HR personnel have seen an average movement in earnings of 6.6 per cent this year, compared to 5.6 per cent in 2007, new research suggests.

According to figures produced by the Chartered Management Institute and CELRE, junior executives have benefited the most from rises, with such individuals receiving an average increase in basic pay of 6.2 per cent. This compares to 5.1 per cent for managers.

Meanwhile, it was also revealed that junior executives across the HR sector receive an average basic salary of £21,643.

Commenting on the findings, Mark Crail, managing editor at CELRE, said: "Remuneration packages have clearly changed, but they must continue to evolve to meet the needs of the economy and workforce."

In other salary news, a study conducted recently by Hay Group discovered that businesses in the 2008 Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list paid their staff an average of five per cent less than other organisations.