AGM Statement

Hays PLC
19 November 2003


                                                                19 November 2003


                             HAYS PLC AGM STATEMENT

Hays plc, which is transforming itself into a pure Specialist Recruitment and HR
Services business, held its Annual General Meeting at noon today. Bob Lawson,
Chairman made the following statement to shareholders.


Personnel


During the first 4 months of our new financial year, net fees within our
Specialist Recruitment business are 4% ahead of last year on a like for like
basis. The most significant contributors to growth continue to be Hays Montrose
and our business in Australia. Hays Accountancy Personnel and our other UK based
specialisms have demonstrated resilience in a relatively flat market. Hays
Ascena, our specialist IT business in Germany acquired earlier this year, has
performed in line with our expectations. In several of our specialisms we
believe that we are   improving our market share. We have also continued to
invest carefully, with further selective recruitment of consultants and
expansion of our office network, particularly in Continental Europe. Whilst we
remain cautious on the market environment for the remainder of the year, we are
confident about the long-term prospects for the business.


Mail


Sales within our core DX mail business in the UK remain consistent with last
year. Our new management team has successfully launched the three new services
developed under the licence we were awarded by Postcomm at the end of last year,
and has made good progress in controlling costs and further enhancing service
quality. Whilst modest in absolute terms, the volumes achieved in the short
period since launch - now in excess of 200,000 pieces per week - indicate that
the market opportunity is substantial.


Businesses being disposed


Trading within the Logistics, French courier and other businesses being disposed
remains in line with expectations.


Transformation


In the period since 9 September, further progress has been made towards the
transformation of Hays into a focussed Specialist Recruitment and HR Services
business. We have sold the Sameday courier and Field Support businesses in the
UK and the multi-user network which formed part of the Logistics operations in
Germany. In addition, we have disposed of five surplus freehold properties
previously used by the logistics business for net consideration of approximately
£12.5m.



                                     -ends-

Enquiries


Colin Matthews                 CEO                               01483 302203
John Martin                    Finance Director                  01483 302203
Jon Coles                      Brunswick                         0207 4045959




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