Introduction

Firstly, welcome to the BSC Market overview and salary guild 2022, what a year it has been so far!

2022, a year of growth, a lot of our clients are going through a period of growth with projects landing that is leading to the recruitment of new staff members being in high demand. With the construction market in full swing, it has brought with it the struggle to find new talent.

M&E Professionals now more than ever are needed to help drive this period of growth forward, as recruitment specialists within the M&E Building services market we are finding that the search for the perfect candidates increasing more difficult. Referrals being more important and having a bigger focus on a head hunt approach.

As a team we are seeing grow sectors being CAT A & B fits, Commercial, High Residential, Data Centre and Life Sciences. Our highest in demand job titles being M&E Quantity Surveyors and Estimators closely followed by Project Engineers and Project Managers.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year’s Building Services Salary Guide and provided such key insights.

Index

1 – INTRODUCTION: PERMANENT RECRUITMENT

2 – SALARY GUIDE

3 – CONTRACT HIRES

4 – CONCLUSION

5 – THE TEAM

Salary Guide

The below average salaries are based on client surveys, placement records & candidate research. Benefits are not included.

Average Salaries

Contract Hires

The introduction of IR35 has undoubtedly had an impact on the contractor workforce. Our industry has always been very heavily supported by contractors with the natural peaks and troughs created by projects. We have seen a slow, but steady increase in contract enquiries from our clients, which have been created due to the sheer demand for permanent talent & clients not being able to wait for the full permanent recruitment process (interviews, notice periods etc.)

Contract candidates naturally prefer Outside IR35 contracts given the “benefits”. The majority of M&E Project Managers who have a proven track record in contract assignments, are mostly in contracts again; a stark contrast from the beginning of 2021.

Due to the shortage of permanent talent within our beloved sector & the huge amount of demand, I am confident we will see continued growth in the contract market, both inside & outside of IR35, with more clients unfortunately having to accept the higher rate options for contract PAYE candidates, even as a short-term fix until they secure a permanent candidate.

Conclusion

The market is currently in a strong place and the demand doesn’t appear to be slowing down. The flexibility for hybrid working and having that work life balance seems to be attracting the talent over the traditional 5 days a week in the office.

We have seen an increase in the number of contract roles becoming available but permanent is still very much leading the way as we progress into the year.

I think the recruitment of the new generation, Apprenticeships and Graduates are going to be a vital part of the grow of the M&E Building services market moving forward.

This is a very much a positive market, it has it challenges but after the 2 years of Covid we can’t ask for a better place for the market to be in. Seeing the ongoing strengths of or candidates and clients to the adaptation that has taken place is truly amazing.

Kat Lewis, Associate Director

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Additionally, if you have any questions about the Building Services salary guide, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the following. Alternatively, meet the team here.

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