No change in pay for many workers since start of cost of living crisis – report

More than two in five workers are struggling to make ends meet, study suggests.

Alan Jones
Thursday 20 June 2024 09:08 BST
Almost one in five workers have had no change in their pay since the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, new research suggests (Gareth Fuller/PA)
Almost one in five workers have had no change in their pay since the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, new research suggests (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Almost one in five workers have had no change in their pay since the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, new research suggests.

Jobs site Indeed said its survey of 2,000 people also found that more than two in five revealed they were struggling to make ends meet.

Half of respondents said bringing costs down should be a top priority for the next government, while two in five said the elected party should bring wages in line with the cost of living.

There’s a clear call from the British people for the elected government to further ease financial pressures, and we’d expect this to remain front of mind for the public long after the winning party is decided

Jack Kennedy, Indeed

One in five of those polled said their salary had not changed since the start of the cost of living crisis in 2021, while almost one in seven said their pay had fallen.

Those who have had a pay rise have seen a mean increase of 3% which Indeed said “significantly lags” peak inflation rates of double figures.

While falling inflation has been cited as a sign that the economy is “turning a corner”,  three in five of those surveyed said they don’t feel any better off.

Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed said:  “After grappling with the cost of living crisis for over two years, it’s no surprise that wages are front of mind for voters.

“There’s a clear call from the British people for the elected government to further ease financial pressures, and we’d expect this to remain front of mind for the public long after the winning party is decided.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in