UK Private-Sector Pay Growth Slows to 2.8%, Weakest Since 2020

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

MetricCurrentPreviousChangePeriodAs ofSourcePrivate sector annual average regular earnings growth (excluding bonuses)2.8%——April to June 202618 August 2026ONS — 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 202618 August 2026ONS — 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 202618 August 2026ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF)Average weekly earnings (AWE) — total earnings (estimate)£755——June 202618 August 2026ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF)Average weekly earnings (AWE) — regular earnings (estimate)£703——June 202618 August 2026ONS — Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (statistical bulletin, PDF)

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