Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) attempting to attract new employees do not need to rely on high salaries, according to one expert.

A Spokeswoman for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) claims the idea of potential employees interested only in a large income is a misconception.

Emma Price, senior press officer at CIPD said that jobseekers can be attracted to SMEs by increased career opportunities and the opportunity to work within a team.

"There is a common misconception that the only way to recruit the best staff is to offer more money. Yet research suggests there is more to staff motivation and attracting talent than hard cash."

She added that employees may also be attracted to good working environments and levels of responsibility within the role itself. This is something she states employers should be keen to promote when recruiting.

A study conducted by CIPD earlier this year found that 84 per cent of employers had difficulty recruiting in 2006. 46 per cent of these blamed an inability to meet pay expectations.

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