UK Recruitment Firms Report Improved H1 Performance; Labor Market Shows Stabilization Signs

According to Jin10 on July 14, UK recruitment companies reported better-than-expected earnings, signaling stabilization in the labor market after years of decline. Robert Walters reported H1 net service fees fell 3% year-over-year, a significant improvement from the 14% decline in 2025, with CEO Toby Fowlston noting "good business growth momentum" across multiple markets in the second half.

PageGroup posted Q2 net service fees above expectations, driven by strong growth in Asia and Americas, with about half its business markets returning to growth. Hays also reported better-than-expected net service fees and projected 2026 profit at the upper end of guidance.