Lancashire workers 'not fairly paid' as report reveals two thirds are unhappy with wages
A new report has found that two thirds of workers in Lancashire do not feel they are fairly paid, with only 38 per cent of employees happy with their wages compared to a national average of 52 per cent
Two thirds of workers in Lancashire do not feel they are fairly paid, a new report has revealed.
Only 38 per cent of employees in the county are happy with their wages compared to a national average 52 per cent.
In a survey of 417 employees and managers across Lancashire, only 59 per cent described their work as productive. Workload and wellbeing were also marked as areas for attention.
Led by Prof Adrian Wright, associate dean in the Business School and director of the institute of Research into Organisations, Work and Employment at the University of Lancashire, the Work in Lancashire report investigated how to strengthen the county’s economic growth.
It recommends that policymakers place job quality at the centre of Lancashire's growth agenda, and that organisations put greater investment in improving skills and training.
The report, co-authored by researchers from the University of Lancashire Business School, surveyed 417 employees and managers across the county to understand how employers and employees are experiencing work in the region.
Only 54 per cent of respondents said their role was aligned with their experience, training and skills, while just a quarter had received career or promotion guidance.
Workload and wellbeing were also highlighted as areas for attention. Almost one in five respondents reported working additional hours without extra pay, while another fifth said they were required to work longer hours than contracted.
Three quarters believed their organisation takes health and wellbeing seriously, less than a third reported receiving support for it.
The report recommends that policymakers strengthen management and leadership capability.
Prof Wright said: “The Work in Lancashire report highlights existing strengths in workplaces across our region, whilst identifying opportunities to improve the experience both employees and employers have across Lancashire.
“It’s reassuring to hear that many employees feel secure in their jobs, but there are still opportunities to improve pay fairness, make better use of people's skills, strengthen career development and address workload and wellbeing.
“As Lancashire develops its growth agenda, job quality needs to sit alongside skills, productivity and employment. Investing in good management and better-designed jobs can help organisations retain and engage their workforce while supporting the region's wider economic ambitions.”