Hobby sponsorship and pet insurance are just some of the unusual benefits employers are using to attract an increasing shortage of quality candidates in London, according to Maine-Tucker’s 2007 Salary Survey.

It found that there was considerable growth in recruitment activity in 2006, with opportunities in the finance and business sectors increasing by 10% in the first quarter. Average salaries across all sectors ranged from £15,000 for administrators through to £50,000 for top executive support roles.

Maine-Tucker’s managing director Meeta Sahni says: “In 2006 on the permanent side we have seen a strong move towards salary packages being benefits led, in contrast to the past where it was mainly financial.

“Overall, by taking the salaries of our permanent and temporary staff, the office support sector in London has shown robust growth. This has resulted in a more urgent demand for quality support staff.”