Sales managers, personal assistants and senior accounts clerks received the highest salary increases this year, according to Adecco its Salary Survey 2006.

The research shows 88% of the positions surveyed have seen an incremental rise in the year, with an average pay increase of 2%.

The survey also found that the East Midlands saw the highest growth in salaries with an average rise of 6%. Greater London and the North-East came second with a 5%

Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director of Adecco UK and Ireland, says: “The predicted GDP forecast for 2006 is 2.2% so pay levels are increasing in line with the growth of the economy. For today’s businesses finding and retaining the right people at every level is becoming ever more difficult and the increase in salaries reflects the need for companies to attract the right workers and pay them accordingly.”