Robert Walters: hacking fears have thawed out hiring freeze
An urgent need for cyber-security experts is helping to drive a City jobs hiring boom, says Robert Walters.
The recruiters saw net fee income across the group up 22% in the fourth quarter to £90.5 million.
That leaves it on track to hit analysts’ forecasts for the year.
After the EU vote, some banks froze hiring. The need for IT risk experts amid a spate of hacks is now outweighing Brexit fears.
Robert Walters said: “It’s generally very upbeat. Exporters are doing OK, financial services is more active than it was a little while ago. It is all kicking in the right direction.”
A shortage of top people in cyber security means booming salaries. “I think banks are hiring in all areas,” said Walters.
“In certain areas there is a massive shortage of good-quality people.”
Hack attacks on top companies and new privacy regulation are boosting the need for cyber geeks.
The Asia-Pacific region tops the UK in terms of income. The group saw revenues there up 12% to £33.6 million.
The shares rose 2% to 645p, leaving the company valued at £486 million. Those shares are up from around 200p five years ago.
The statement said trading is “comfortably” in line with market expectations, suggesting pure profit for the year could top £40 million.
