Hiring in the HR market remains busy, with major FTSE 100 organisations and the media sector leading the demand and triggering a hike in HR salaries.

These are the findings from a global salary survey by recruitment outfit, Robert Walters. The survey, now in its ninth year, reports that salaries are increasing in line with inflation. More benefits are being offered to attract candidates whilst basic salary is reducing as a percentage of the total pay package; it now forms an average 60% of the ‘take home’ deal.

Expected benefits can now include flexible working hours, total rewards, better working lifestyle choices, long-term incentive schemes and a significant bonus.

According to the survey, business and cultural change skills are most in demand with technology, media and investment banking markets chasing key HR talent. This sky-high demand has led to HR specialists being hired in record time, reports the recruiters.

Darren Wentworth of Robert Walters commented: “The HR market has been one of the leading recruitment sectors in 2007. Employers have upped their game to attract the top HR talent, who are being snapped up more quickly than ever before. It’s no longer just about salary as candidates want more benefits than before. We’re expecting these trends to continue in 2008.”