Last year saw the worst 12 month period for wage growth in half a century as many continue to battle against the cost of living crisis.
Across Scotland and the rest of the UK, people are feeling the pitch more than ever as income struggles to keep up with increasing outgoings - whether it be increase mortgage rates, food shops soaring or a bigger monthly energy bill.
Research carried out by Furniture At Work found that the average pay rise between December and February was 6.6 per cent. But when comparing this increase to inflation - 10.1 per cent - it means that most people across the country basically accepted a pay decrease over the last year.
In order to keep up with the rising costs, pay rises would be required to match rates of inflation. For example, a person earning £30,000 per year would need t pay rise of at least £2,670 to keep up with inflation - taking their yearly salary to £32,670.
In order to work out what your inflation matching pay rise would be, you can use the ons.gov calculator. This will allow you to see what your pay rise would need to be to keep up with inflation, what the average rise would take your salary to, and how much more or less your salary is worth this year compared to last if inflation rates are considered.
It is, of course, a difficult topic to bring up with your boss or employer. But in order to help, employment expert at Furniture At Work shared some of their tips.
How to ask for a pay rise
- Research salary trends and have a real case
- Pick the right time
- Be persistent
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