THERE has been no significant increase in the number of women applying to be social escorts because of the downturn, agencies contacted by The New Paper on Sunday said.

Mr Julien, the owner of A High Society Club, gave a possible explanation.

'When the economy is terrible, few girls want to join. They are shocked into reality, and they want to find a real job,' he said.

'When the economy is good or moderate, they'll join, because it's easy money. Now, everyone is holding onto their jobs tightly.'

Mr Nathan, owner of Ambassador Promotions, said: 'There hasn't been a significant increase. Even if we get escort applications, it doesn't mean they'll get in.

'I've had a couple of women trying because of the recession, but they were 'unsuitable'.'

Mr Simon, a talent scout for Dave McBright, said his agency has seen a slight increase in enquiries, but added that this may not be a result of the economic climate.

It also seems that those who become social escorts because of the recession might only be doing so to earn money in between jobs.

Mr Simon said: 'There was a surge of air stewardesses who contacted me when they were first laid off. They worked for a few weeks to tide them over, before they found jobs with other airlines.'

But all the agencies agreed that demand for social escorts has dropped.

Mr Julien estimates that demand at his agency has dipped by about 50 per cent.

'My high-net-worth clients are still there, because they have a secure income. But the bargainers and budgeteers are gone,' he said.

Mr Jason, owner of Jas Talents n Models, also said that demand has dropped by about 50 per cent. He said there are fewer bookings from expatriates and business travellers.

Mr Nathan estimates that his agency may suffer a loss of up to $40,000 this year.

Mr Simon said that Dave McBright has witnessed a drop in earnings of up to 30 per cent.

On an optimistic note, he added: 'The demand for escorts is always there, and clients have simply become more discerning in their choice of escort.'