(Alliance News) - Hays PLC on Tuesday issued a profit warning as it reported a significant drop in net fees for the second quarter of its financial year, citing subdued client and candidate confidence in global hiring markets.
The London-based recruitment firm said group net fees fell 15% year-on-year in the three months ended December 31, a 12% decline on a like-for-like basis. Permanent recruitment fees were down 21%, while temporary and contracting fees declined 10%.
Hays anticipates a first-half operating profit before exceptional items of GBP25 million, falling short of the average market consensus of GBP27 million.
Chief Executive Officer Dirk Hahn said: "We are structurally improving Hays despite challenging markets and remain resolutely focused on driving operational rigour through business line prioritisation, resource allocation, and efficiency initiatives.
"Permanent net fees slowed but it is too early to say if recent weakness reflects a more sustained market slowdown or shorter-term deferrals of client and candidate decision making."
Germany, Hays' largest market, posted a 17% drop in net fees, with a 27% fall in permanent recruitment in a like-for-like basis, and a 10% decline in temporary and contracting fees.
The UK and Ireland recorded a 14% decline in net fees, with London performing better than regional offices, down 12%.
In Australia and New Zealand, net fees fell 17%, while the Rest of the World segment, comprising 28 countries, saw a 12% decrease in fees.
Hays said it continued to implement cost-cutting measures, reducing consultant headcount by 2% during the quarter and by 15% year-on-year. The company's cost base improved to GBP77 million, down from GBP80 million in the first quarter.
Hays said it believes its overall consultant headcount capacity is "appropriate for current market conditions", and that its "focus on business line prioritisation and optimal resource allocation" will position the company "strongly for when end markets recover".
The company added that its cost-cutting initiatives are expecting to deliver GBP30m in annual savings by the end of financial 2027.
Shares in Hays were up 1.0% at 73.10 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter
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