Japan's second biggest temporary staffing provider Pasona Group’s shares dropped to their lowest level in 10 months following the firm’s 2.2% slump in sales for the second quarter.

Net income for the three months ended 31 Aug 2008 fell 61% to 313m yen (£1.66m), Tokyo-based Pasona said in a release to the exchange yesterday. It said health-insurance expenses for personnel contributed to the earnings drop.