Hays sees slowdown in UK hiring ahead of Brexit vote

British firms are likely to delay hiring decisions ahead of a referendum on EU membership, the head of recruitment firm Hays said, adding growth in other parts of the world should offset any weakness.

Chief executive Alistair Cox said he was mindful of the effects that Britain’s June 23 referendum would have on his clients but Hays maintained a positive outlook after it posted an 8% rise in underlying net fees in the first half of its financial year.

The company, which places workers in areas such as finance, construction and IT, said it had seen strong growth from regions like continental Europe and the rest of the world, though Britain and Australia slowed by the end of 2015.