Acquisition Completed

Hays PLC
28 June 2000


         HAYS COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF UK IT RECRUITMENT BUSINESS

On 6 June 2000 Hays plc announced signature of an agreement to acquire a
specialist IT recruitment agency, QA Myriad Limited ('Myriad') from
Skillsgroup plc for a total cash consideration of £31.2 million, subject to
adjustment at completion.

Following approval by the shareholders of Skillsgroup plc at their
Extraordinary General Meeting held today, Hays plc announces that the
acquisition has been completed.

Myriad provides contract IT recruitment throughout the UK, supported by a
range of permanent recruitment services.  Its blue-chip customer base
comprises mainly finance, IT and telecommunications organisations, with the
majority of these operating under longstanding preferred supplier agreements.
Both the management and culture of Myraid complement the existing activities
of Hays IT in these sectors, enabling the enlarged business to benefit from
its strong position as a leader in this high growth, specialist market.

In the year to 30 November 1999, Myriad had turnover of £65.6 million and
generated an operating profit of £3.3 million.  Myriad's net assets at 30
November 1999 were £5.4 million.

Ronnie Frost, Chairman of Hays plc, commented:

'We are delighted that Hays' offer for Myriad has been accepted by the
shareholders of Skillsgroup plc.  This acquisition consolidates the position
of Hays IT as one of the leading providers of IT contract staff in Europe.'

Enquiries:

Ronnie Frost         Chairman, Hays plc            01483 302203

Jon Coles            Brunswick                     020 7404 5959
Corinne Daniels