Hays shares fall 7% as permanent hiring slump leaves jobs market 'as tough as ever'

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Recruitment giant Hays has reported a 3% fall in net fees for the quarter ending September 30, with permanent hiring fees tumbling 7% as employers delay taking on new staff. Chief executive Mark Dearnley called the permanent market "mixed", with North America growing but Northern Europe still fragile. In the UK and Ireland, fees dropped 5%, with permanent role hiring down 9%. Shares fell as much as 12% in early trading before settling around 7% lower.

AJ Bell's Russ Mould warned companies 'lack confidence and don't want to invest in their business for growth'.

Hays has already cut its worldwide consultancy headcount by 14% and closed operations in Thailand, Mexico and several European countries.

The firm says it is in 'advanced discussions' to sell or exit its businesses in seven markets: Belgium, Brazil, Greater China, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore and the UAE.