UK set to experience first pay rise for a year

Britons have been handed their first pay rise since the beginning of 2017 as a year-long squeeze on real incomes, stemming economic growth, comes to an end, data this week is expected to reveal.

According to The Times, figures set to be published on Tuesday will show that average wages in February climbed 3% on a year earlier, above the inflation rate of 2.7% for the same month.

Separate stats on Wednesday are expected to show a further decline in inflation to 2.6% in March.

"Last year, growth slowed because the consumer was being squeezed," Scotiabank UK economist Alan Clarke said.

"This year is looking much better as the pattern of wages and inflation has reversed."

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