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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Have you had this years pay increase?IABU but…

43 replies

Upsetbetty · 10/03/2026 11:30

3.4% increase…I just feel a meh about that tbh…I know IABU…just felt it would be at least 4%

bonus is 8% so that is good (but I’ll be putting it into my pension anyway)

OP posts:
JHound · 10/03/2026 14:53

Upsetbetty · 10/03/2026 11:30

3.4% increase…I just feel a meh about that tbh…I know IABU…just felt it would be at least 4%

bonus is 8% so that is good (but I’ll be putting it into my pension anyway)

I got my increase. It was 5.5% which sounds good but when you factor in I got 0% last year it was less good (luckily my rent did not go up last year.)

My bonus this year sounds good (25%) but the tax man’s take means I am likely to get less than half (despite putting some in my pension).

But as they say it’s better than a punch in the face.

CluelessAboutBiology · 10/03/2026 14:47

In public sector and we’ve been offered 3% (affluent part of the south east) and I was pleasantly surprised - wasn’t expecting it to be so high.

(we don’t get bonuses, obviously)

BrieAndChilli · 10/03/2026 14:44

private sector and have not had a payrise for a few years now. not even inflation. there is talk about cutting all our hours instead of redundancy

Original poster
Upsetbetty · 10/03/2026 14:40

ThatInbetweenBigCoatAndJacketWeather · 10/03/2026 12:06

I’ve had 0.5% in total over the last 4 years (private sector). I’m a high earner so am able to cushion against it to some degree, but still means I’m earning less in real terms than 4 years ago.

I’d be super chuffed with 4%

Yes this is private sector too, I just got a little deflated looking at the numbers I suppose. I know IABU, and I’m v lucky. A little bit more would nice is all. 😅

OP posts:
HobnobsChoice · 10/03/2026 12:16

Local authority employee. Our pay rises are done in line with the financial year so we had the 25/26 one and negotiation started for 26/27 in December with the unions. Unions are asking for 10% or 3k which is delusional, but in real terms we are still lagging after the enforcement of pay freezes under the Conservative government. For the grade I started on in January 2010 the pay now is about 11% down in real terms.

its2025 · 10/03/2026 12:08

I'd be happy with your figures (over the moon actually!) We're getting 3% - no bonus and that's more than I was anticipating.
I work in telecommunications.

Edited to add - I'm just happy to still have a job TBH

ThatInbetweenBigCoatAndJacketWeather · 10/03/2026 12:06

I’ve had 0.5% in total over the last 4 years (private sector). I’m a high earner so am able to cushion against it to some degree, but still means I’m earning less in real terms than 4 years ago.

I’d be super chuffed with 4%

Original poster
Upsetbetty · 10/03/2026 12:04

Bjorkdidit · 10/03/2026 11:57

What was the rate of inflation when you got those pay rises?

In 2022 to 2024 it was 6-10% so compared with that, 4% was quite poor. Now, not so much.

Show quote history

God I have no idea 🤣

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 10/03/2026 11:57

Upsetbetty · 10/03/2026 11:50

Yeah I’ve had 4- 4.3% before

Show quote history

What was the rate of inflation when you got those pay rises?

In 2022 to 2024 it was 6-10% so compared with that, 4% was quite poor. Now, not so much.

PurpleThistle7 · 10/03/2026 11:57

Sounds amazing to me! I work at a university so… 😂

ComtesseDeSpair · 10/03/2026 11:53

I was expecting 3 - 3.5, we got 3.5 so I was happy with that. I don’t think any business is escaping the pressure on expenses with more on the horizon.

Our ultimate shareholder is stiffing us on bonus calculation this year as they took an enormous preferenced dividend off the table, but what can you do.

Talkingtomyhouseplants · 10/03/2026 11:52

I’m still waiting to hear - it will be any day though. Got 3% last year which was disappointing. Year before I got 7.5 which was anomalous. I would like 4.5% which I think is reasonable 🙏🏻

Public sector - no bonuses.

deplorabelle · 10/03/2026 11:51

Nhs pay rise is set to be 3.3 percent. Bonuses are not a thing

Original poster
Upsetbetty · 10/03/2026 11:50

Bjorkdidit · 10/03/2026 11:49

4% is above the official rate of inflation. Is your employer known for giving above inflation pay rises?

Given the state of the world and the extra costs on businesses, most people would be pleased with any pay rise.

Yeah I’ve had 4- 4.3% before

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 10/03/2026 11:49

4% is above the official rate of inflation. Is your employer known for giving above inflation pay rises?

Given the state of the world and the extra costs on businesses, most people would be pleased with any pay rise.

NoodleNuts · 10/03/2026 11:43

I will also take your 3.4% - we got 1.4% last year and I'm not expecting any different this year. As for an 8% bonus - I would be happy with any bonus!

brunettemic · 10/03/2026 11:40

Our standard will be 2%, we’re a high growth (revenue and profit), cash rich private equity backed business. I’ll take your 3.4% please!

Belladog1 · 10/03/2026 11:37

Mine was rubbish. In fact, a 'negotiation' was had and instead I got more holiday days. But holiday isn't great when you have no money to do anything with it!!

I have never had a bonus 😅