(Alliance News) - Hays PLC on Thursday said its performance in the first half of its current financial year was hurt by coronavirus pandemic.
The London-based recruitment and human resources services firm said net fees for the six months to the end of 2020 fell by 24% to GBP422.8 million, resulting in a pretax profit down 78% to GBP21.1 million on the prior year.
Hays said its first-half performance was hurt by the pandemic, although trading in all major markets improved. The company has cut its headcount by 14% as it balanced cost controls with protecting its core infrastructure and people.
Going forward, the company said it intends to resume core dividends, with a single full-year payment to be declared at the time of its full-year results in August. Additionally, Hays said it has identified GBP150 million of surplus capital, which it intends to return to shareholders via special dividend, in two phases.
"Since the pandemic began, we have helped over 200,000 talented people find their next job and provided advice, guidance and training to millions of others," said Chief Executive Alistair Cox.
Hays shares were trading 1.3% lower in London on Thursday at 156.00 pence each.
By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com
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