Hays reported a 3% like-for-like decline in net fees for the quarter ended September, versus a 4% decline expected in a company-compiled poll. US fees rose 8% and Asia fees rose 6%, Reuters reported on 12 October.

British recruitment firm Hays reported a 3% year-on-year decline in first-quarter net fees on a like-for-like basis, performing better than analysts expected. Stronger demand in the United States and Asia helped offset weakness in Northern Europe, although permanent recruitment remained under pressure and September fees fell 2%.