As Briton’s face an increase in taxes, almost three-quarters of UK professionals would consider leaving their job if their employer suggested a remote working pay cut

The day after the UK government announced an increase in taxes for British workers from 2022, the latest survey from the UK’s leading independent job board, CV-Library, reveals that three-quarters (74.2%) of professionals think it is unfair for an employer to suggest a pay cut if a member of staff spends time working remotely or from home. What’s more, a further 69% reported that they would consider leaving their job if their employer made the suggestion to them.

Interestingly, 19% did agree that it was a fair suggestion, but only if an employee now worked on a remote basis, or from home, full time. 6.8% agreed, regardless of the remote split.

Of those prepared to stay in their roles, 43.4% said they would accept a 5% pay cut, 20.7% said they would take a 10% pay drop and 5.9% would even agree to a 20% reduction. A further, 26.5% reported that they would stay but would not agree to any pay cut whatsoever.

Of the almost 1,500 respondents, only 11.1% said the topic of a pay cut had already been mentioned, whilst a whopping 82.2% said that had worked remotely at some point since the onset of COVID-19.

Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library comments: “Contractual obligations, weighting allowances and individual circumstances will be unique to each business. What is apparent is that flexible working is here to stay and we’re in a candidate led market with job postings at a record high.”

Biggins continues: “This topic isn’t going to disappear anytime soon and very few businesses seem to be having the conversation with staff in the UK. Given the government announcement about tax increases from 2022, business do need to proceed with caution. If they do choose to further impact salaries and benefits for those working from home, there will be plenty opportunities from companies who will be prepared to meet the needs of top job seekers.”