Michael Page's growth slows as wary bosses cut hiring

Cautious bosses took their foot off the gas towards the end of last year, hiring fewer staff and slowing growth at recruitment specialist Michael Page.

“There was a lethargy that crept in and many [managers] thought, ‘We’re nearing the end of the year, increasing payroll is a big decision so let’s defer making the decision until the new year’,” boss Steve Ingham said.

UK gross profit, which makes up about a third of Page’s overall profits, rose 2.1% in the three months ending December to £36.2 million compared with an 11% rise over the same period last year.

“Engineering and manufacturing and the core technical disciplines were the weakest,” Ingham added.