Jan 9 Reuters Recruitment firm Hays on Tuesday forecast lowerthanexpected firsthalf profit and said the shortterm outlook will remain challenging amid a hiring slowdown as a weak macroeconomic outlook weighs on global markets.

Shares in the FTSE 250 firm fell as much as 19 to a more than threeyear low of 87.1 pence, bottoming the midcap index.

Some of the top UKlisted recruiters in recent times have highlighted the challenging market conditions, with job candidates avoiding the risk of switching jobs and employers offering lower salary hikes amid broader economic uncertainties.

Overall market conditions became increasingly challenging through the quarter, including a clear slowdown in most markets in December, notably in our Perm businesses as client and candidate decisionmaking slowed, CEO Dirk Hahn said in a trading statement.

Hays, which in October had flagged a persistent weakness in hiring permanent workers and weak demand in China, said group fees dropped 10 in the second quarter ended Dec. 31, pressured by a more difficult December, where fees fell by 15.

Londonheadquartered Hays said volumes in its temporary hiring segment its largest business and a key strategic focus declined 5 yearonyear amid a lack of a normal seasonal stepup in worker volumes, including in its biggest market Germany.

Hays said it expected firsthalf preexceptional operating profit to be below market expectations at about 60 million pounds 76.4 million, hurt by a hiring slowdown at…