The COVID-19-induced downturn will see the consulting gravy train slow dramatically for "discretionary" advisory services such as change management, with demand set to fall by up to 40 per cent, according to a new forecast.

The new figures from UK-based research firm Source Global Research indicate that partners and staff working in niche advisory areas not considered "mission critical" might find that work is slow to come back even if the lockdown is lifted within weeks.