Recruiters are remaining positive despite gloomy predictions from the CIPD’s chief economist.

John Philpott said last week that the speed and size of the contraction of the UK economy had been heart shattering. He added that any relative optimism about the outlook for jobs this year and next had all but evaporated.

Nina Johnson Bennett, managing director at hospitality recruiter Management Search Executive, told Recruiter that her views were at odds with Philpott’s gloomy economic appraisal.

“I disagree with what John is saying. I think it is based on doom and gloom. Companies are still trading and expanding. It might not be at the same rate as last year but they still need talented and skilled people.

“From our point of view, we have had an increase of enquiries which have been very positive. Just recently, enquries have increased 50%.”

Michael Bolger, director at HR recruiter Badger Associates, adds: “If you are at the senior end of the market as we are, companies are less likely to get rid of their senior staff.

“I do not think we could have averted the situation we are in but what has happened is that we have made the situation a whole lot worse due to a downbeat media.

“Recruiters have to take a positive attitude because we have a duty towards our candidates as well as our clients. The candidate does not want to call up a recruiter and be filled with doom and gloom.”