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The number of people searching for jobs in travel hit a three-year high in September, latest figures reveal.
The jobs market has become more competitive after a large rise in the number of new candidates registering their interest last month.
The double-figure increase meant there were more people seeking a new travel job in September 2015 than in any month since March 2012, according to the latest Travel Salary Index from C&M Travel Recruitment and C&M Executive Recruitment.
However, the number of vacancies was up by a third (33%), with September’s total standing far ahead of the monthly average.
Average pay for new travel jobs also edged up last month, with a 0.65% rise to reach £24,695.
There was also a 1.95% salary increase for new standard travel roles – those paying up to £40,000.
Standard wages have now risen to an average of £20,857, a new high for 2015.
Salaries for executive positions – paying more than £40,000 a year – rebounded in September after a “tepid” summer, although the number of senior vacancies being created continues to be weak.
Barbara Kolosinska, director at the recruitment company, said: “September is usually a busy month for travel recruitment, with things settling back to normal after the summer holidays, but this year it was even busier than usual.
“While we saw big increases in both the number of roles being created and the number of new candidates looking for them, it is now evident that competition has increased for the best roles.
“However, there remains a shortage of quality candidates in the market, with experienced applicants being highly sought after for many positions.”
She added: “It’s been a quiet summer for executive travel salaries, but the opposite is true for standard travel wages, which have risen annually in six of the last seven months.
“Job-seekers might be pleasantly surprised by the wages currently on offer for many roles.”