Robert Walters Shreds 77 Jobs—Because the Hiring Market’s Still in a Hangover
London‑based recruiter Robert Walters has been tightening its belt, trimming an extra 2% of its workforce—77 positions deep—and its rolling total is now 3,125 workers. Over the last year, the firm has let go about 500 people.
Why the World Looks Rough for Recruitment
- Net fee income fell by 13% last quarter, a consequence of a “more pronounced” macroeconomic wobble, thanks to Trump’s tariffs kicking the economy out of its groove.
- Share price dipped 3.4% Tuesday, mirroring the market’s frown.
- Executive sentiment? CFO Toby Fowlston says the “forward indicators in specialist recruitment” are “slightly weaker” than the previous quarter, nudging the company to keep a realistic outlook.
CEO’s Take on the Situation
CEO Toby Fowlston admits: “Even though net fees were higher than in Q1, macro uncertainty brightened up in Q2, pulling the hiring vibe down a bit.” He stresses the company’s plan: no material improvement comes soon.
Strategic Moves in the Face of Economic Chaos
“We’re still leaning heavily into disciplined entrepreneurialism,” Fowlston added. “So, we took further strategic action during the quarter to boost efficiency—think of it as a lean, mean hiring machine, minus the guy in a shiny suit who’s dashingly dramatic.”
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