Viewpoint

pay research

Planning for pay in 2026: pay awards set to remain steady

pay increases

Median pay award lowest since 2021

inflation

Inflation rises further

labour market

Majority of labour market indicators point to continuing softening over latest quarter

pay increases

Pay trends down in fast food, pubs and restaurants but high-level awards continue

pay increases

Median pay award remains at 3.4%

pay research

Pay rises at opted-out councils range from 3% to 5%

labour market

Labour market continues to soften

inflation

Transport prices push inflation up again

inflation

Inflation set to exert upward pressure on pay setting in short term

pay increases

Median pay award rises

inflation

Food inflation grows as transport costs fall