UK wages have fallen behind European rivals

By 2018, UK incomes were just 9 per cent higher than in 2005, compared with 40 per cent in Germany and 39.8 per cent in France.

By Nick Ferris

Illustration by Gary Waters / Ikon Images

UK wages have sunk far below those of European competitors, according to data from the Resolution Foundation’s latest Living Standards Audit.

Back in 2005, the UK’s median disposable income, when adjusted for purchasing power, was higher than that of Germany and France, at around €17,000, compared with €16,000 and €14,500, respectively. But by 2010, the UK’s median income had fallen below that of France, Germany and other European neighbours including Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium.