It may have been the worst snowfall in 18 years but temporary workers up and down the country still braved arctic conditions to turn up for assignments.

Liz Hancock, director at Chester-based recruiter Alexander Hancock, told Recruiter: “We did okay. We were very lucky. All our staff turned in and all our temps turned in. We sent them all home early though.”

Joanne Pullinger, consultant at Kent recruiter Kings Hill Recruitment, says: “They all came in yesterday. It was good news for us.”

Peter Cullimore, chairman of the REC’s (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) social care and nursing sector group, adds:  “Domiciliary care agencies have a responsibility to ensure all their clients are covered regardless of the weather.

“Despite the conditions, many carers have gone beyond the call of duty to make sure their clients’ needs are met, and staff in many care agencies have worked  additional hours.”

Paula Rogers, managing director at London-based Admiral Recruitment, found clients were not as committed as some of her temporary workers. “So many of the mainstream were not getting into work, so when our people turned up, they weren’t needed anyway. It was a shame.”