Hays Human Resources - January 2008

Public Sector

Hotspots

There has been an increase in the demand for HR generalists, particularly at the mid level, in addition to occupational health and safety advisors due to internal movements and organisational growth. Learning and development consultants that specialise in management development and organisational development are also required since organisations are going through change and culture development and employers realise the true retention benefits of developing staff.

The coming quarter

Indications suggest demand will be highest for learning and development professionals. The entry level is also very active, with managers requesting HR administration and learning and development coordinators.

Despite the candidate-short nature of the market, many public sector employers still seek a very specific type of candidate, rather than someone who may be suitable that could potentially develop into the position.

Executive recruitment

The executive market is steady with more demand for contract specialist change managers and organisational development managers due to organisational growth and development. On the permanent side generalists are in particular demand at the senior level.

Salaries

As the market becomes increasingly specialised salaries are increasing, particularly for learning and development professionals with soft skills development and instructional design skills. However a significant number of candidates still move from the public to private sector due to the higher salaries and broader range of experience available.