Increased automotive sector confidence and low unemployment is fuelling employee salary demands.

Copeland Select, automotive industry recruiters, asked more than 3,000 automotive industry professionals to share information on their current employment and career aspirations.

Julia Pennington (pictured), managing director, said: "Large numbers of employees are seeking a job move and above inflationary pay rises. The leading motivator for seeking a new role is career progression, closely followed by a salary increase".

"We also noticed a continuing trend for employers to allow occasional home-working."

The average basic salary in 2014 was £44,775.

Key results from Copeland Select's 2015 Automotive Salary Survey:

> 54% of employees feel current salary is below market value

> 62% are thinking about seeking a new job in 2015 – we expect a very active job market in 2015

> The average salary increase in 2014 was 5%, but those who moved jobs achieved an average increase of 11%. Job movers fared best with salary rises.

> The average salary increase wanted in 2015 is 12% - above inflationary pay rise aspirations

> The leading motivator for seeking a new role is career progression (59%), closely followed by a salary increase (56%).

> More than 50% of employers allowed their employees to work from home on occasions – but currently most  (74%) only work one day a week from home.

> 25 days annual leave is average. However, almost a third (27%) received 27 days or more.

Current salaries by job function

Survey respondents: 96% worked in the UK, 93% were employed on a permanent basis and 95% were employees of automotive manufacturers, automotive retailers, suppliers, finance companies, marketing agencies and leasing or rental firms. 

> Full results of the Copeland Select survey.