Recruiters are divided over a new report which recommends that organisations should support employees' volunteering activities, even though these could lead to part-time working and unpaid sabbaticals.

Research by HR think-tank Roffey Park revealed that 87% of managers would allow part-time working to accommodate voluntary activities that encourage personal development opportunities, motivate staff, bring in new skills and enhance corporate reputation.

Carrington Blake IT recruitment director Henry Chuks welcomed the concept as “symptomatic of a candidate's determination and drive”.

However, Advantage Healthcare Group chief executive Jeremy Fry said it could hamper smaller businesses by leaving remaining staff with higher workloads.