Cost of living

Pay rises peak in cost of living crisis

The median basic pay increase in the three months to the end of June 2022 has remained at 4% for the third consecutive quarter, suggesting pay rises in the UK may have reached their peak.

Next's underpayment of staff risks tribunal action

High street retailer Next has apologised to staff after a payroll error left workers underpaid for five months.

Employees using cost of living to leverage better salary

Workers across the UK are using the cost of living crisis to negotiate better pay from their employers.

HR warned to prepare for summer of strikes

The rise in strikes across the UK, including planned actions from Royal Mail, British Airways, NHS doctors, barristers and teachers, means HR must be prepared to handle employee relations calmly and...

Salaries failing to increase with inflation

The latest employee earnings data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed pay has stagnated, while the proportion classed as middle-earners remains unchanged.

Women's pension gap worsens with age

New data from Legal & General has revealed the pensions gap for women in their 20s is still 16% - an improvement of just one percentage point since 2020.

Providing real support in the cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis is having a profound impact on individuals across the country.

Lifestyle choice driving unemployment in older workers

A rise in the number of people retiring early is the main reason for joblessness among older people in the UK.

Cost of living crisis creates side hustle spike

One in five Brits (19%) have started a side hustle, i.e. a job or venture outside of their usual work, since March 2020 in moves potentially fuelled by the rising cost of living.

Rail strike could be combatted with agency workers following legal change

Government is considering using agency workers to replace striking staff during one of the largest rail strikes in history, set to take place next week.

Rising childcare costs outstrip maternity pay

The UK's childcare costs are the highest in the developed world, yet maternity pay has dipped over the last 12 years.

Majority of Brits worried about cost of living crisis

More than three quarters of the UK are worried about the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis.