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UK employers raise pay by least in 10 months, Brightmine says

By Thomson Reuters Aug 18, 2026 | 6:12 PM

Aug 19 (Reuters) – Pay settlements by British employers inched down in the three months to June to a ​10-month low, adding to signs of ‌a softening labour market, a survey showed on Wednesday.

The median pay award by employers fell to 3.2% in the three months to the ‌end ​of July, down from ⁠3.3% in the ⁠previous three rolling quarters, figures from human resources data firm Brightmine showed.

“The fact that more than a third of matched ​pay awards are now lower than last year does suggest some employers ⁠are becoming more cautious,” ⁠said Sheila Attwood, Brightmine’s HR ​insights and data lead.

Below are details from ​the survey and related context:

• 71% of ‌settlements awarded were between 2% and 3.99%, while 3% was the single most common award value

• 35% of settlements ⁠delivered a lower award than the previous year, for the same employee group, while another 35% ⁠remained ‌unchanged and 30% were higher

• ⁠Data based on 36 pay awards ​implemented ‌between May 1 and July ​31, representing ⁠pay settlements for approximately 762,000 UK employees

• Official data on Tuesday showed the jobs market again weakened slightly in the second quarter

(Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by ​David Milliken)