Hays, the UK's biggest recruitment firm, boosted its first-half dividend 28% to 1.45p a share after fees soared.

Net fees for the six months to December were £259.1m, 15% up on a year earlier.

It said temporary margins were slightly ahead of last year, with pricing in the permanent market “solid”.

The company opened 15 new offices in the period, including branches in Italy, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Branches outside the UK and Ireland now account for 29% of net fees.

“The international footprint of Hays is growing,” said chairman Bob Lawson.

After the results, Hays shares rose to their highest since June 2002.