The recruitment community has sent in their stories about how the volcanic ash that has engulfed Europe has affected their staff and their business.

Jan Marshall, director of HR at the London Marriott County Hall, told Recruiter: “We had a number of guests who were stranded. Initially we had an increase, but then we also had cancellations from in-bound travellers. We offered our guests discounted rates on food and beverages and laundry/dry cleaning, and also have put on a film show for in-house guests each evening.

“Some of our employees are stranded abroad, but all are on the move now. We will be able to offer them holiday days or lieu time to cover the extra days. Some were also able to check into Marriott Hotels around the world and log onto the intranet.”

Gary King, director at hospitality recruiter Collins King & Associates, adds: “People who are staying longer, came for short trips and have not got the finance to spend money. People who would have been coming over and replacing these people have not been able to.

“A lot of clients can’t get to work. One of our clients - an HR recruitment director - is stuck in Holland, while another is stuck in the Middle East.”

Sam Hayter, director of HR at Starwood Central London Hotels, told Recruiter yesterday that he had been trying to fly out to Toronto since Friday and was hopeful of boarding a flight in the evening.