2016 pay awards 'set to remain at 2%'

Most pay awards have been around 2% this year and are expected to remain the same in 2016, according to a new report.

A study of more than 80 settlements in recent months found the median increase was 2%.

Pay analysts XpertHR said increases in the public sector were worth a median 1.5% in the year to October.

Sheila Attwood, of XpertHR, said: "As pay bargaining for 2015 draws to a close, we don't expect any shocks in the level of awards being made.

"Our data shows that 2% is firmly locked in place as the headline pay award for 2015.

"It also suggests that we are looking at more of the same in 2016."

%VIRTUAL-ArticleSidebar-jobs-guide%TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "While private sector pay settlements continue to show real gains, future improvements to living standards will depend on stronger earnings growth.

"Next week's spending review is a chance for the Government to bring forward an industrial strategy that supports more better-paid jobs by improving skills and investing in modern infrastructure."