The majority of bosses choose attractive candidates when recruiting staff, according to new research.

Figures produced by law firm Peninsula suggest that 88 per cent of managers admitted to having given jobs to the best looking interviewees.

Meanwhile, 92 per cent of respondents who were involved in interviews stated that appearance at the job interview can influence their decision as to whether or not to take on an individual.

Commenting on the findings, David Price, head of diversity for Peninsula, stated: "It seems that many interviewers are guilty when it comes to looks influencing their decision.

"I was surprised at the number of people who have based an employment decision on looks and it’s turning into a new form of modern discrimination."

Research released earlier this month by fish4jobs indicated that job candidates are missing out on potential opportunities by failing to sufficiently prepare for job interviews.