already!
Revelling in the fact that people may have lost their jobs, most of whom live ordinarily lives, trying to get along just like everyone else.
Living in homes much like theirs, or not even as grand in many cases. But success is allowed for them, without recourse.
These people they write about, are fathers, mothers, couples or singles, all wanting to do right by themselves or their families. Not all perfect, but the majority are, much as you find in any walk of life, company or group.
Maybe the journo in question should spare a thought for some of the children whose parents have been put out of work, rather than taking another cheap shot for a headline grabber.
It matters not what you do, if you have no job, it hurts whoever you are.
Yes some may find it easier to get back on the ladder and will not face the obstacles that a lot of people do, but to find comfort or humour in someone losing their livelihood, is more a reflection on that persons morals, more than the people that they mock!
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On a personal level i have not seen as many high street agents as we have now since the 90’s I also think most offices are staffed to there highest levels in the last 7/8 years.
It seems pretty much everybody is connected to the property industry these days, suppliers, workers, providers, owners.
I cant remember the last agent to go out of business round my way (plenty opening though).
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Same here, recruiting more, seeing more.
Another example of someone firing out a story built on the back of some doggy numbers that have been put out, rather than spending more time backing it up.
I guess the opportunity to knock agents was too great to get in the way of a real story.
Lazy stuff……
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Hmmm – let’s look at the stats for ‘journalists’, shall we…
2012 saw c.65k
2013 – steep rise to c.70k
2014 – fell off the cliff – c.60k
2015 – back up to c.64k
Perhaps Mr Clark would care to comment on his own profession’s employment rollercoaster?
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Why should he, everyone loves a journalist!
Someone actually took the trouble to not like my last comment. How odd. Surely give an opinion, not just a click of the dislike button, state your reason?
I’m sure we would all love to know why you dislike the comment and what offends so much.
Dont worry I get plenty of dislikes (not as many as PeeBee) so it’s not a pride thing, more of an amazed thing.
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According to ‘Observer’ two weeks ago (sleep with the enemy story) there are 596,000 people working in agency, if 546,000 have suddenly disappeared that really is a concern.
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The Guardian – 11th September 2013: The Office for National Statistics said that 562,000 people are employed in real estate in the UK, the largest number since records began in 1978, with 77,000 joining the industry over the last year – data that added to fears that the country is heading for a house price bubble.
There are around 15,000 offices in the UK and an average of 4 staff? Sounds about right, so really cant understand where the previous figures came from unless they included construction & associated trades.
Our headcount has increased this year and there aren’t many candidates so I have more faith in what Anthony Hesse says. Lies, damn lies and (office for national) statistics.
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Cheers Eric! Hope you are well. KR Anthony
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Quite the opposite we have too many jobs to deal with!
If anything the market couldn’t be stronger and a great time for individuals to get into the industry or move to more rewarding companies where they can further their career opportunities.
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