Over 60% of HR professionals will be looking to find a new job this year according to new research by Hays.

Recruitment in the HR industry is also set to increase over the next 12 months as the UK economy continues to strengthen and employers grow in confidence. According to the Hays Human Resources Salary and Benefits Guide 2014, almost half of employers (47%) expect to recruit more permanent HR staff and 28% will hire additional temporary workers.

There are a growing number of opportunities available to HR generalists, particularly within the £30,000 - £40,000 bracket, as well as for those in resourcing and talent, and reward roles. HR Advisors with the right experience and skills can expect to earn an average salary of £28,000, while HR Directors are able to command an average salary of £77,000.

Two-fifths of employers expect pay for HR staff to rise in line with the cost of living and 14% of employers anticipate it to rise above inflation in 2014. More than half (52%) reported to have already increased pay in the past year.

However, more than half (64%) of employers expect a shortage of experienced candidates and 39% anticipate a lack of qualified candidates when recruiting this year. Two-fifths (41%) of employers also feel they do not have the talent they need to achieve their current business objectives.

Barney Ely, Director of Hays Human Resources, said: "The signs are there that 2014 is going to be positive for the HR community. Not only are employees gaining confidence to look for new roles, after a challenging couple of years, but there will be more opportunities available to them and it is likely they will be better paid. With many of the available roles focusing on reward and talent, it is evident that employers are now shifting from managing the challenges of the economic downturn to taking advantage of the growing confidence in the economy. This will increase competition for commercially astute HR professionals who can manage change, so employers will need to work hard to retain and attract the best talent to ensure their business can grow in 2014."

To request a copy of the salary guide please visit www.hays.co.uk/hr-salary-guide

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For further press information please contact:
Sofia Ylén
Hays
T. 020 7200 3760
E. sofia.ylen@hays.com

About the Hays HR Salary Guide 2014

The Hays HR Salary Guide 2014 was compiled between July to November 2013. The findings are based on responses provided from a survey of 570 employers and 780 employees. To request a copy of the salary guide please visit www.hays.co.uk/hr-salary-guide

About Hays

Note to Editors
Hays plc (the "Group") is a leading global professional recruiting group. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK and Asia Pacific and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As at 30 June 2013 the Group employed 7,840 staff operating from 239 offices in 33 countries across 20 specialisms. For the year ended 30 June 2013:

- the Group reported net fees of £719 million and operating profit (pre-exceptional items) of £125.5 million;
- the Group placed around 53,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 182,000 people into temporary assignments;
- 29% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific, 40% in Continental Europe & RoW (CERoW) and 31% in the United Kingdom & Ireland;
- the temporary placement business represented 59% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 41% of net fees;
- Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, the UK and the USA

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