Hays reiterates full-year guidance after Q4 growth

10th Jul 2014 08:46

- Full-year profit guidance reiterated - Net fees rise 7% - Growth in permanent and temporary units- UK and Ireland drive performanceUK recruitment company Hays reiterated its full-year guidance for operating profit of about £140m after achieving 7% total like-for-like growth in net fees in the fourth quarter. The group's net fees rose 8% in temporary placements and 5% in permanent placements compared to a year ago, on a like-for-like basis.The UK and Ireland achieved the biggest increase in net fees at 11%, followed by Continental Europe and the Rest of the World with a 7% gain. Asia Pacific, which represented 24% of group net fees, was flat mainly due to a 5% fall in Australia and New Zealand."Looking ahead we see clear growth opportunities for the Group and therefore during the quarter we increased consultant headcount by 3%, the highest quarterly rise since September 2011," said Chief Executive Alistair Cox. "We will continue to invest to capture all opportunities for growth and maintain our focus on driving productivity to deliver on our long-term profit and cash objectives."RD