PageGroup Shares Plunge 19% as Annual Profits Slump 60% Amid Hiring Slowdown

Shares in PageGroup PLC plummeted by 19% to 144.2p following the release of its annual financial results. The recruitment giant reported a staggering 60.2% decline in annual operating profit, which fell to £20.9 million. This sharp downturn is primarily attributed to persistent economic weakness across key hiring markets in the United Kingdom and Europe. Investors reacted negatively to the news, reflecting broader concerns over the health of the professional recruitment sector amid economic stagnation. The company's performance highlights the ongoing challenges faced by firms as businesses scale back hiring plans due to global uncertainty. Analysts are now closely monitoring the sector for signs of stabilization in the face of prolonged market headwinds.