Globetrotting currently poses no long-term career threat - so City high-flyers are re-inventing gap years for grown-ups.

The shortage of accountants in banking is so sustained that newly qualifieds are abandoning their spreadsheets to go travelling without fear of jeopardising their career. Last week, The Times reported that 30 per cent of newly qualifieds leaving Ernst & Young were going travelling instead of starting new jobs.

'I understand why they're so confident,' says Natalie Miller, global consultant at Martin Ward Anderson. 'Demand is so high that going overseas isn't overly detrimental. And employers today realise many people want career breaks.'

Steve Leeson of Morgan McKinley says , 'Newly qualifieds returning from a few months' travelling should have little trouble finding a new role, as their skill sets are very much in demand and the market shows little sign of cooling.'

But he recommends working for part of the trip: 'Maintain an interest in your specific market and be clear about the area you want to specialise in,' says Leeson. 'Spending a minimum of ten weeks in an interim accounting role will demonstrate commitment and significantly improve your marketability on your return.'

However, those who simply go touring can still offer value: 'Financial services experience in places such as Sydney or Singapore is obviously going to make you more employable,' says Miller. 'But anything that broadens your horizons will provide a good interview talking point and may even give you an edge. If you've been productive - perhaps undertaking voluntary work - even better.'