Business confidence in Portsmouth to fuel recruitment drive and salary increases next year

Business confidence in Portsmouth to fuel recruitment drive and salary increases next year

• Salaries in the South East grew by 3.3% in 2015, with over three fifths of employers expecting to increase pay next year
• 67% of employers in region confident that business activity levels will increase in the next 12 months
• War for talent intensifies as 70% of employers plan to hire additional staff next year and 80% say skills shortage will be a challenge
• Employees in the marketing, IT and construction sectors get biggest pay increases

According to the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2016 report, which includes a survey of over 3,500 employers and employees in the South East, increased confidence in the region’s economy will not only lead to an increase in hiring next year but will see employers come under unprecedented pressure to raise pay. 

The report, presents analysis of salary data from Hays job listings, job offers and candidate registrations and shows salaries in the region grew by 3.3% in 2015, higher than the national average of 2.3%. The average professional salary for the region is now £48,970 with employees in the construction, IT and marketing sectors seeing some of the biggest salary increases in the region. 

 

The results from this survey show that pressure over pay is set to increase next year. Over three fifths (70%) of employers in the region expect to increase salaries in 2016 and 16% expect to increase salaries above 2.5%.

 

Increased economic confidence has consequences for staff retention too, with nearly three in five (57%) employees in the region planning to switch jobs next year.

 

With over half the region’s workforce (54%) saying they are dissatisfied with their current salary and nearly a third (30%) moving jobs for this reason, it would appear that employers will need to dig deeper into their pockets to retain their best talent and take on additional work next year.

 

Steve Orr, Regional Managing Director at Hays in the South, said:

 

“The highest salary increases for professionals in the South East were in construction, marketing, and IT. Businesses expanding and opening new offices in the area shows that confidence in the region’s economy is high and we are seeing many businesses preparing to hire in anticipation of a busier 2016. It’s no surprise to those that live and work here that Portsmouth is gaining recognition as a city full of opportunity for businesses and for professionals looking to develop their careers and have a great worklife balance. However, companies should brace themselves for staff departures as employees recognise opportunities in the jobs market and look to move in search of better pay and opportunities.”

 

“The region’s skills shortage remains a key concern and employers who can’t offer competitive remuneration packages will find it increasingly difficult to attract top talent which could stifle growth for many of the region’s businesses in 2016. Organisations that can’t offer high salaries may need to compensate by providing alternative incentives such as robust training opportunities and clear paths for career development.”