For most UK regions, typical salaries for HR managers have increased at a rate far in excess of inflation, Hays research shows.
This is particularly noticeable in the Home Counties, partly due to London professionals relocating to prime commuter-belt locations for better quality of life. Employers in these regions have to offer premium packages to attract and retain HR managers who could still travel into London to achieve their desired salary.
Areas such as Scotland and the M1 corridor have seen little or no increase in typical salary over the last year. However, there are signs that they are starting to experience the shortage of good quality, qualified and experienced candidates already seen elsewhere. This is likely to impact on salaries, pushing them up over the next year.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
Overall, salaries still vary considerably by size of organisation, but trends suggest that candidates with a strategic, business focus and the ability to demonstrate the commercial impact of HR are able to demand high-end salaries across the board.
www.hays.com
Typical salary (£) for an HR manager (commerce)
| Region | Jul-04 | Jul-05 | Increase |
| Central London | 38,000 | 39,000 | 2.6% |
| Southern Home Counties | 35,000 | 38,000 | 8.6% |
| Northern Home Counties | 33,000 | 36,000 | 9.1% |
| Thames Valley | 35,000 | 37,000 | 5.7% |
| M1 Corridor | 35,000 | 35,000 | 0.0% |
| East Anglia | 33,000 | 35,000 | 6.1% |
| West Midlands | 35,000 | 37,000 | 5.7% |
| East Midlands | 35,000 | 36,000 | 2.9% |
| South West | 35,000 | 37,000 | 5.7% |
| Wales | 35,000 | 36,000 | 2.9% |
| North East | 35,000 | 36,500 | 4.3% |
| Yorkshire | 35,000 | 37,000 | 5.7% |
| North West | 35,000 | 37,000 | 5.7% |
| Scotland | 32,000 | 32,000 | 0.0% |
| South East Coas | 33,000 | 35,000 | 6.1% |
| National Average | 34,600 | 36,233 | 4.7% |
