Directorate Change

15 July 2010

                  Alan Thomson to become Chairman of Hays plc                  

Hays plc, the leading global specialist recruitment Group, is pleased to
announce that Alan Thomson will be joining the Board as a non-executive
director on 1 October 2010, and will become Chairman following the Annual
General Meeting on 10 November 2010 when Bob Lawson, the present Chairman, will
retire from the Board.

Alan Thomson is currently Chairman of Bodycote plc, the international provider
of thermal processing services, the Senior Independent Director and Chairman of
the Audit Committee at Johnson Matthey plc, a speciality chemicals company and
a world leader in advanced materials technology, and a non-executive director
of Alstom SA, the French power generation, rail transportation and electrical
transmission equipment manufacturer. Alan was Group Finance Director of Smiths
Group plc between 1995 and 2006.

Bob Lawson, Chairman, commented:

"Whilst I am sad to be retiring from Hays now is the right time to hand over
the reins. After successfully navigating through the recession, Hays is
returning to growth with a stronger, broader based and more efficient business
than ever before.

After a systematic search for the right candidate, I am delighted that the
Board has selected Alan Thomson as my successor. Having spent time with him, I
can see that he will bring with him a passion for business, vitality and
considerable experience of global businesses, making him an excellent fit with
Hays."

Alan Thomson commented: "I am delighted to be joining Hays. This is a business
with a strong track record operating in a market that presents substantial
future growth opportunities across the globe. I look forward to working with
the Board and the shareholders to continue the success of the Group."

Alistair Cox, Chief Executive, commented: "on behalf of the Board, I would like
to thank Bob for his considerable contribution over his 12 years with the
Group. Bob not only oversaw the transformation of Hays from being a
conglomerate into a pure-play specialist recruitment business, he was also
instrumental in developing the business from being a principally UK business
into an international group which now operates in 28 countries and generates
the majority of its fees from outside the UK. He leaves the business in
excellent shape and we wish him every success in the future.

"I am delighted to welcome Alan Thomson to Hays. He has had a long and
successful career across a variety of sectors and will bring considerable
experience to the Board. I look forward to working with him as we continue our
focus on developing the international business and strengthening our position
in the UK."

No further information is required to be disclosed in relation to Alan Thomson
pursuant to LR 9.6.13 R.