Blue Eskimo is the learning industry's leading recruitment provider and is the nominated recruitment provider for the Learning & Performance Institute.

The overwhelming majority of those surveyed (88.27%) said that training budgets remained under pressure in 2012. More than half of those surveyed also felt that the current economic downturn would last at least another two to three years, while 15.96% felt that times would remain tough for more than another three years.

Nick Jones, director at Blue Eskimo, says that this pessimistic outlook won't be a surprise to anyone, but that people should balance this with the survey's other findings. "Five years into one of the biggest economic declines in living memory, it's little wonder that training budgets remain tight. Around 63% of those who responded say that the current economic situation has made their roles harder, but there's plenty of good news too."

It seems the sector is still reasonably well paid. Around 42% of the participants secured a rise either in line with, or above, the rate of inflation - and around half of those surveyed earned between £26,000-£45,000 per year. Although rates for contractors have eroded, the majority (over 83%) still earn £500 per day or more.

"The overall picture revealed by the survey is of an industry that remains a steady performer, even when times are tough," says Jones. "Budgets may be cut - but people are responding by working hard - and still enjoying what they do. Over 80% are working more hours than for which they are paid, but well over half of people - over 65% - are happy working in the learning industry."

The complete survey, which contains detailed information about pay, benefits, and much more, can be downloaded free.