Recruiters and IT contracts

[SueEllen]

There are far less candidates for permanent jobs than contract. Companies are always trying to find permies and thus the agent will steer you in that direction.

Agencies are trying their luck when doing that but if the OP is definitely not in the UK then taking on a permanent role will get them into to the country to find out what is going on. Just make sure the role is in a city or large town and you socialise with as many people as possible.