A quarter of employers even ignored government advice and awarded staff pay rises higher than inflation.
Some employees in the Construction Industry Joint Council have enjoyed a wage increase of 6%.
Commenting on the findings Anders Jensen, marketing manager at online job search engine ClickAJob, said: "There might be a credit crunch, but savvy companies know there is also a talent crunch and it's getting more severe every day. If skilled staff aren't happy with their pay cheques, they'll walk.
"The credit crunch might worsen," he added, "but good, skilled, professional people with a dedicated career reflex are unlikely to be affected by it."
Employers are still giving big pay rises to retain talent
A third of employers have offered staff a 3% pay increase in the past quarter, despite the economic downturn, according to Incomes Data Services.