RECRUITMENT agency Hays today reported strong growth in its international operations, but a 4% decline within the UK and Ireland business.
The firm, which has two offices in Liverpool in Silkhouse Court and Citrus Street, reported a 21% rise in total net fees year-on-year and a 15% increase on a like-for-like basis in the quarter to September 30.
Continental Europe was the best performing region with a 41% rise in total net fee levels, or 34% like-for-like, driven by Germany which grew net fees by 34%.
Asia Pacific increased total fees by 34% and 21% like-for-like, but the UK and Ireland reported a 4% decline at both levels.
Private sector recruitment achieved a 2% increase in net fees, but public sector markets declined by 24%, year-on-year.
Chief executive Alistair Cox said: “This quarter we have delivered good net fee growth driven by our International businesses which grew by 27%.
“While we are mindful of the increasing macro economic uncertainty around the world, trading remains robust in the vast majority of our international markets and 19 countries across the group grew net fees by 20% or more in the quarter.”
He added: “In the UK, we have seen a further slowdown in private sector growth, although public sector markets remain broadly stable on a sequential basis.”
The group now generates 68% of its net fees outside the UK and has operations in 31 countries.
