Overview

• UK and Ireland net fees declined 9% in the quarter, with the public sector down 20% versus a 5% fall in the private sector.
• Permanent placement fees fell about 13% compared with a 5% decline in temporary and contracting work as post‑summer activity stabilised.
• Hays’ global headcount stands at roughly 9,200, down from about 13,400 two years ago, and the monthly cost base has been reduced to £74 million.
• Pre-exceptional operating profit in the UK and Ireland rose year on year despite lower fees, reflecting ongoing cost actions.
• Management expects challenging conditions to persist through 2025–26, though it says the market has not worsened since summer and shares rose about 5.5%.