Pay awards poised to remain at 2% next year

Most pay awards have been around 2 per cent this year and are expected to remain the same in 2016, according to a new report.

Most pay deals will remain at 2% next year, researchers said. Picture: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

A study of more than 80 settlements in recent months found the median increase was 2 per cent.

Pay analyst XpertHR said increases in the public sector were worth a median 1.5 per cent in the year to October.

Sheila Attwood, the firm’s pay and benefits editor, said: “As pay bargaining for 2015 draws to a close, we don’t expect any shocks in the level of awards being made.

“Our data shows that 2 per cent is firmly locked in place as the headline pay award for 2015. It also suggests that we are looking at more of the same in 2016.”

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “While private sector pay settlements continue to show real gains, future improvements to living standards will depend on stronger earnings growth.

“Next week’s spending review is a chance for the government to bring forward an industrial strategy that supports more better-paid jobs by improving skills and investing in modern infrastructure.”