Advertised pay hits highest level in almost two years

Average advertised salaries have hit a near two-year high of over £33,300, although they have fallen in some jobs such as construction, a new report shows.

Advertised pay rates are at their highest since April 2016 and have increased by 3.6% in the past six months alone, according to Adzuna.

The jobs site said average pay in construction has fallen by almost 6% over the past year.

Northern Ireland has seen the biggest increase in average advertised wages, up by 14% in the past year.

Job vacancies have fallen by a tenth to 1.1 million over the last six months.

Doug Monro, co-founder of Adzuna, said: "As salary improvements continue, we have faith that the growing momentum behind average salaries is here to stay.

"A 21 month-high is not to be sniffed at, and while jobseekers now face increased competition for each position, the rewards are there once they land a role.

"Without wishing to tempt fate, it does look like the worst of the pay squeeze seems to have passed.

"Those currently in employment will hope that having continued to covet new staff with increased pay packages, focus soon switches to retention as we head into review season."