There is no reason why recruiters cannot have a good career and a positive work/life balance, says one industry professional.

Jason Martin, managing director of Ellis Fairbank, believes recruiters should embrace flexible working to increase productivity. Martin told Recruiter: "Some of my best salespeople only work two days a week and they're good because we let them work like that.

Ellis Fairbank has invested "substantial" amounts in software that allows staff to work remotely, and 15% of its 130 UK staff either work a reduced number of days or on a flexible basis. Martin said he hoped allowing his staff to work flexibly would be a help towards an eventual AIM flotation by 2008.