UK workers ‘could quit’ over remote working pay cuts

Seven in 10 UK employees would consider leaving their job if their employer suggested a pay cut for remote working, according to new research.

In a study by independent job board CV Library, more than eight in ten (82%) people worked remotely since the start of the pandemic.

But. of the 1500 people asked, two in ten (19%) said it was fair to take a slash in wages for working from home – but only if an employee still worked on a remote basis full time. 

Of those prepared to stay in their roles, 43% said they would accept a 5% pay cut and 21% would take a 10% pay drop.

Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library, said: “Businesses do need to proceed with caution. If they do choose to further impact salaries and benefits for those working from home, there will be plenty opportunities from companies who will be prepared to meet the needs of top job seekers.

“Contractual obligations, weighting allowances and individual circumstances will be unique to each business. What is apparent is that flexible working is here to stay and we’re in a candidate led market with job postings at a record high.” 

The research comes days after the UK government announced an increase in taxes for British workers from April 2022. Employees, employers and the self-employed will all be required to pay an extra 1.25p for National Insurance, which will help fund social care in England and help the NHS recover after the pandemic.

Alannah Clarke Horne, Global HR manager at remote employment platform Boundless, said: “As a general rule, and regardless of the particular jurisdiction, a company can’t adjust the pay without reflecting that in the employment contract.”