London-based recruitment firm Hays has signaled that its profits are on track to reach the upper end of its guidance range, defying a broader downturn in the jobs market.
The company attributed the resilience to strict cost controls, which have successfully offset weakness across the wider recruitment sector.
Shares in Hays climbed sharply in early trading on Friday, pushing the stock to a four-month high.
The market reaction underscores investor relief that the firm can maintain profitability margins even as hiring demand softens.
This performance stands in contrast to many peers in the staffing industry, which have struggled with declining volumes.
The update highlights a divergence within the UK labor market, where cost discipline is becoming a critical differentiator for service firms.