More than three-quarters of companies struggled to attract the staff they wanted in 2006, according to a survey by office recruiter Angela Mortimer.

The research, Angela Mortimer’s third annual ‘blue book’ salary survey, shows that 78% struggled to attract ideal staff last year, while 31% of employers said that more candidates withdrew from the recruitment process at the last moment than in 2005.

In, addition, 43% also found more candidates increasing their demands at offer stage.

“Employers found the recruitment process more difficult and expensive in 2006. Now, with a greater number of jobs available, competition to recruit the best candidates is tough,” says Ashley Williams, director of partnership products at Angela Mortimer.