Hays grows despite public sector slump

Recruitment firm Hays yesterday said the slump in the public sector jobs market had worsened but its UK and Ireland business was still growing thanks to increased demand from City, finance and IT firms.

It reported that net fees in the final quarter of 2010 were up 1 per cent in the UK and Ireland compared to a year ago, helped by 28 per cent growth in the private sector.

But the UK government's austerity drive meant its revenues from placing workers in public sector roles were down by 38 per cent on the previous year.