Trading Statement

Michael Page International PLC
06 April 2006


6 April 2006



                       2006 FIRST QUARTER TRADING UPDATE
                                      AND
                         APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE



2006 FIRST QUARTER TRADING UPDATE


Michael Page International plc, the specialist recruitment consultancy, reports
first quarter gross profits of £79.1m, an increase of 31.9% over the £59.9m
recorded in the first quarter of 2005.


In the UK, first quarter gross profits were £36.6m, 22.9% up on the first
quarter of 2005 (£29.8m), with growth across all disciplines and sectors.


In Continental Europe, first quarter gross profits were £28.0m, 45.3% up on the
first quarter of 2005 (£19.3m).  In France, the region's largest business, the
quarterly growth rate continued to strengthen, driven largely by permanent
placement activity.


In Asia Pacific, first quarter gross profits were £9.8m, 17.7% up on the first
quarter of 2005 (£8.4m).  As anticipated the growth rate in Australia was
impacted by the loss of momentum following the implementation of a new IT system
in 2005. However, as envisaged, activity levels in the Australian business have
improved throughout the first quarter.


In The Americas, first quarter gross profits were £4.6m, 83.7% up on the first
quarter of 2005 (£2.5m).


In the first quarter the Group repurchased and cancelled 2.85m shares at an
average price per share of 316p. Also during the first quarter 9.1m new shares
were issued following the exercise of share options by employees.


Commenting on the first quarter trading, Steve Ingham, Chief Executive, said:

"Our first quarter performance this year has been outstanding.  The internal
issues in Australia are now largely behind us and our investment plans are
progressing well. Whilst mindful of the fact that in 2005 Easter fell in March,
I am delighted with our growth rates around the world."



APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Company announced on 16 December 2005 that Terry Benson would stand down as
Chief Executive at the AGM in May 2006 and would be succeeded by Steve Ingham.
The handover of responsibilities to Steve Ingham has progressed smoothly during
the first quarter and he has now been appointed Chief Executive with immediate
effect.  Terry Benson has today resigned as a director of Michael Page
International plc and will retire from the Group at the end of April 2006.


Commenting on the appointment of Steve Ingham as Chief Executive, Sir Adrian
Montague, Chairman said:

"The handover of the Chief Executive's responsibilities has been smoothly
accomplished and it has been collectively agreed that the handover should now be
formally concluded by appointing Steve Ingham as Chief Executive.  We all wish
Terry well in his retirement."



Enquiries:

Michael Page International plc
Steve Ingham                            Chief Executive      01932 264144

Stephen Puckett                         Finance Director     01932 264144



Financial Dynamics
David Yates/Susanne Walker                                   0207 269 7291






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