Paychecks are still growing, but not as fast:
Average weekly earnings (including bonuses) increased 3.9% in the three months to January 2026, a slight dip from before.
Wage growth was at its lowest in more than five years.

With more people struggling to find jobs and pay rises slowing down, it could get tougher for many to keep up with living costs or plan ahead financially.
If you're thinking about your next steps after school or university, it's worth keeping an eye on these trends: they shape what opportunities might be out there.