Trading Statement

Hays plc Investor Day

17 April 2008

This afternoon, Hays is making a presentation on the Group strategy to
investors. During the presentation, Hays will confirm that current trading is
in line with the trading statement made on 10 April 2008 when we stated:

"In Asia Pacific and Continental Europe, growth in demand for our services
continues to be strong. As indicated in the Interim Report, growth in the
United Kingdom & Ireland has slowed compared to the first half, but continues
to be good. Whilst mindful of the economic uncertainty, the Board remains
confident in its outlook for the year."

Note to the editors

Enquiries

Hays plc                                                                       
                                                                              
Paul Venables            Finance Director            + 44 (0) 20 7383 2266                                            
Martin Abell             Investor Relations          + 44 (0) 20 7383 2266                                            
                                                                               
Brunswick                                                                      
                                                                               
Gill Ackers                                          + 44 (0) 20 7404 5959                                            Catherine Colloms                                                                        

Investor Day presentation

The Investor Day presentation will be available as a webcast on our website 
www.haysplc.com by 2pm on 18 April 2008.

Reporting calendar

Investor day                                                 17 April 2008
Trading statement for quarter ending 30 June 2008             10 July 2008
Full year results for year ending 30 June 2008            2 September 2008

Note to editors

Hays plc is the leading global specialist recruitment group. It is market
leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental
Europe. The Group employs over 8,900 staff operating from 390 offices in 27
countries across 17 specialisms.

For the year ended 30 June 2007:

  * the Group had revenues of £2.1 billion, net fees of £633.6 million and
    operating profit of £216.1 million;
   
  * the Group placed 68,000 candidates into permanent jobs during the year and
    paid 46,000 temporary workers weekly; and
   
  * the temporary placement business represented 51% of net fees and the
    permanent placement business represented 49% of net fees.
   
Important notice

Certain statements in this announcement are forward looking statements. By
their nature, forward looking statements involve a number of risks,
uncertainties or assumptions that could cause actual results or events to
differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements. Forward
looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as
representation that such trends or activities will continue in the
future. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward looking
statements.