---
title: Businesses are seeing an increase in staff asking for pay rises 
description: 64% of UK business decision-makers say they're experiencing more employees asking for pay rises more frequently as a result of the hike in living costs.
image: https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/Social%20Media%20Assets/payrise2.jpg
---

[![Applaud-logo-HRSD](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/Redesign_2024/Applaud-logo-HRSD.svg) ](https://www.applaudhr.com/)

- Features**
  
  Creator Platform
  
    - [ Advanced AI ](https://www.applaudhr.com/creator-platform/advanced-ai)
    - [ Integrations ](https://www.applaudhr.com/creator-platform/integrations)
    - [ Dashboards and reporting ](https://www.applaudhr.com/creator-platform/analytics)
    - [ No-code innovation ](https://www.applaudhr.com/creator-platform/no-code)
    - [ Enterprise-ready ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/enterprise)
  
  
  
  
  Feature
  
  [
  
  Knowledge Management
  
  Eliminate confusion. Find answers fast.
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/knowledge-management) [
  
  Employee Portal
  
  Empower employees to self serve
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/people-portal) [
  
  AI Assistant
  
  Provide a personal HR helper
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/ai-assistant) [
  
  Journeys
  
  Make every moment rewarding
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/journeys) [
  
  HR Case Management
  
  Deliver intuitive, streamlined support
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/product/hrcasemanagement)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [![Request a demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3805486/interactive-192131347623.png) ](https://www.applaudhr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJMsaFEBvVEvrdIb7hmVYaCQy5cRCvNNIN6gMXSEoNlRzN7elibkh%2BBAKB8jiQoVLUfWZlvYDN1Cd5loMcionVILDGyb2QjMqrx7jJcXgC1yZzH0448g%2Bzd%2BTW4VBkLe%2BHP4BjiHHtaTVtZY0EdgJXroYho1XGU%2F000pdD9s7eS2o5Q3cC2ju5XuYQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192131347623&portalId=3805486)
- Solutions**
  
  Team
  
    - [ HR ](https://www.applaudhr.com/teams/HR)
    - [ IT ](https://www.applaudhr.com/teams/IT)
    - [ Security and Privacy ](https://www.applaudhr.com/teams/security-privacy)
    - [ Enterprise architecture ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/enterprise)
  
  
  
  
  Use case
  
  [![HR Service Delivery](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/website_2025/icons/solutions-icons/Icon-HRSD.png)
  
  HR Service Delivery
  
  HRSD from an employee's point of view
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/hr-service-delivery) [![Employee Experience](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/website_2025/icons/solutions-icons/Icon-EX.png)
  
  Employee Experience
  
  EX - Finally made simple
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/employee-experience) [![Onboarding](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/website_2025/icons/solutions-icons/Icon-Onboarding.png)
  
  Onboarding
  
  Employee onboarding that outlasts day one
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/onboarding) [![Artificial Intelligence](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/website_2025/icons/solutions-icons/Icon-AI.png)
  
  Artificial Intelligence
  
  AI-Native HR. Human-First results
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/creator-platform/advanced-ai) [![HR Help Desk](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/website_2025/icons/solutions-icons/Icon-HR-Help.png)
  
  HR Help Desk
  
  AI-powered. Built around your people
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/hr-helpdesk) [![Digital Transformation](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/website_2025/icons/solutions-icons/Digital-Transformation.png)
  
  Digital Transformation
  
  Powered by People-first tech
  
  
  
  ](https://www.applaudhr.com/solutions/digital-transformation)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [![Request a demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3805486/interactive-192131347623.png) ](https://www.applaudhr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJMsaFEBvVEvrdIb7hmVYaCQy5cRCvNNIN6gMXSEoNlRzN7elibkh%2BBAKB8jiQoVLUfWZlvYDN1Cd5loMcionVILDGyb2QjMqrx7jJcXgC1yZzH0448g%2Bzd%2BTW4VBkLe%2BHP4BjiHHtaTVtZY0EdgJXroYho1XGU%2F000pdD9s7eS2o5Q3cC2ju5XuYQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192131347623&portalId=3805486)
- Resources**
  
  Learn
  
    - [ About us ](https://www.applaudhr.com/about-us)
    - [ Customer stories ](https://www.applaudhr.com/customers)
    - [ Guides ](https://www.applaudhr.com/resources/tag/guides)
    - [ Blog ](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog)
    - [ Events ](https://www.applaudhr.com/resources/tag/events)
  
