According to the latest findings from the UK’s independent job board, CV-Library, average salaries for retail roles has hit a five-month high in July, and pay has increased by 1.1% month on month.

The job board explored data taken from its own site over the past seven months and found that salaries have grown consistently since March 2018. But, despite salaries for retail roles seeing positive growth, a separate survey from CV-Library found that nearly two-thirds (62.2%) of retail professionals believe that they are underpaid.

Founder and managing director of CV-Library and JobsRetail.co.uk, Lee Biggins commented: “As organisations struggle to find people to fill their vacancies, we’re seeing many businesses push up their pay packets, in a bid to attract the right people to their roles.

“However, a separate study of ours has found that the majority of IT professionals believe they aren’t being paid enough. If you’re a disgruntled employee, or a manager, it’s worth looking at average salaries in your industry to ensure that you’re being paid, or paying, what you should be.”

In addition, CV-Library’s July Job Market Report found that employers across the industry are feeling defiant about their hiring efforts, with jobs at a six-month high, increasing by 21.4% month-on-month.

While application rates fell in July 2018, the amount of retail candidates registering their CV on CV-Library increased by 62% year-on-year, suggesting that many individuals are open to finding a new opportunity right now.

Biggins continued: “With unemployment at a record low, all sectors across the UK are bearing the brunt of continued skills shortages. However, it’s clear that the appetite is there for new roles, so long as employers are willing to offer the financial packages that job hunters desire.”