Interim managers are now being paid an average of £558 per day, a record high and up 4% on last year’s rates.
Research, by provider Russam GMS of 1,000 interim managers, found more are on assignment now than in the dot-com boom of 2001.
HR interims are being paid an average of £521 per day, up 2% from last year’s rates.
Public sector work continues to dominate the market, with central and local government and the NHS heavy users of interim managers.
Jason Atkinson, Russam GMS director, said: “There is a shortage of talent in the permanent market which is putting a lot of pressure on this sector to find the right executive and fast.
“Central and local government are clearly using interims instead of consultants, probably because they have realised they are about half the price.”
The survey also found that finance professionals have experienced the greatest growth in demand.