  
  
  
  Support
  
    - [ Help center ](https://support.applaudsolutions.com/hc/en-us)
    - [ Partners ](https://www.applaudhr.com/partners)
  
  
  
  
  Grow
  
    - [ Careers ](https://www.applaudhr.com/applaud-careers)
    - [ Applaud Academy ](https://academy.applaudhr.com)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [![Request a demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3805486/interactive-192131347623.png) ](https://www.applaudhr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJMsaFEBvVEvrdIb7hmVYaCQy5cRCvNNIN6gMXSEoNlRzN7elibkh%2BBAKB8jiQoVLUfWZlvYDN1Cd5loMcionVILDGyb2QjMqrx7jJcXgC1yZzH0448g%2Bzd%2BTW4VBkLe%2BHP4BjiHHtaTVtZY0EdgJXroYho1XGU%2F000pdD9s7eS2o5Q3cC2ju5XuYQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192131347623&portalId=3805486)
- [Pricing](https://www.applaudhr.com/resources)
- [![Request a demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3805486/interactive-192131347623.png) ](https://www.applaudhr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJMsaFEBvVEvrdIb7hmVYaCQy5cRCvNNIN6gMXSEoNlRzN7elibkh%2BBAKB8jiQoVLUfWZlvYDN1Cd5loMcionVILDGyb2QjMqrx7jJcXgC1yZzH0448g%2Bzd%2BTW4VBkLe%2BHP4BjiHHtaTVtZY0EdgJXroYho1XGU%2F000pdD9s7eS2o5Q3cC2ju5XuYQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192131347623&portalId=3805486)

- [![Request a demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3805486/interactive-192131347623.png) ](https://www.applaudhr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJMsaFEBvVEvrdIb7hmVYaCQy5cRCvNNIN6gMXSEoNlRzN7elibkh%2BBAKB8jiQoVLUfWZlvYDN1Cd5loMcionVILDGyb2QjMqrx7jJcXgC1yZzH0448g%2Bzd%2BTW4VBkLe%2BHP4BjiHHtaTVtZY0EdgJXroYho1XGU%2F000pdD9s7eS2o5Q3cC2ju5XuYQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192131347623&portalId=3805486)

![Office](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/images/blog-images/Office.png)

# Nearly two-thirds of UK businesses say staff are asking for pay rises in response to the recession

**London, UK, 21 September:** Nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK business decision-makers say that they're experiencing more employees asking for pay rises more frequently as a result of the hike in living costs, according to new research by [Applaud](https://www.applaudhr.com/), the leading employee experience (EX) platform. 

 

Over two-thirds (67%) of UK business decision-makers are also seeing their employee's voice concerns about the upcoming recession; as the UK workforce battles rising prices, with average prices in the UK  rising to [10%](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12196322) in the last 12 months alone, for many people wages aren't keeping up.

 

![AdobeStock_306960712](https://www.applaudhr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_306960712.jpeg?width=5760&name=AdobeStock_306960712.jpeg)

 

**Duncan Casemore, Co-Founder and CTO** at Applaud comments: “Recessions are a scary concept, for business leaders and employees alike. Employees are worried about how they’re going to pay for soaring energy bills, as well as higher food and fuel costs. As such, leaders have to step up and reassure their workforce that they’re doing everything in their power to weather the storm.”

 

Employees are becoming restless, with half (50%) of businesses experiencing a higher staff turnover than usual. To combat this, half (50%) of business decision-makers cited that they have increased spending on HR and employee experience technologies over the past two years. This is specifically to:

 

- Improve employee retention (43%)
- Personalise employee experiences (42%)
- Address the cost-of-living crisis (42%)
- Cut people-related costs (45%)
- Make information and policies accessible all in one place (45%)

 

However, the research shows that despite implementing new technologies to bolster workplace experiences, businesses are still suffering from poor HR processes, and paying the price for it. Over half (58%) of business decision-makers say they use more than five separate HR systems, which is likely to be incredibly confusing for their workforce.

 

Although, despite the [increased spending](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/tag/trends) on HR technology, most businesses still have a long way to go. Over half (55%) of those surveyed said the time to implement and get people using the systems has been too long. Plus, a further 57% say some processes they'd hoped to manage in the new system are still done manually. All the while, employees are suffering from using software that simply isn’t up to scratch, which could result in many choosing to leave the business.

