Quality Locum Services (QLS), a £50m medical recruiter and subsidiary of The Match Group, is considering legal action against rival LJB & Co over the alleged theft of a candidate database, Professional Recruiter has learned.

But LJB has hit back, denying the allegations and accusing QLS of trying to use its market position to prevent new entrants into the medical recruitment market.

The row started when a QLS consultant went to work for LJB. LJB previously operated in the engineering and construction markets, but has now started a medical recruitment business. QLS alleges that LJB is starting its new venture with information that was brought to the company by the ex-QLS employee, and has sent a number of solicitor's letters to the smaller firm.

LJB claims the information it is using to contact candidates is a matter of public record, because of the stringent rules surrounding the recruitment of doctors and nurses. It also says QLS is trying to use its dominant position to stifle competition.

As the war of words escalated, LJB accused QLS of bad-mouthing its organisation to clients and is considering legal action of its own. Liam Boland, director of LJB, said: 'This charge is absolutely ridiculous. Candidate details in the medical profession are a matter of public record. We are considering legal action against QLS for malicious falsehood.'

QLS contends that LJB is using private, ex-directory and mobile telephone numbers to contact candidates - information which is not publicly available. Chief executive Terence Turner-Boutle said: 'We are confident of our position with regards to the facts of the case.'

It is expected that a high court writ will be issued in the coming weeks.