Manufacturers’ economic confidence translating into higher investment and pay

Workers finally look set to see the benefit of the fledgling economic recovery in their pay cheques, according to the latest pay data from the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation.

Last week already, the EEF revealed that manufacturers were feeling increasingly optimistic, with companies reporting strong growth thanks to a combination of solid UK sales and a boost in overseas trade. 

This confidence now appears to be translating into investment, jobs and pay.

The EEF survey shows that the three-month average pay settlement by manufacturers has remained at a healthy 2.6 per cent after hitting this height in January. Importantly, this includes one of the year’s major pay rounds so will be seen by many as “setting the scene” for pay this year.

“We’re by no means out of the woods yet, but there’s plenty to suggest that we’re on the right path,” says Lee Hopley, Chief Economist at the EEF.  

“Pay settlements seem to be stabilising at a level that is both affordable and higher than last year. This is another good indication that the green shoots of recovery are firmly taking root and the pressure on household budgets, at least for manufacturing employees, is starting to unwind.”

At 2.6 per cent, it compares sharply to last year where pay settlements averaged out at 2.4 per cent, with those agreed in the summer months scraping in at just 2.2 per cent. However, it also suggests that manufacturers have reached affordable agreements with staff, allaying fears about wage inflation.

“Manufacturing continues to be a driving force and this also reflects in the growth of pay where the sector is outpacing the rest of the economy,” adds Hopley. “Put simply, workers in the sector are reaping the rewards of recovery earlier than others. Hopefully this level of confidence will continue as manufacturers carry on picking up pace.”

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