Viewpoint

pay research

'What will happen to pay in 2026?' 29 January 2026 seminar slides

pay increases

Median pay award up a little to 3.4% in 2026

inflation

Latest figures show a rise in inflation

labour market

Headline unemployment rate remains at 5.1% for second successive month

pay increases

Steady outlook for pay in 2026

pay increases

Median pay award falls across the economy

inflation

Inflation falls further in November 2025

labour market

Further increase in unemployment, with younger workers the most affected

inflation

Inflation outlook could be marginally lower after April

pay research

In-house legal pay structured by seniority and sector, with limited recruitment pressures

case studies

Gender pay gap narrows but remains substantial at 12.8%

pay increases

Pay rises for junior staff exceed those for managers in 2025