Hays' recruitment division has grown for the first time in two and a half years, according to half-year results announced today.

Pre-tax profits for the six months ended in December 2003 were £83.2m – an increase from the same period in 2002, when Hays made £76.1m before tax.

The firm is considering when to dispose of its mail business in a bid to become a specialist recruitment-only business.

Hays has already sold off some of its other business service operations under the stewardship of CEO Colin Matthews.

Chairman Bob Lawson added: "We have not yet seen a strong recovery in the South East of England or in Continental European markets. Accordingly, our outlook remains cautious but we are well placed for a stronger upturn in the future."