Political woes knock recruiter

ReCRuiTMenT giant Page Group says that political turmoil in Britain, Spain and Brazil poses a risk to the business.

Group profit rose by 10.3pc to £187.7m in a record quarter, with profits in europe, the Middle east and Africa rising 18.2pc.

Profits in France and Germany, a quarter of the group, rose 18pc and 28pc respectively.

However, gross profit in the uK, a fifth of the business, fell by 7.1pc. The Surrey-based company said this was due to a drop in confidence and the timing of easter.