In a significant economic development, Lichfield has emerged as the UK area with the largest increase in wages over the past year, according to new research.
The study, conducted by QRFY, analysed data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), focusing on hourly wage data across all local authorities in the United Kingdom, including overtime. The comparison between 2022 and 2023 wage data revealed substantial wage growth in several areas.
Lichfield, located in Staffordshire, saw the most significant increase in hourly wages. In 2022, the average hourly pay in Lichfield was £14.97. This figure rose sharply to £19.07 in 2023, marking a 27.39 percent increase.
Following closely, South Staffordshire experienced a notable wage increase as well. The average hourly wage in this area was £14.84 in 2022, which grew by 24.39 percent to £18.46 in 2023.
Eastbourne, in East Sussex, ranked third. The area’s average hourly pay increased from £16.77 in 2022 to £20.58 in 2023, representing a 22.72 percent rise.
Watford in Hertfordshire secured the fourth position with its average hourly pay rising from £18.85 in 2022 to £23.10 in 2023, a 22.55 percent increase.
Rounding out the top five is Kingston upon Thames, a south-west London area. Here, the average hourly pay increased from £20.69 in 2022 to £24.94 in 2023, reflecting a 20.54 percent rise.
The top ten areas with the highest wage increases is as follows
| Rank | Local Authority | 2022 Hourly Pay (Gross) | 2023 Hourly Pay (Gross) | Percentage Change |
| 1 | Lichfield | £14.97 | £19.07 | 27.39 percent |
| 2 | South Staffordshire | £14.84 | £18.46 | 24.39% |
| 3 | Eastbourne | £16.77 | £20.58 | 22.72% |
| 4 | Watford | £18.85 | £23.10 | 22.55% |
| 5 | Kingston upon Thames | £20.69 | £24.94 | 20.54% |
| 6 | Fareham | £17.75 | £21.09 | 18.82% |
| 7 | Wandsworth | £19.87 | £23.43 | 17.92% |
| 8 | Coventry | £19.29 | £22.69 | 17.63% |
| 9 | West Devon | £14.87 | £17.48 | 17.55% |
| 10 | Havering | £20.02 | £23.51 | 17.43% |
This data underscores significant regional variations in wage growth across the UK, reflecting broader economic trends and localised economic policies.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.