Hays reports 13% rise in global growth

RECRUITMENT firm Hays has reported double-digit growth in the second quarter as its international business made up for weak performance from its British operations, where public sector hiring took a hit.

The group reported a 13% rise in like-for-like net fees in the three months to December 31, with results driven by a 16% rise in its Asia-Pacific operations and a 17% increase for continental Europe and the rest of the world. It helped offset the mere 1% increase in like-for-like net fees from the UK and Ireland.

While Hays said the region’s private sector business grew “modestly” at 4%, public sector net fees fell 8% as “markets remained tough”.

The UK’s public sector decline hit net fees from the IT and education sector, which suffered a 5% and 6% decline, respectively.

Hayes said its largest UK sector, accountancy and finance, saw net fees rise 1%.