New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have illuminated the landscape of wage increases across the UK, revealing that postal workers topped the list of occupations with the most significant salary adjustments last year. According to the ONS’s annual survey, the average salary for full-time UK workers surged by seven percent, climbing to £37,430.
This increase in wages coincides with a notable rise in the number of employees entering the higher-rate tax bracket, a group that has doubled over the past three years. Now, lecturers, paramedics, and scientists find themselves among those taxed at 40p for every £1 they earn over £50,270—the threshold for this year. This shift marks a significant departure from previous years when the 40% tax rate primarily affected wealthier professionals.
The standout figures were those of postal workers, mail sorters, and messengers, who saw their average earnings skyrocket by 18%, as reported by the media. This increase propelled their salaries from £28,459 to £33,583. Moreover, other professions, including special needs teachers, general doctors, and waiting staff, also witnessed substantial wage hikes. Waiters and waitresses, for example, experienced a 16.2% salary increase year-on-year, highlighting a broader trend of rising pay across various sectors.
Special needs teachers saw an impressive 17.9% jump in their average pay, which rose from £36,682 to £49,822. Similarly, the pay for junior doctors increased notably after new agreements, with their average salary reaching £48,288, up from £41,383 last year. However, specialist medics saw a more modest rise of 7.7%, taking their average to £74,979.
The recent increment in the minimum wage in April to £11.44 an hour has played a crucial role in lifting salaries among the lower-paid workers. Despite these gains, chief executives and other senior officials saw a relatively modest average pay rise of 4.5% this year. Nevertheless, they continue to be the highest-paid group, with an average salary of £88,056, where the top quartile earns around £124,000.
Conversely, certain professions like newspaper editors, journalists, insurance underwriters, and lawyers saw a downturn in their average earnings this year. For instance, reporters witnessed a stark decrease of 19.1% in their pay, bringing it down from £42,046 to £34,026. Similarly, the pay for solicitors and lawyers slightly declined by 0.7%, indicating a challenging year for these professions.
Amid these diverse trends, the Low Pay Commission has projected a significant 3.9% increase in the National Living Wage next April, potentially raising it from £11.44 to £11.89 an hour—double the current rate of inflation. This forecast suggests a continuing upward trajectory in wage adjustments aimed at coping with cost of living increases.
The Workers Union Says…
“This comprehensive analysis of salary trends across various sectors underscores the evolving dynamics of the UK job market. As the landscape of pay rises becomes increasingly complex, workers from all walks of life are witnessing changes that could reshape their financial future.”
