International growth helps drive Hays

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 per cent rise in like-for-like net fees in the three months to December 31, with results driven by a 16 per cent rise in its Asia-Pacific operations and a 17 per cent increase for continental Europe and the rest of the world.

It helped offset the mere 1 per cent increase in like-for-like net fees from the UK and Ireland.

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

The UK’s public sector decline hit net fees from the IT and education sector.