Michael Page sees mixed start to the year in the jobs market
WHITE collar recruiter Michael Page yesterday posted a 4.9 per cent fall in profits, in line with its pared-back expectations, and predicts a patchy start to the year.
Chief executive Steve Ingham said that while some of the firm’s offices in Asia and South America were enjoying strong growth, the Eurozone and the financial services sector remain rocky.
However, the UK jobs market is showing some sign of recovery, with a decline in earnings of 2.2 per cent in the final quarter, up from 6.6 per cent over the year.
“It’s fair to say we are more optimistic starting the year than we were last year. It does feel better; it doesn’t feel like we’re about to go into a boom but we are a bit more confident,” Ingham told City A.M.
The firm posted annual gross profits of £526.8m. Temporary jobs continue to be more plentiful than permanent positions and now make up almost a quarter of group earnings.
The firm is looking to open a handful of new offices this year.