Temporary rates are set to soar by 15% this year as the skills shortage bites, according to a new salary survey from support staff recruiter Angela Mortimer.

The survey, called ‘the blue book’, agreed with recent research claiming that the market is now largely candidate-driven, and concluded that clients will have to increase temps’ pay by 15% if they want to attract the best candidates.

This is particularly prevalent for London-based candidates working in secretarial, admin and business support posts. Those in permanent positions can command an average salary increase of £3,000 when they move jobs, and many have multiple job offers. Salaries for PAs who speak foreign languages can be up to 20% higher than for non-linguists.

The motivation for moving jobs can vary. Career opportunity and development are a key consideration when changing jobs, said the report, with salary increase not necessarily the key driver. Media companies pay between £2,000 and £3,000 less than other sectors. And HR candidates are motivated by “career progression, cultural fit and a realistic compensation package”.

Angela Mortimer, chairman of Angela Mortimer, said: “If managers know what is motivating their candidates, it will go a long way towards improving staff motivation and ultimately output.”