Hays reported H1 FY26 results for the six months ended 31 December 2025, with turnover of GBP 3.3 billion (-3%) and net fees of GBP 453.3 million (-9%). Operating profit before exceptional items was GBP 20.1 million (-21%), with a 4.4% conversion rate, while operating profit after exceptional items was GBP 11.3 million (-28%) reflecting exceptional items of GBP 8.8 million. Profit before tax was GBP 4.6 million (-49%), and profit after tax attributable to equity holders was GBP 0.3 million. Basic EPS before exceptional items was 0.46p (-44%) and basic EPS was 0.02p (-89%). Cash generated by operations was GBP 43.7 million (-33%), with net cash of GBP 40.3 million and 217% cash conversion. Hays proposed an interim dividend of 0.15p per share (-84%), payable 23 April 2026. By business mix, Temp & Contracting net fees were GBP 289.7 million (-5%) and Perm net fees were GBP 163.6 million (-14%), with Temp & Contracting representing 64% of Group net fees. Consultant net fee productivity rose 7% year-on-year, while period-end consultant headcount fell to 5,759 (-15%) and non-consultant headcount to 3,298 (-6%). Hays said it secured around GBP 15 million of annualised structural cost savings in H1 FY26, taking aggregate structural savings since the start of FY24 to around GBP 80 million per annum, and launched a next generation Hays Digital Platform, including AI agents such as “Smarter Meetings” and “Market Intelligence,” plus upgrades to its VMS and CRM platforms. Regionally, UK&I returned to profitability with pre-exceptional operating profit of GBP 2.0 million, ANZ pre-exceptional operating profit increased to GBP 4.2 million, and Germany reported pre-exceptional operating profit of GBP 20.6 million. Hays said Temp & Contracting “return to work” volumes were building in line with the prior year, while Perm remained tough but stable overall.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Hays plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on February 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.