UK pay settlements rise to highest in 2025, Brightmine says

LONDON, Nov 19 (Reuters) – Median pay settlements granted by British employers in the three months to the end of October rose to their highest so far this year at 3.3%, up from 3% in the three months to September.

Brightmine said the move reflected higher public sector pay deals which took effect in August and September.

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“Early indications suggest that 2026 pay awards are likely to remain steady – and potentially edge lower – as cost pressures continue to weigh on employers,” Brightmine manager Sheila Attwood said.

  • Median public sector pay award 3.8% versus 3% in private sector
  • 53% of pay awards were below 2024 levels, while 13% were above
  • Survey based on 24 pay awards covering over 460,000 employees which took effect between August 1 and October 31
  • 44% of employers said pay awards fell short of employees’ expectations
  • The Bank of England is closely monitoring wage growth for signs of inflation pressure in the economy

Reporting by David Milliken; editing by Suban Abdulla

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