Adecco reported that revenue for 2006 had grown to €20.4bn (£13.7bn), up 9% on the previous year.  Net income rose to €611m (£411m).

Operating income margin improved 60 basis points to 4%.

Dieter Scheiff (pictured), chief executive, said he was “optimistic” about Adecco's future growth and returns. He added: “We are well on track to reach our long-term goals of 7 to 9% annual revenue growth, as well as an operating margin of over 5% and a return on capital employed of above 25% by 2009."

Adecco’s UK & Ireland business grew its revenue 19% to €1.88bn (£1.26bn) mainly driven by good demand in the IT business line.