Tough standards on the audit sector shouldn't put off young recruits, who could be attracted to the profession by higher salaries, according to Sir Jan du Plessis, chair of the Financial Reporting Council.

The audit watchdog has levied a host of fines in recent months as it attempts to rebuild trust in the sector after criticism auditors failed to pick up a host of red flags in collapses ranging from cake chain Patisserie Valerie to retailer BHS and outsourcer Carillion.