Income for HR professionals increased by 12%, according to new research from HR recruiter Ortus.

The research shows increases were fuelled by higher than expected bonus payments as 2010 proved to be a bumper bonus year in HR, with £9,800 paid this year in bonuses for every HR worker in the city and the South-East, as the average bonus reached 18% of salary.

Received bonuses outstripped expectations set in mid-2010 when HR workers expected to receive only 13.5%, while HR professionals’ incomes rose by 12% in 2010.

Stephen Menko, UK director for Ortus, says: “HR departments are a bellwether for the economy. It’s good news for everyone that they are beginning to get busy again, as companies are beginning to compete for talent once more.

“HR professionals are plugged into the jobs market and it is not surprising that they are looking for opportunities. For many, bonus season may be the time to cash in and move on to pastures new.”