Hays Human Resources - October 2007

Public Sector

Hotspots

The key hotspot of demand is for temporary recruitment administrators with two to three years experience who are ideally degree qualified and who can assist recruiters with their current high levels of work. Contracts are typically three to four month in duration and at present require a commitment to work over the Christmas period.

Also in demand are HR specialists with learning and development, workforce planning or change experience.

The coming quarter

Contract vacancy activity will be high throughout the Christmas period as organisations seek assistance while a lengthy permanent recruitment process is undertaken. High demand remains for candidates with IR and ER experience while public sector organisations continue to recognise that organisational and professional development for their employees is an essential retention tool.

Organisations still prefer candidates with relevant industry/local government experience.

Executive recruitment

The recruitment of mid-level executives is buoyant at present, especially within change management and workforce planning. There is also a steady demand for learning and development professionals.

Salaries

Salaries are remaining relatively stable although there are some instances where employers are offering a higher salary in order to secure a senior level contractor for a fixed term contract. Given the high level of demand for their skills, learning and development candidates are looking for increased salaries, particularly for roles revolving around organisational development and cultural change.

Candidate trends

Candidates are aware of the candidate-short nature of the market, and are therefore requesting higher salaries.