The British recruitment agency Hays has warned that hiring activity has slowed in some markets, including the UK and the US.
Alistair Cox, the chief executive, said: “Our forward-looking client and candidate activity levels remain good overall, particularly in Germany and EMEA, but have reduced modestly in a number of other markets as macroeconomic uncertainties increase. This said, our key markets continue to be characterised by acute skill shortages and wage inflation.”
The London-based company said said net fees grew by 19% in its first quarter to 30 September, compared with a 36% rise a year earlier. However, it expects to benefit from the weaker pound – saying that the weakening of sterling against its main trading currencies, the euro and the Australian dollar, will boost its operating profit this year.
Rival PageGroup, headquartered in Weybridge in Surrey, said yesterday that it had seen a “slight softening” in employer confidence across most markets, leading to some job withdrawals and a hiring slowdown in recent weeks.
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