The Directors of Staffline Group plc propose to increase the final dividend by 22% from 12.5 pence to 15.3 pence. This dividend will be payable on 4 July 2017 to shareholders on the register at 2 June 2017. The ex-dividend date is 1 June 2017.  This will give a total dividend for the 2016 financial year of 25.8 pence, an increase of 29% (2015: 20.0 pence).

The company announced audited consolidated earnings results for the full year ended December 31, 2016. For the period, the company reported revenue of £882.4 million against £702.2 million a year ago. Operating profit was £22.2 million against £7.5 million a year ago. Profit for the period before taxation was £18.9 million against £5.5 million a year ago. Profit from continuing operations was £15.0 million against £3.1 million a year ago. Net profit and total comprehensive income for the period was £14.7 million or 58.8 pence per diluted share against £2.8 million or 12.3 pence per diluted share a year ago. Net cash from operating activities was £42.9 million against £9.4 million a year ago. Purchases of property, plant and equipment was £3.6 million against £3.9 million a year ago. Purchase of intangible assets – software was £3.3 million against £0.5 million a year ago. Net debt as at December 30, 2016 was £37.2 million against £63.7 million as at December 31, 2015. Underlying profit before tax was up 30% to £36.7 million against £28.3 million a year ago. Underlying diluted earnings per share up 23% to 114.0 pence against 92.4 pence a year ago.

Positive outlook for 2017 and on track to achieve ambitious five-year £1 billion revenue target.