New research has highlighted the sectors with the most substantial wage increases in the UK, with the manufacturing of textiles, leather, and clothing leading the way. According to a study by Journo Research, in collaboration with global fintech group Plus500, the industry experienced the highest rise in weekly earnings from December 2022 to December 2023.
The study, based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Wages and Salaries Survey, reveals that workers in the textiles, leather, and clothing manufacturing sector saw their average weekly earnings increase by 12.31%, from £489.18 in December 2022 to £549.41 in December 2023. This growth represents the largest percentage rise across all industries.
In second place is the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector, which also saw a significant boost in wages. The average weekly earnings in this sector rose by 11.26%, climbing from £462.40 to £514.45 over the same period.
The real estate activities industry ranks third, with weekly earnings increasing by 11.25%. The average wage in this sector grew from £632.48 to £703.64 between December 2022 and December 2023.
The accommodation and food service activities sector comes in fourth, reporting a 9.99% increase in average weekly earnings. Wages in this industry rose from £296.12 to £325.71 over the year.
Fifth place is occupied by the manufacturing of basic metals and metal products, which saw a 9.31% rise in weekly earnings. The average wage increased from £700.15 to £765.37.
Top ten industries with the biggest increase in wages
| Rank | Industry | 2022 Dec | 2023 Dec | Dec 2022-2023 year change |
| 1 | Manufacturing – Textiles, Leather and Clothing | £489.18 | £549.41 | 12.31% |
| 2 | Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | £462.40 | £514.45 | 11.26% |
| 3 | Real Estate Activities | £632.48 | £703.64 | 11.25% |
| 4 | Accommodation and Food Service Activities | £296.12 | £325.71 | 9.99% |
| 5 | Manufacturing – Basic Metals and Metal Products | £700.15 | £765.37 | 9.31% |
| 6 | Information and Communication | £1,070.36 | £1,166.77 | 9.01% |
| 7 | Administrative and Support Service Activities | £541.64 | £585.39 | 8.08% |
| 8 | Retail Trade and Repairs | £379.09 | £405.17 | 6.88% |
| 9 | Public Administration | £683.90 | £728.29 | 6.49% |
| 10 | Financial & Insurance Activities | £1,489.82 | £1,583.41 | 6.28% |
The research underscores significant wage growth across various sectors, reflecting broader economic trends and the evolving landscape of the UK job market. This increase in earnings may be indicative of shifts in industry demand and highlights the sectors that are currently experiencing strong financial performance and growth.
