British employees in England can look forward to small pay bumps in 2024 as firms juggle rising costs with the need to hold on to skilled workers. The job market keeps shifting, offering both advantages and hurdles for employees and employers to negotiate.
Expected Pay Rise by Sector
Most workers should see salaries go up 3% to 4% in 2024, which is encouraging. Still, the increase won’t be the same for everyone. The tech and healthcare fields should offer the biggest bumps, while retail and hospitality pay rises are tighter because profit margins are still squeezed.
April Wage Hike Benefits Low-Paid Workers
From April 2025, the national minimum wage for people aged 21 and older will rise to £11.44 per hour. Roughly three million workers—many in retail, hospitality, and care—will feel the boost. The pay rise will be important for low-income households but will also lift costs for employers. Many are now planning how to deal with the extra expenses.
Living Costs vs. Wage Increases
Even with expected pay hikes, the real question for English workers is whether wages will grow faster than inflation. Current forecasts set inflation at about 2.5% to 3%, meaning pay gains will feel small. The steady climb in housing costs and energy bills only tightens the squeeze, and it’s London and other big cities that feel the pinch first.
Beyond Basic Salary: The Complete Package
Employers in England are shifting their focus off the headline wage when hiring and keeping staff. Bigger pension contributions, mental health support, and flexible hours are becoming the new normal. For plenty of workers, the total package offers more value than the basic pay, making these extras a crucial part of any job offer.