The UK’s textile, leather, and clothing manufacturing industry has witnessed the most significant increase in wages between December 2022 and December 2023, according to recent research. The study, conducted by Journo Research with assistance from global fintech group Plus500, utilised data from the Office for National Statistics’ Wages and Salaries Survey to compare percentage changes in weekly earnings across various industries.
Leading the Surge: Textile, Leather, and Clothing Manufacturing
At the forefront of this wage growth is the manufacturing sector focused on textiles, leather, and clothing. In December 2022, workers in this industry earned an average of £489.18 per week. By December 2023, this figure had risen to £549.41, marking a notable 12.31% increase—the highest of any industry surveyed.
Agricultural Sector Sees Strong Gains
Second in the rankings is the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry, which also saw substantial wage growth. Weekly earnings in this sector increased from £462.40 in December 2022 to £514.45 in December 2023, representing an 11.26% rise. This increase reflects the growing demand for sustainable practices and products in these fields.
Real Estate Activities in Third Place
The real estate activities sector came in third, with a rise in average weekly earnings from £632.48 in December 2022 to £703.64 in December 2023. This 11.25% increase highlights the sector’s resilience and the ongoing demand for property and real estate services amidst economic fluctuations.
Hospitality Industry’s Steady Growth
In fourth place, the accommodation and food service activities industry experienced a 9.99% increase in wages. Average weekly earnings climbed from £296.12 in December 2022 to £325.71 in December 2023. This growth is indicative of the sector’s recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumer confidence and spending in hospitality continue to rise.
Metal Manufacturing Industry Rounds Out the Top Five
The manufacturing of basic metals and metal products sector also saw significant wage growth, securing the fifth spot. Weekly earnings in this industry increased from £700.15 in December 2022 to £765.37 in December 2023, a rise of 9.31%. This increase underscores the importance of metal manufacturing to the UK’s industrial landscape.
Other Notable Increases
Beyond the top five, several other industries saw noteworthy wage increases. The information and communication sector, with traditionally high earnings, experienced a 9.01% rise, with average weekly earnings growing from £1,070.36 to £1,166.77. Administrative and support service activities followed, with an 8.08% increase from £541.64 to £585.39.
The retail trade and repairs sector saw a 6.88% increase, with wages rising from £379.09 to £405.17. Public administration workers experienced a 6.49% increase in their weekly earnings, from £683.90 to £728.29. Lastly, the financial and insurance activities sector, known for its high wages, saw a 6.28% increase, with weekly earnings growing from £1,489.82 to £1,583.41.
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% |
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight significant wage growth across various sectors of the UK economy, with the textile, leather, and clothing manufacturing industry leading the way. These increases reflect broader economic trends and sector-specific developments, pointing to a dynamic labour market adapting to changing demands and challenges.