The listed recruitment companies Hays and Robert Walters have boosted confidence in the industry by posting strong results.

Full year results from Hays revealed pre-tax profits before exceptional costs increased 17% to £133.4m.

Hays also announced details of the forthcoming demerger of its DX mail operations, which looks likely to take place in November.

Robert Walters reported half-year operating profits have increased 257% to £3.2m and pre-tax profits have increased 21% to £2.8m.

Parity Group added to the feelgood factor by announcing a five year contract to manage temporary labour for ICI Paints.