Employers have been warned to keep a close eye on their most talented staff or risk losing them to a competitor thanks to the strong economy.

According to Judith Hawkes, board director from Prime Time Recruitment based in Bradford, the current booming employment climate means some companies cannot find the right calibre of staff.

She said: "Headhunting has traditionally only been at a certain level, normally senior management and above, but such is the buoyancy of the marketplace right now, a shift in tactics is definitely being called for.

"Any talented staff member, regardless of age and experience is a potential target."