Because not all business is good business!

Here at Pettigrew Recruitment we recently experienced a situation that reinforced something we’ve always known as a business: not every client is worth keeping.

This particular client told us we were their “go-to agency”—a position we work hard to earn and take pride in. But somewhere along the way, that partnership turned into entitlement. They assumed that because their business was valuable to us, we would tolerate behaviour that crossed the line.

Here’s what happened:

We delivered (again). We sourced and presented a strong, highly qualified candidate who was a perfect fit for their growing team. The client agreed—they loved the candidate and had no complaints about the process.

Then came the catch.

We were told, point-blank: if we charged a fee for this placement—the very service they engaged us for—they would not offer the candidate a job.

Imagine that. A candidate facing imminent redundancy, a perfect match for the role, and a company refusing to hire unless they got the work for free.

Yes, we could’ve enforced the agreement. Legally, we were in the right. But while we are a business, we’re also human. No one wins from a lengthy battle. We’re fortunate enough to not need to “force” revenue like this—and even more fortunate to have the freedom to take a stand.

So we made the difficult call.

We allowed them to proceed without paying the placement fee—but we also made it clear we would no longer work with them. No more campaigns. No more sourcing. No exclusivity. No partnership.

Because what happened wasn’t a negotiation. It was a threat. And no ethical, professional business should operate under duress—especially from clients who believe offering “future opportunities” is an acceptable substitute for fair compensation.

Let’s be real. If your business can afford to pay a new hire’s salary, you can afford the recruitment fee that helped you find them. You don’t go to a restaurant, enjoy a full meal, then refuse to pay because the budget “changed.” Why is this acceptable in recruitment?

We’re lucky this situation is rare for us. But across the industry, it’s far too common. In the last 18 months, we’ve seen subcontractors and service providers collapse under the weight of unpaid invoices. That should never be the norm.

We stand by our values:

• We will never block a candidate from employment they’re perfect for.
• We will never work with clients who exploit goodwill or leverage power unfairly.
• And we will always advocate for the value recruitment professionals bring to the hiring process.

To our clients who treat their agencies with respect and value partnership—we see you, and we’re here for you.

To those who don’t— Pettigrew Recruitment is not the agency for you.

We didn’t build our reputation by being pushovers. We built it by doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.

So if you’re a business that wants to work collaboratively, values your partners, and appreciates the effort that goes into delivering great talent, we’re all ears.

If not? Best of luck finding another supplier.