To fill the demand, many UK recruiters head off to seize the opportunity for a new job in attractive surroundings. "In Sydney there is a massive number of recruiters from the UK — at least 50%," says Nigel Hunt, from the Australian consultancy Your Network.

Last February, Janine Runaghan left her recruitment job in Nottingham with Barker Ross and made the big move down under to work as a recruitment consultant in Sydney. "I have no regrets whatsoever," she says.

Louisa Kirk left her recruitment job in Bristol five months ago and is now happily employed as a senior consultant with Porterallen Hendren in Sydney, enjoying "the weather and quality of life".