Hays says it has made a strong start to the financial year - group net fees grew by 21% on a like-for-like basis versus the same period last year.

In its interim management statement it said it has increased the number of consultants by 9% as planned, and added nine offices to the network, all of which were in the International businesses.

Denis Waxman (pictured), chief executive of Hays, says: “I am pleased to report that in our first quarter we have made a strong start to the year built on the momentum generated in the second half of last year. We have achieved strong growth in net fees and continued with our investment plans, particularly in the International business. Although we are mindful of the increased economic uncertainty, we continue to see strong demand across our markets and fully expect to continue our good progress this year.”

It said it has continued its share buy-back programme, purchasing 21.1m shares at a cost of £32.6m.