HR salaries were lower in 2021 than previous years

-

HR salaries have dropped since 2021, as research shows a stagnation in how much workers earn across the UK. 

Research from Reed has revealed that advertised at 2.4 percent lower in 2021 after analysing 6.6 million jobs posted on its site over the last three years. 

It found that advertised salaries in the HR sector have dropped on average, despite HR teams being faced with numerous business challenges over the course of the pandemic.

Human Resources Recruitment Expert at Reed, Bukola Odofin said: “HR as a function has been key for businesses navigating the pandemic, they’ve been essential when it comes to implementing Covid policies and managing furloughed staff. 

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

“They’ve also had to bring businesses into a much-altered world of work with new focus on employee wellbeing and hybrid working, alongside a difficult recruitment market.”

North West sees growth for HR roles

However, there are some regions which are bucking this trend, for example in the North West there’s been a salary growth of 4% for HR roles. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, HR professionals are also seeing their salaries increase, by 3.8% and 3.6% respectively.

Areas such as the South West (9.2%) and North East (6.2%) have seen the biggest fall in wages. The fall in salaries is in the face of soaring living costs as the consumer price index (CPI) measure of inflation reaches 5.5%, the highest rate since March 1992. Petrol, energy and food prices are also continuing to spike, meaning many HR professionals may find they have even less in their pockets.

Ms Odofin said: “Like many areas of business, it’s a struggle to get talented HR teams with the right skills for the future, particularly for businesses looking to recruit in a competitive, candidate-driven market.”

She advised businesses to move quickly if they wanted to find talented HR professionals. She said companies should also really consider what they are offering in their salary and benefits package. Her advice is to give people what they really want so the businesses making the offer really stand out from other companies also looking to boost their talent. 

Feyaza Khan has been a journalist for more than 20 years in print and broadcast. Her special interests include neurodiversity in the workplace, tech, diversity, trauma and wellbeing.

Latest news

Curtis Holmes: Payroll is the driver for employee engagement

Payroll has long been treated as a back-office necessity: essential, but not something that shapes culture or drives engagement. This no longer stands.

Labour market yet to show major AI impact on jobs, govt adviser says

A government economic adviser has challenged predictions of widespread AI-driven unemployment, arguing labour market data has yet to show disruption.

Young workers ‘pressured into signing NDAs after workplace injuries’

Workers say injuries are being hidden behind confidentiality agreements while financial pressures leave many afraid to challenge unsafe conditions.

CIPD recognises 30 HR leaders driving change across UK workplaces

The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising senior people leaders whose work has delivered measurable impact across organisations and workforces.
- Advertisement -

Brits dream of being their own boss, but still cling to the monthly pay cheque, survey reveals

Britons say they like the idea of self-employment, but most still value the security and stability of traditional jobs.

AI Coaching Won’t Replace Managers. It Will Expose Coaching Debt.

As AI coaching expands, employers may gain a clearer view of where manager support is falling short.

Must read

Stephen Humphreys: Is learning the magic ingredient for a loved up workplace?

"If love has such a positive impact on our wellbeing levels, what about work?"

Simon Coker: Closing the emotional gap – why AI in the workplace is as much a human challenge as a technological one

AI adoption is transforming how work gets done across every sector. But its deeper impact is less visible: it is reshaping how people feel about their work.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you