Multi-sector recruiter Hays reported pre-tax profit of £100.3m for the six months to December, up from £94.6m a year earlier.

Chief executive Denis Waxman (pictured) said the highlight had been the group’s international performance. There was a “mixed performance” in the United Kingdom & Ireland.

The permanent placement business performed strongly generating, net fee growth of 18%. But he added: “Challenging conditions in the temporary market, primarily in the public sector, led to margin reduction and low volume growth in this segment.”

Hays also announced the acquisition of pharmaceutical and biotechnology recruiter James Harvard International for an initial consideration of £24m, with an additional payment of up to £19m depending on performance.

Waxman said: “Together with the James Harvard management team, Hays now has a great opportunity to grow James Harvard's pharmaceutical and biotechnology recruitment business and IT financial services recruitment business across the Hays' international network.”