Employment agencies could be doing umbrella contractors a disservice by putting them forward for some jobs, a poll has claimed.

Research by Contractor UK found that some contractors believe that employment agencies can be reluctant to change and put candidates in bad roles such as ones soon to be cancelled.

"Agencies have performed badly this year, seeming more interested in placing anybody to earn some commission than with quality of matching," one contractor wrote as part of the poll.

In addition, readers said that the faltering economic recovery seen during 2010 was more difficult to deal with than tax or compliance problems.

Contractor UK readers also voted Elan the best agency of 2010 due to its wealth of contracts, continuing support and help, regular feedback, quality matching skills and pro-active attitude.

Meanwhile, the Reed Job Index found that IT and engineering contractors will enter 2010 with a strong demand for their services, according to contractorcalculator.co.uk.