2019 sees average salary increase of 3%, but entry level salaries decrease

While the average salary increase in 2019 was of 3% and salaries have in some areas remained static, the entry level salary of some positions has decreased, thereby leading to a decrease in the minimum level, minimum quartile and mean salaries. This compares well with the EU's report of an increase of 2.4% in compensation per head between 2018 and 2019.

This is one of the main outcomes reported in Misco's 34^th edition of its annual Salaries and Benefits report for 2019.

The report compiled internally by Misco from information obtained from employers, acts as a strong and reliable reference report on employee compensation in Malta with detailed information on salaries and related benefits, as well as an analysis of recent developments in Malta's labour market. The report also includes the results of the sixth annual Misco survey on HR developments in Malta.

"The positive developments of the Maltese economy have led to an evolution of the labour market, with employee retention becoming the most important objective of organisations in the human resources area. Salary demands is the number one challenge companies are facing. It is therefore of utmost importance that employers align their pay structure and make it "right", meaning it is seen to be fair within your organisation and competitive for the market of the labour market you are targeting," says Lawrence Zammit, managing director, Misco.

Zammit added that "the report is now in its 34^th edition and Misco seeks to ensure it remains alive and relevant to employers in the constantly changing market dynamics. In fact, this year's edition

Another interesting aspect highlighted in this report refers to how certain developments in the Maltese labour market, such as an increasingly inter-cultural workforce due to the influx of foreign employees, are encouraging employers to adopt a more holistic approach to their human resources function.

"This development now requires the next step, which is developing a strategic longer-term human resources strategy that forms an integral part of the company's business strategy," Zammit added.

The categories of jobs covered include management, executive, clerical and technical roles in various private, foreign-owned and government-controlled, service and manufacturing companies.

An increase of 4% was also observed in the salaries of roles in Finance, 3.8% in the salaries for jobs in Sales and Marketing, a significant 7% increase in Legal and Compliance and a 5% increase in IT.

Joanne Bondin, director at Misco added: "Misco is committed to continue developing partnerships with its clients by helping them understand Malta's labour market environment, maximise the engagement of their employees to their organisation's goals and face successfully their HR challenges. This Salaries and Benefits report is mostly aimed at helping companies' management ensure that their reward strategy is in line with their positioning in the market and with what the market is offering to attract and retain employees."