Make hay while the sun shines in 2005 as the upturn may not last. That was the message from David McHattie, relationship director at Barclays, as he addressed the Recruitment Society this month.

Many economic factors were working in recruitment’s favour, he said. Demand was rising for temporary and permanent staff, there was a tight labour market and skills shortages were growing.

“The balance of supply and demand has swung in favour of the candidate and the agency. Now is the time to seize the opportunity and improve pricing,” he said.

However, he tempered this by reminding recruiters that a rise in interest rates, a slowdown in the housing market and a surge in oil prices would cool the economy.

And for those tempted to buy a Porsche for Christmas? “Leave it for Santa’s list next year,” he suggested.