The downturn in the economy has caused recruitment to halt in a large number of the UK’s top accountancy, law and commercial property firms, according to new research.

The research, from online recruitment solutions firm cvmail, found that 48% of the UK’s top accountancy firms, law firms and commercial property agents say they will maintain staffing levels over the next year, while 8% say they will cut jobs.

Andy Eddleston, commercial manager at cvmail, said: “The downturn in the financial services industry is clearly impacting the companies that provide it with services – law firms, accountancy firms and commercial property agents are feeling the side-effects of the credit crunch and this is reflected in their recruitment strategy for the forthcoming year.”