Shareholders mulling 200% rise in average CEO pay

Sixteen of the largest UK companies are considering over an average 200% rise in CEO pay, awarded through annual bonuses. Meanwhile, real terms worker pay is largely lower than in 2008.

Sixteen of the largest companies in the UK are considering an average 200% increase in pay for their chief executive officers, which would come through bonuses awarded annually. At the same time, the real terms wages of workers remain lower than they were in 2008.

“Discontent”

The analysis, by Deloitte, also found that CEOs of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) received nearly £5.9 million in average pay in 2025. This is a rise of 18% from £5 million in 2024. The vast majority of people couldn’t fathom getting £900,000 in pay, let alone receiving that as one year’s increase. Indeed, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said it was “frankly obscene”. The role of CEO has become synonymous with exceptionally high salaries in the UK.

He continued:

[CEO pay] reinforces the sense that our system is rigged in favour of those at the top. We need an economy that works for working people – not just City high‑fliers.

Interim director of the High Pay Centre Andrew Speke said:

In the context of a worsening cost of living crisis, these new figures are likely to increase existing discontent over pay inequality and excessive executive pay. YouGov polling last week suggested that 65% of respondents support the Green Party’s policy of a 10:1 pay ratio between executive pay and that of the lowest-paid worker. This underlines the scale of public concern and suggests it would be a sensible move for government to take this issue more seriously and consider stronger action on corporate excess.

The average £5.9 million in top executive pay is up from previous estimates of £5.5 million. The pay increase comes despite 20 of the FTSE 100 companies reducing their environmental and social commitments when assessing pay rises for bosses. At the centre of these changes is the increasing power wielded by CEOs.

Further, the share value of the top 100 UK companies has leapt by 20% in a year. That’s despite UK growth stagnating at 1.3% in 2025.

This shows a corporate oligarchy is dominating the resources and expertise available to the country. Over the past decade, only 125 companies have rotated within the FTSE 100, while the influence held by each CEO has continued to grow.

Featured image via the Unsplash/Canary