Hays has reported group net fees grew by 23% in the quarter ended 31 December, compared to the same period last year.

It said the permanent placement market has continued to grow at a faster rate than the temporary placement market. Its net fees increased by 33% from permanent placements and by 14% from temporary placements on a like-for-like basis versus the same period last year.

In the UK and Ireland the group had strong like-for-like net fee growth of 11%. The accountancy and finance business continued the progress it made in the first quarter, construction and property benefited from strong demand and the information technology business made progress following the investment in the second half of last year.

Hays says it added six offices to the network and increased the number of consultants by 5% to more than 5,700.

Alistair Cox (pictured), chief executive, says: "During this quarter we have delivered excellent growth. We have continued to invest in our business and have experienced strong demand across our markets.

"Having reviewed the business in my first few months with Hays, I see good opportunities to strengthen our market leading position in the UK and I have been impressed by the exceptional opportunities for rapid and sustainable growth in our international specialist recruitment markets. Our international business, which now represents 40% of the group's net fees, has grown organically by 45% in this quarter and is still at an early stage of development."

Hays says overall demand for its services continues to be strong, particularly in Continental Europe and Asia Pacific, and the Board is confident in its outlook for the year.