Hays returns to growth

8th Jul 2010 07:11

Global recruitment firm Hays has returned to year on year growth for the first time in two years after making progress in most of its markets.In the quarter ended 30 June, Hays increased net fees by 14% (8% on a like-for-like basis) versus the same period last year, thanks to a strong market recovery across Asia Pacific and improving trends in most of its other international markets, particularly in Germany and Brazil.In the UK, however, the group has seen continuing weakness in certain parts of the public sector. Net fees remained broadly flat versus the previous quarter and decreased by 6% versus prior year. "Whilst we remain mindful of the risks to the economic recovery in many of the countries in which we operate, the outlook in our markets continues to improve," said chief executive Alistair Cox."The investments we have made during the recession in technology, marketing, and training, combined with our continued international diversification, mean that Hays is returning to growth with a stronger, broader based and more efficient business than ever before."