UK pay awards in the first six months of 2026

The median pay award stands at 3.3% in the first six months of the year. But the real question for reward professionals is what that means for their organisation. This report helps you benchmark your 2026 pay award against the latest market data, understand where employers are positioning themselves, and start planning your 2027 reward strategy with confidence.

Brightmine is one of only a handful of independent organisations in the UK that collects and analyses pay settlement data. Discover the trends and analysis shaping reward decisions today, including:

  • Emerging patterns in employer pay award decisions
  • The growing concentration around accepted market rates
  • Sector-specific benchmarks for reward planning conversations
  • Key considerations shaping pay strategies for 2027

Download your report today

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