(Reuters) -PageGroup posted a slight drop in third-quarter gross profit on Wednesday, as hiring activity remained subdued in its key European markets, although the British recruiter noted a marginal improvement in Asian markets.
The company is tightening costs and increasing its focus on temporary hiring and contracting, at a time of tepid hiring in its largest markets: France and Germany, and the UK.
The company reported gross profit of 187.8 million pounds ($250.8 million) for the three-month period ended September 30, down from 201.6 million pounds last year, but still above the company-compiled consensus of 184.4 million pounds.
Earnings in its Asian operations inched 1% higher, marking a second consecutive quarter of growth.
Peer Robert Walters also noted an improvement in hiring activity in Asia Pacific and the UK, and pointed to a very gradual recovery in the broader hiring market on Tuesday.
($1 = 0.7487 pounds)
(Reporting by Nithyashree R B in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
