Debt recovery refers to the act of pursuing and collecting debts owed by businesses and individuals. Debt recovery officers (also known as agents, assistants and executives) work for collection agencies, whose task is to make contact with debtors either by phone, by letter or by making a home visit
For the majority of officers, the work is mainly office-based and there is normally a shift system in place, with working hours between 08:00 and 20:00. The environment is often challenging and fast-paced, and there may be set targets to reach. For this reason, employers are sometimes keen to recruit staff from sales or customer services backgrounds. Salaries are usually either partly or wholly commission-based, with annual earnings in the region of £14,000 to £24,000, depending on performance.
Bailiffs work out in the field, visiting homes and businesses to serve papers, seize goods and conduct evictions. Both part-time and full-time opportunities are available, and the work may include very early starts. Employers sometimes ask for previous relevant experience, although training is usually available on the job. Salaries start from £13,000, with the potential to earn up to £25,000.