Rate of UK dividend growth far outstripping wage increases, says report

Rate of UK dividend growth far outstripping wage increases, says report

Workers in Britain would be paid about £2,100 per year more on average if wages had matched a boom in company dividends handed to shareholders over the past two decades, according to a report.

Highlighting a gulf between earnings from work and company ownership, the Common Wealth thinktank said far-reaching reforms were needed to rebalance power amid rising levels of inequality.

Against a backdrop of mounting pressure on workers as wages fail to keep pace with the soaring cost of living, it urged the government to take action to increase workers’ rights and trade union negotiating strength, as well as delivering an increase in care funding and social security benefits.