UK Private-Sector Pay Growth Slows to 2.8%, Weakest Since 2020
Andrei Popescu
Annual average regular earnings growth was 2.8% for the private sector in April to June 2026; the last time it was lower than 2.8% was August to October 2020, when it was 2.4%, according to the Office for National Statistics bulletin published 18 August 2026. Over the same period, the public sector recorded 6.1% and the whole-economy regular earnings growth rate was 3.5%.
Data Snapshot
| Metric | Current | Previous | Change | Period | As of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private sector annual average regular earnings growth (excluding bonuses) | 2.8% | — | — | April to June 2026 | 18 August 2026 | ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF) |
| Public sector annual average regular earnings growth (excluding bonuses) | 6.1% | — | — | April to June 2026 | 18 August 2026 | ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF) |
| Employees' average regular earnings growth (whole economy, excluding bonuses) | 3.5% | — | — | April to June 2026 | 18 August 2026 | ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF) |
| Average weekly earnings (AWE) — total earnings (estimate) | £755 | — | — | June 2026 | 18 August 2026 | ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF) |
| Average weekly earnings (AWE) — regular earnings (estimate) | £703 | — | — | June 2026 | 18 August 2026 | ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF) |
Private and public pay growth in April to June 2026
The ONS reports the annual growth rate in employees' average regular earnings (excluding bonuses) at 3.5% in April to June 2026. Within that aggregate, private-sector regular pay grew 2.8% while public-sector regular pay rose 6.1% in the same period. These are rates of regular pay growth and do not show reasons for sector differences or how changes are distributed across occupations.
Average weekly earnings levels in June 2026
Average weekly earnings (AWE) were estimated at £755 for total earnings and £703 for regular earnings in June 2026, according to the ONS release. These level estimates relate to a single month and sit alongside the annual growth rates reported for April to June 2026. Regular annual growth was 2.8% for the private sector and 6.1% for the public sector in April to June 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
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