How has your region been impacted? Explore an interactive map showcasing regions with the highest pay growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies reveals that pay growth in the UK since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has been most significant for high-earning professionals in finance and business services based in London. In contrast, the rest of the country has experienced slower growth, contributing to an increase in regional pay inequality.

Between February 2020 and May 2023, mean earnings for employees living in London rose by 5% after adjusting for inflation. Similarly, those living within commuting distance of the capital saw a rise of 4.5%. These figures far surpass the national average increase of 2.7%, highlighting the growing disparity in regional pay. On the other end of the spectrum, the Shetland Islands experienced a 3.3% decrease in mean pay, resulting in average monthly earnings of £2,909.

London now boasts a mean salary of £4,400 a month before tax, equivalent to £52,800 a year. In comparison, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow have mean salaries of £2,504, £2,521, and £2,592 per month respectively. Low-earning areas include Cornwall (£2,253), Sunderland (£2,425), South Teesside (£2,405), Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham (£2,421), Gwynedd (£2,261), and Fermanagh and Omagh (£2,282).

*SEARCH THIS MAP TO SEE THE MEAN EARNINGS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA*