With rumours of an economic slowdown gathering pace, it is not surprising that the level of increase in pay rates has slowed. From a high of 3.5% in the first three months of the year, the median basic pay award is now worth 3.2% according to our latest analysis. In the largest survey of its kind, we provide a full analysis of pay awards in the three months to the end of April 2008.

The state of the economy and inflation levels are key factors at play in determining the level of pay rises that companies award. We examine the likely direction of these two measures in our biannual economic outlook. The state of the labour market and its impact on average earnings are also analysed.

Other top stories in this issue:

• Public sector pay review bodies (2): the health professions
• Apprentices: gender pay gap is 26%
• Has the time come for "green" company car fleets?
• Pensions under pressure

Sheila Attwood,
Editor,
Pay and Benefits Bulletin

Pay reports recently added to the site:

Orbit Housing Group: 4.5% paybill increase

Rethink: 3% salary increase

Scottish electrical contracting industry: new three-year deal

Pay review update: 30 May 2008

The latest pay review update table contains pay settlements at Asda, House of Fraser, Norwich Union and many more.

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Statistics and forecasts

The datafile contains the most recent inflation, earnings and labour market statistics, pay settlement data and inflation and earnings forecasts. The outlook for inflation has been revised upwards, with our panel of City and academic forecasters now expecting headline inflation to end the year at 2.8%. Average earnings growth is expected to remain in the region of 4% over the remainder of 2008.

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From the blog

Launched and run by the editorial team that produces XpertHR and the IRS e-journals, the Employment Intelligence blog is regularly updated with news, comment and links to the latest employment developments. Recent posts include:

• IRS visits the Bank of England
• Executive pay and bonuses take flight
• Celre turns spotlight on managers' pay
• Just can't get the staff?

Today's tip: email an article

How many times do you stumble on something you must draw to the attention of a colleague? Every article on XpertHR has a link to the right of the screen enabling you to "email this item to a colleague". Click on the link, enter the email address of your colleague, and press send. Your colleague will receive the document in full, making this an ideal tool when delegating work. Alternatively, email the article to yourself as a reminder.

IRS CONFERENCES

HR Directors Club Dinner, 3 June, Barbican, London - HR's role in ethical business

More organisations are now looking not just at the financial impact of what they do, but at how their business decisions impact their environment and local communities. By joining all of these together, businesses can operate both profitably and responsibly.

For HR professionals, this means they must communicate new values and ways of working and consider whether or not the way in which they manage staff fits in with an ethical business model. What is the HR director’s role in conducting business responsibly, and how should they go about fulfilling that role?

If you would like to join us for a three-course dinner in the spectacular Conservatory and Garden Room at the Barbican, please contact Linda Kimberly to see if you qualify for the HR Directors Club or call 020 8652 3304.

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