 

**Casemore** continues: “To counteract the effects of the recession and cut costs, businesses need to ensure that they’re focusing on streamlining their internal processes. A smooth, unified HR Service Delivery platform can eliminate friction, cut unnecessary admin, and give employees confidence that they’re working with up-to-date systems, rather than scrambling through multiple disconnected platforms. Poor HR processes are not only costing business decision-makers money, but irritating employees with multiple, time-consuming systems is only going to drive them away. And with the average cost of hiring a new employee around [£3,000](https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/true-costs-hiring-uk/), fixing HR issues is vital for any business looking to save on unnecessary costs. For many, doing so will be the difference between making it through this challenging period, or not.”

 

**About the research**

The survey was conducted by global insight-driven research company CensusWide who interviewed 250 UK business decision-makers at small (10 - 49 employees), medium (50-249 employees) and large (250+ employees) businesses. 

 

**About Applaud **

[Applaud](https://www.applaudhr.com/) is the HR-focused, employee-led disruptor for the world of work, enabling global enterprises to deliver more intuitive and rewarding employee experiences. Creating HR service delivery tech from an employee point of view, Applaud puts the employee at the center of their everyday world of work, with direct access and personalized control, helping HR do more for their people.

 

 

 

** Published September 22, 2022 / by [Applaud](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/author/applaud)

#### Share the knowledge:

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

### Further Applaud news and insights you might like

<https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/digital-transformation/hr-efficiency-costs-and-the-roi-of-ai-powered-hrsd>

<https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/digital-transformation/hr-efficiency-costs-and-the-roi-of-ai-powered-hrsd>

### [HR Efficiency, Costs, and the ROI of AI-Powered HRSD Discover how AI-powered HR service delivery cuts resolution times, reduces HR workload, and helps businesses reclaim productivity from inefficient HR processes. ** Jun 24, 2026 10:44:08 AM / by [Duncan Casemore](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/resources/author/duncan-casemore)](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/digital-transformation/hr-efficiency-costs-and-the-roi-of-ai-powered-hrsd)

[Read More](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/digital-transformation/hr-efficiency-costs-and-the-roi-of-ai-powered-hrsd) 

<https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/trends/the-future-of-hr-service-delivery-trends-to-prepare-for-now>

<https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/trends/the-future-of-hr-service-delivery-trends-to-prepare-for-now>

### [The Future of HR Service Delivery: Trends to Prepare for Now The future of HR service delivery is not a better portal, a shinier chatbot, or faster ticket routing. It is a design challenge. Prepare for these HR trends now. ** Jun 23, 2026 10:06:54 AM / by [Duncan Casemore](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/resources/author/duncan-casemore)](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/trends/the-future-of-hr-service-delivery-trends-to-prepare-for-now)

[Read More](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/trends/the-future-of-hr-service-delivery-trends-to-prepare-for-now)

[![Applaud](https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/Redesign_2024/Applaud-logo-HRSD.svg "Applaud")](https://www.applaudsolutions.com)

Products

- [ Knowledge Management ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/knowledge-management)
- [ Ai Assistant ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/ai-assistant)
- [ HR Case Management ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/hr-case-management)
- [ Employee Portal ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/people-portal)
- [ Journeys ](https://www.applaudhr.com/products/journeys)

Creator Platform

Use case

By team

Next steps

Learn

Support

Grow

- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/applaud-hr>
- <https://x.com/applaudhr>
- <https://www.facebook.com/applaudhr/>
- <https://www.youtube.com/@ApplaudHR>

Creating HR service delivery tech from an employee point-of-view, Applaud puts the employee at the center of their everyday world of work, with direct access and personalized control, helping HR do more for their people.

Copyright 2026 Applaud Solutions UK Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

[Cookie Policy](https://www.applaudhr.com/cookie-policy) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.applaudhr.com/privacy-policy) | [Legal](https://www.applaudhr.com/legal-policy)

[**](https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/trends/two-thirds-uk-businesses-say-their-staff-are-asking-for-payrises#)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Applaud",
    "url" : "https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/author/applaud"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-06-18T07:39:39.601Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-09-22T08:15:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Businesses are seeing an increase in staff asking for pay rises ",
  "image" : [ "https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/Social%20Media%20Assets/payrise2.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.applaudhr.com/blog/trends/two-thirds-uk-businesses-say-their-staff-are-asking-for-payrises",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.applaudhr.com/hubfs/BlackLogo-01.png"
    },
    "name" : "Applaud "
  }
}
```