Hays buoyed by European work

Recruitment firm Hays hailed record performances in Germany and France last year, while profits at its British operation tumbled as Brexit put the brakes on hiring.

The group reported an 18 per cent rise in pre-tax profit to £204.6 million in the year to 30 June, while like-for-like net fees came in 6 per cent higher at £954.6m. UK operating profit fell 20 per cent.