'Three out of four' employees reluctant to ask bosses for pay rise

Three out of four workers have not asked for a pay rise in the last three years amid fear of rejection, or having to explain why they should have a wage increase, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 workers by recruitment agency Randstad also found that one in three were worried about the reaction from their boss if they raised the topic of more pay.

Almost half of those polled said they were concerned that asking for a rise would jeopardise their job.

Workers in the north east, Yorkshire & the Humber and London were most likely to have asked for a pay rise.

Mark Bull, chief executive of Randstad, said: "Despite signs pointing to a shortage of professional skills in certain sectors, UK employees still aren't taking advantage of the increasingly open employment market.

"With nearly three quarters not pushing for more money, and with explanations ranging from fear of rejection to jeopardising their current roles, questions should be raised about whether UK employers are creating the right working environment for their employees to stay and seek progression."