Hays PLC, a London-based staffing firm, and Robert Walters PLC, a London-based professional staffing firm, reported increases in net fee income, but cited tougher conditions in some areas.

Hays said net fee income rose 10% year over year, or 4% on a constant currency organic basis, in its first quarter ended Sept. 30.

"Currently, in the United Kingdom demand for temporary placements remains stable except in construction and property, and demand for permanent placements continues to fall," Chief Executive Alistair Cox said. "In Australia, we are still seeing good growth in demand for temporary placements but demand for permanent placements has started to fall. In most of the other countries in which we operate, we are still seeing strong growth in demand for our services."

Robert Walters, PLC, a professional staffing firm based in London, said net fee income rose 6% in its quarter ended Sept. 30. It also cited difficult conditions in the United Kingdom and weakening demand from financial sector clients in some Asia Pacific markets.

Both Hays and Robert Walters ranked on Staffing Industry Analysts' list of largest global staffing firms in terms of revenue.