Dear colleague,
What will happen to pay in 2026? Inflation rose again this year and the prices of many key items such as food, as well as mortgages and rents, remain higher than before the pandemic. The cost of living continues to present an upward pressure on pay awards, even if the labour market has softened to some extent.
On the other hand, employers’ costs have been affected by taxation changes, notably the increase in the rate of employers' National Insurance contributions and the reduction in the earnings threshold for such payments, and this has tended to bear down on pay decisions. The Budget is also likely to have an impact on pay outcomes.
This poll is designed to capture a snapshot of the pay landscape as we look ahead to a new year. Taking part will help you benchmark your plans against those of other major UK companies and help you make better decisions on pay. The poll includes questions on pay setting, pay pressures as well as hiring intentions for the coming year.
All participants will receive a summary of the results, which will provide early insights into potential pay trends for the coming year and will also help you reflect on your own pay decisions and set them in a wider context.
The poll will be open until 5pm on Wednesday 17 December 2025.
Zoe Woolacott
Senior Researcher
zoewoolacott@incomesdataresearch.com
01702 669549
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