Pay Gap Between Senior Managers & Workers Increases

Dear Member, the following article highlights the importance of belonging to a trade union. It presents the widening pay gap between senior managers and lower-level employees across mainland Europe and the UK, illustrating why collective representation matters.

Study Reveals Pay Gap Trends Across Regions

Latest research from global management consultancy Hay Group shows that since 2008 the disparity between lower-level workers (skilled manual, clerical, supervisory or graduate-entry roles) and senior managers has grown in every region worldwide. The UK’s increase notably exceeds the European average.

Key Findings

• The UK has seen the pay gap widen by 5.3%.
• The average senior manager salary in the UK is 3.3 times that of a lower-level worker.
• Mainland Europe experienced the smallest increase at 2.2%.
• North America recorded a 7.2% increase in its pay gap.

Regional Variations in Pay Disparity

Europe vs UK

While Europe’s pay gap rose by only 2.2%, the UK’s surge of 5.3% is over double that rate. This divergence highlights the impact of a strong trade union tradition in mainland Europe, which has helped maintain greater pay equality despite economic shifts. In Switzerland, France and Poland, pay gaps actually decreased by 3.3%, 5.6% and 12.8%, respectively.

Adam Burden, Hay Group consultant, notes: “While the difference between the pay gap increase in the UK and Europe is attention-grabbing, it is not altogether surprising. Mainland Europe’s powerful trade unions have upheld pay equity through fluctuating market conditions.”

Explore the full pay gap between senior managers and lower-level workers report.

North America Trends

North America’s gap increased by 7.2%, with the United States alone up by 10.6%. As companies cut jobs during the recession, senior managers often received pay rises for expanded responsibilities, further widening inequality.

Global Forces Driving Pay Inequality

Globalisation has created a larger pool for senior talent—often paid at mature-market rates—while lower-level roles in emerging markets remain low-paid. Digitisation automates many routine tasks, reducing demand and suppressing wages for lower positions. Simultaneously, senior roles demand skills like emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving and advanced judgment, driving their compensation upward.

Adam Burden adds: “Organisations must communicate transparently about reward policies and invest in training to upskill workforces. This fosters engagement and helps address pay disparities.”

Our Commitment and Call to Action

As a traditional trade union, we remain devoted to fair treatment and equality of pay. We urge you to:

• Encourage colleagues, friends and family to join the Workers of England Union.
• Contact us if you suspect your pay is incorrect or below the living wage.

Please call our office on 01206 766899. Together, we will continue to campaign for pay justice in every workplace.