Standing steady at a 3% median, pay awards have remained consistent so far in 2025. As public-sector pay deals have started coming into effect, we are seeing these awards remain higher than the private sector, a trend we have recorded consistently since mid-2023.
Pay awards are firmly settled at a median 3%, with no change in the Brightmine headline measure for six rolling quarters. Above-average awards in the public sector keep the sector firmly ahead of the private sector.
The latest Brightmine analysis shows no change in the direction of pay awards in 2025. With April being the busiest month of the year for pay awards, the pattern of pay deals is becoming clear for 2025.
Pay settlement levels remain stable across the first quarter of the year, with more of the same predicted as we head into the most common month of the year for pay awards to take effect.
The Brightmine headline measure of pay awards remains stable in the three months to the end of February 2025, confirming the downward trend in pay settlement levels.
At the start of 2025, pay awards have dropped to their lowest level since 2021 - but will this decline continue? Our latest data offers insights into expected pay deals for the year ahead and the key factors shaping them, from affordability to national insurance changes and the national minimum wage.