West is best as UK salaries even out

Adecco today announces the findings from its Salary Survey 2005. The research shows office based and commercial workers in Britain continue to have salary rises above inflation. Across the sector, average salaries climbed by 7% compared with last yearís 4%. This yearís top jobs for salary increases were administrators, people working in specialist accounts and receptionists.



The Adecco Salary Survey 2005 collects information on commercial positions from Adeccoís 350 strong branch network across the UK and Ireland. Salaries for various positions, such as secretaries, administrators, office managers, accounts personnel and call centre operatives are compared on a yearly basis, with the companies involved representing a cross section of UK industry. The prominent findings show,

West is best - Across the UK, the South West saw the highest growth in salaries with a rise of 9%. The West of England and Scotland came second with a 6% increase and the Midlands was third with 5%

City stagnation - London salaries declined over the year with the West End and suburban salaries falling by 2%, while city wages fell by 1%

High earners ñ Administrators topped the pay scales, with their salaries continually rising. In second place were specialist accountants with 6% and receptionists came third with rises of 5%

Sales downturn - Sales professionals saw salaries fall slightly over the year, with a reduction of 2%. However with their average earnings above 25,000 it is still one of the highest salaries for commercial workers

Richard Macmillan, MD from Adecco comments, ìThe economy in the UK continues to grow at a steady rate and pay levels seem to be reflecting this. For todayís businesses finding and retaining the right people is becoming ever more difficult and the increase in salaries reflects the need for companies to attract the right workers and pay them accordingly.î

The findings indicate a growing harmonisation of salaries according to geographic location. London and the South East, traditionally hubs of commercial activity, are starting to see salaries levelling out, while the South West and the Midlands are seeing steady annual growth. Although London salaries have seen stagnation over the last few years, they are still proportionally higher than the rest of the country when comparing like for like commercial positions.

Macmillan continues, ìWhat we are starting to see is more of a level salary playing field. However, this levelling out process is not just confined to location, but also with job role. We are seeing negligible growth for traditional higher salary positions, such as sales managers and a rise in salaries for critical business operation positions, such as accounting or office management. As the skills gap continues to grow, key business workers are likely to see their salaries rise well above inflation.î

To access the Adecco Salary Survey 2005 please contact Louise Oliver on louise.oliver@adecco.co.uk