Recruiters have welcomed the election of the 44th president of the US, Barack Obama.

John Maxted, chief executive at HR recruiter Digby Morgan, who has an American sister company HR International under the Randstad banner, told Recruiter: “I think it is very positive. He is a very popular choice. The view is Obama has a fresh approach and new ideas and if it uplifts the mood in America and creates some opportunities, we would be pleased with that.”

Mark Norris, chief executive at hospitality recruiter Profile, which has a New York office, added: “This is good news. The big impact is that with Barack on board there will be a huge importance placed on young people coming up in business. There will be a change in attitude. A new power is taking over. Power to the people.”