The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Poll reveals Scots’ payslip woes
Are you feeling strapped for cash? Well, according to a new survey, the majority (62.9%) of Scots struggle to make ends meet each month but more than half (56.4%) are still too scared to ask for a pay rise.
Interestingly, when compared with survey data from January 2019, it appears that Scots are even less likely to ask for a pay rise than they were a year ago, where 48.6% didn’t feel comfortable to ask for one.
The 2020 study, which surveyed 2,300 British professionals, reveals that workers in Glasgow are the most likely to suffer financially, with two thirds (66.2%) of respondents struggling to make ends meet. This is then followed by those in Aberdeen (57.9%) and Edinburgh (56.3%).
What’s more, the survey from CV-Library, a leading UK independent job board, also shows that 56% of Scots run out of money before they get paid.
Indeed, the research shows that workers in Edinburgh are the most likely to run out of money before the end of the month, with nearly six in 10 (59.2%) residents running out of funds. This is closely followed by those in Glasgow (54.4%) and Aberdeen (47.7%).
Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CVLibrary, said: “It’s worrying to see that so many people are struggling to make ends meet across Scotland. The cost of living is continuing to rise and when the economy is so uncertain, it’s clear that companies just can’t keep up in terms of pay.
“If you’re finding it difficult to manage your finances, remember that there is support out there and you can even speak to your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.”
The study went on to reveal that 56% of Scots feel confident about securing a higher-paid role elsewhere.
Professionals in Edinburgh (59.2%) and Glasgow (57.4%) were most confident about this, while only 47.4% of workers in Aberdeen felt this way.
However, the latest job market data reveal that salaries for roles in Scotland dropped by 6.3%, when comparing month-on-month data. This drop isn’t particularly surprising, given the uncertainty surrounding our departure from the European Union at the end of January and the rapid spread of the coronavirus disease.
That said, it’s not all bad news for job seekers, as vacancies in Scotland rose by 16.2% year-on-year. This shows that employers haven’t totally lost their faith in the job market and are slowly ramping up investment in the hiring strategies. Over time, this could lead to an increase wages, too.
Mr Biggins said: “It’s no secret that changing jobs is one of the best ways to secure a higher salary, so it might be time to look for a new role. That said, if you regularly struggle with money but are happy in your current position it’s worth discussing a pay rise with your line manager first.
“Remember, you’ll need to prove your worth and show them why you deserve the investment so come armed with plenty of evidence.”