Manufacturing pay remains stable - EEF Northern

EEF's latest figures for the three months to the end of March 2008 show that the average level of pay settlements was 3.2%, the same figure as the previous four months and within the very narrow band they have been for the last eighteen months.

During this latest period, the number of pay freezes reported rose slightly to just under 6% of all settlements, the highest figure since May 2007. However, the number of companies reporting that they had deferred their pay settlement fell slightly to just under 4% of all settlements.

Commenting on these latest figures, EEF Northern Director, Alan Hall,said:-

“Given we are passing through one of the busiest periods for wage negotiations in manufacturing it is clear that, despite the increase in the cost of living, this is not being translated into higher wage demands."

Settlement level - per cent Number of settlements
Zero (pay freeze)     23
0.01-2.00               13 ( 8 at 2 per cent exactly)
2.01-3.00               173 (121 at 3 per cent exactly)
3.01-4.00               129 (29 at 4 per cent exactly)
4.01 or more           51


The April Pay Bulletin contains information on 389 settlements covering 58,064 employees. Of these, the average settlement was 3.2% in January, February and March 2008 although the figures for both February and March are based on very small samples. These figures may be subject to revision to take into account settlements for this period that have not yet been received.

Notes for editors

For more information contact Jenny Russell 0191 4165656 jenniferrussell@eefnorthern.org.uk

EEF Northern has more than 500 member companies in the North of England and provides the most cost effective legal, employment law, employee relations and HS&E advice and training in the UK.

EEF Northern employs teams of HR and employment specialists and has access to more than 60 lawyers and barristers to help its members understand the issues associated with the ever increasing introduction of legislation and regulation.

Membership of EEF Northern gives immediate unlimited access to the team of specialists - including the largest specialist employment law team in the UK, which provides professional no-nonsense advice and guidance either by telephone or in person.

In addition, EEF represents the interests of its members at UK Government, European and international level, and can provide advice and support on issues and legislation that can affect almost every aspect of business.

Visit www.eef.org.uk/northern for further information.