As a small, independent agency based in the depths of Norfolk, we are feeling the ‘squeeze’ as much as some of the other larger concerns, but please let’s not be tempted to compromise our ethics during this difficult time.

It seems some agencies are willing to revert to the bad practices of the past, just because times are tough at the moment. Many of us have invested time and effort in turning around perceptions of our industry, and at last feel comfortable and proud to say ‘I’m a recruitment consultant’ — please don’t throw it all away.

Advertising jobs that don’t exist; throwing CVs at clients in the hope that one will stick; failing to carry out proper candidate screening — these were always bad practices and they still are. We don’t need to do it.

Marion James, managing director, Paramount Personnel Services