Just one in five Russian companies have policies in place prohibiting staff from moving to competitor organisations for a certain period after leaving a job, and 61% of managers say that it is ethical to move to a competitor.

This is according to a survey of 200 middle and senior managers undertaken by recruiter Antal Russia, which also finds that 88% of employers are willing to hire a specialist from a competitor.

However, 15% of employees would see such move as immoral, and while 45% say they do not see it as a problem, 40% say it depends on the relationship with the current employer.

All agree “that a conscientious attitude is necessary” with regards information acquired at a previous employer.