The senior interim HR market is showing signs of recovery, according to Bev Corrigan, head of the newly launched interim executive business at HR recruiter Oakleaf Partnership.

In a survey of 172 senior-level HR interims across all industries, over 37% had witnessed growth or no change in the number of assignments available in the past six months. That compares to 13% in the previous six months.

The split between private and public sectors was roughly 70/30 and more than 70% fell into the £500-750 per day salary bracket, with 63% experiencing no change or an increase in day rates available.

Corrigan says: “The professional interim HR market has been diluted over the past 18 months by the number of immediately available candidates who will consider both perm and interim roles.

“The improvement in the permanent HR recruitment market means that opportunities for senior professional interims are growing.”

More than 60% of respondents secured their last assignment through a recruitment consultancy.