Global recruiter Hays saw net fee income (NFI) fall by 9% in its UK & Ireland business and by the same amount, when expressed at constant currency, in its Asia-Pacific operations. 

Group-wide NFI dropped slightly in the three months to 30 September versus the same period in 2011.

Its Continental Europe & Rest of World division saw real growth of 5%, which equates to 16% at constant currency. Group-wide, constant currency drop in NFI was a marginal 1%, but a more substantial 4% in actual terms.

The business says its markets were “overall stable”, with Germany a standout performer as has been consistently the case, although Belgium and Brazil also performed strongly. The company’s permanent business saw 9% constant currency decline in NFI, while temps rose by 6%.

Consultant numbers were up 2% on the quarter, but 2% down year-on-year.

Alistair Cox, chief executive, says: “Looking ahead, while overall conditions remain challenging, and some markets are very tough, opportunities for growth exist in many key parts of our business.”