The latest Hays HR Salary and Benefits Survey appears to show that:

• There has been significant growth in junior roles – at HR Officer and HR Advisor levels – and there is a shortage of candidates at this level.
• There are fewer opportunities at the senior end of the market, with senior HR candidates seeming more risk-averse in this uncertain market.
• The public sector has seen a significant increase in the volume of permanent recruitment.
• Career progression, personal and professional development, and working for a respected organisation that can offer long-term prospects are most commonly cited as reasons for seeking a new role. Candidates say they need to believe they can add value and influence change.

Comment: Again (see ‘Who needs training?’), nothing seems to change. The HR industry is still beset with status – where everyone wants to be a ‘senior executive’ and there is not enough ‘canon fodder’ for them to indulge their desires. And people want to believe that their role has significant value in their organisation – even if, in reality, the HR function is still relegated to the ‘ugly sister’ role in the pantomime of work life.