Frequently asked questions
I have changed address. What do I do?
What do I do to change my name?
I would like to transfer my Hays shares to someone else. How can this be done?
A relative, who held Hays shares, has recently died . What should I do?
Do I need a share certificate?
I've lost my share certificate. Who do I contact to get a replacement?
I want to find out how many shares I own. How do I do this?
What is the annual general meeting?
What are the other types of meeting?
If I cannot go to a general meeting, can I vote?
I have changed address. What do I do?
To change your personal details on the share register you should complete a change of address form (please download) and send it to Equiniti*.
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What do I do to change my name?
You will need to re-register your shares. To do this you should send a copy of the relevant marriage certificate or change of name deed together with your share certificate(s) to Equiniti*.
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I would like to transfer my Hays shares to someone else. How can this be done?
If you want to give or sell your shares to someone that you know, you will need to complete a stock transfer form (please download) copies are also available from Equiniti* (guidance notes).
The stock transfer form should be completed and sent with your share certificate to Equiniti* who will process the transfer and issue the appropriate share certificate(s). Equiniti* will be able to help you with any questions you may have about completing this form.
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A relative, who held Hays shares, has recently died . What should I do?
If the shares were held solely in the name of the deceased, Equiniti* will require a copy of the death certificate and either probate or letters of administration. If you are unsure of what you need to send, please write to Equiniti* who will be pleased to give you guidance.
The name of the legal personal representative will then be put on the Hays share register. The shares can then be sold by the personal representative or a stock transfer form (please download) can be used so that the shares are registered in the name of the deceased's beneficiary.
If the shares were held jointly, Equiniti* will remove the deceased's name from the share register on receipt of a copy of the death certificate. The shares can then be registered in the names of the surviving holder(s) and the relevant share certificates can be amended to reflect the change.
For further information, please contact Equiniti* or ring them on 0870 600 3970 and they will assist you with the documentation and will be able to make the process as straightforward as possible for you.
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Do I need a share certificate?
Share certificates are evidence of your ownership of the shares and should be kept in a safe place.
When you buy shares you will be sent a share certificate representing the number of shares that you have purchased in the Company (unless you choose to hold shares in electronic form through a CREST account, or through a nominee). When you first buy shares in Hays plc you are given a unique account number shown in the top left-hand corner of the share certificate. This account number should be quoted in all correspondence.
We recommend that you keep a separate record of your account number, certificate numbers and the number of shares each certificate covers in case of loss or damage. Share certificates are posted to shareholders at their own risk.
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I've lost my share certificate. Who do I contact to get a replacement?
Equiniti* keep a record of your name, address and the number of shares you own. If you lose your share certificate or it has been stolen, you should inform Equiniti* immediately by telephoning: 0870 600 3970 quoting your account number if possible. You'll need to tell them about any certificates you still hold so they can identify which share certificate is missing.
Equiniti* will need to arrange for you to complete an indemnity covering the company for any loss arising from a dispute over who owns the shares, and there may be an insurance premium payable.
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I want to find out how many shares I own. How do I do this?
Lloyds TSB Registrar's website at www.shareview.co.uk gives you internet access to a range of information about your Hays shareholding/other shareholdings where Equiniti* is the service provider.
The service allows you to:
It also includes details of holdings in Hays employee share schemes and the Hays Corporate Individual Savings Account ("ISA")
When first entering the site, you will need to register for the service using the simple on-screen registration process. An e-mail address is required for efficient support.
Provided you have a shareholding on one of the participating registers and have a PC with access to the Internet, you can create a portfolio free of charge. If you set up a Shareview portfolio, you will usually be able to see the indicative value of shares based on a recent share price.
Refer to www.shareview.co.uk for full details.
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What is the Annual General Meeting?
Most limited companies are required to hold an Annual General Meeting, or ("AGM") of shareholders at which decisions are taken on the company's business. The 'ordinary' business of the AGM is repeated every year and includes accepting the company's accounts for the year and agreeing the proportion of a company's profits that will be paid back to shareholders as a dividend.
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What are the other types of meetings?
There are other types of shareholder meetings, such as an Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") that are called if there is urgent business requiring shareholder approval that cannot wait until the next Annual General Meeting ("AGM").
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If I cannot go to the Annual General Meeting, can I vote?
If you cannot go to the meeting yourself, you can appoint someone else to go in your place as your 'proxy'. To do this, you must complete the proxy card that is sent to you with your notice of meeting and report & accounts and return it to Equiniti* in advance of the meeting. If a poll is taken on a resolution, your proxy can cast your vote for you but is not usually able to speak on your behalf.
If you cannot appoint a proxy to attend the meeting in person, you can still send the proxy form and in the event of a poll on any resolution, the Chairman will cast your vote for you in line with the instructions you give on the form.
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* Equiniti is the name of the former Lloyds TSB Registrars business.
