Salary Increases Across Europe: British Manufacturing Workers Fall Behind

SALARY INCREASES ACROSS EUROPE: BRITISH MANUFACTURING WORKERS FALLING BEHIND WITH PAY RISES, NEW REPORT SHOWS

The UK is falling behind with annual average salary increases for manufacturing workers, according to new research which analysed the pay rates for countries over the past two decades.

Despite manufacturing workers playing an essential role in the pandemic, the research from payroll software provider Mitrefinch, found the UK ranks in 20th place for annual salary increases for workers, behind Ireland, France and the US.

The data shows salaries have risen by 20% for full-time workers in the UK since 2000, compared to 35% for Ireland. Despite having the 7th highest real minimum wage at £7.56*, the UK is behind in rankings as neighbouring countries improve their salary offerings at a faster rate.

Latvian employees were found to have the largest annual salary increase, with salaries rising by 148% according to the most recent figures available. Workers in Lithuania have also experienced a high rise at 144%, with those in Estonia also seeing a rise of over 100% in average annual salary (138%).

The full results can be found below:

Commenting on the figures, Julie Lock, Commercial Director at Mitrefinch said:

“The pandemic has meant financial worries for manufacturing employees across the UK have amplified, as many were furloughed during lockdown or lost their job as their sites closed. As lockdown eased, the manufacturing workforce went back to work during the pandemic despite the risk and they deserve to be rewarded and recognised for their work.

“The data shows us that the increase of both this rate and annual average salaries for full-time employees has been slow in comparison to neighbouring countries, which is disappointing for manufacturing workers who have faced a tough year in their industry.”

Jayne Harrison, Head of Employment Law at Richard Nelson LLP commented:

“The data shows average annual salaries in the UK are rising at a slower rate than many neighbouring countries. This is frustrating for manufacturing employees as they have continued to work during the pandemic and have faced unsettling job worries and financial stresses.

“After being hit by the pandemic, manufacturing employees across the UK are looking to be supported financially by their employers as the economy begins to recover. With the key role these workers have played in the pandemic, we are expecting to see more of a push back on this over the next year.”

For the full results of this research, visit: https://www.mitrefinch.co.uk/blog/mitrefinch-news/salary-increases-uk-vs-row/