Managers working in the transport and logistics sector have received the lowest pay rises in industry and companies are struggling to attract staff as earnings have dropped for the first time in four years.

The findings from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) also show that resignations in the sector are up despite organisations offering incentives to retain employees.

Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: “The steep climb in organisations reporting recruitment difficulties, plus an increase in resignations should be ringing alarm bells for employers.

“The marketplace is clearly tipping in favour of the employee, so if they are serious about retaining the best talent, organisations urgently need to meet the needs and expectations of their staff.”

Despite a fall in earnings for the transport sector, managers in this industry are the second highest paid with average earnings at £50,303. Managers in the pharmaceutical industry are the highest paid (£50,525).