02.03.15
Major rail schemes push workers’ pay up by 74% since 2012
Major rail infrastructure schemes, such as Crossrail and HS2, have helped push construction workers’ pay up by 74% in three years, according to a new report.
In the last 12 months alone the average pay for construction workers on railways and underground lines increased by 11.6% to an average of £856.50 per week.
This is now the highest weekly pay rate for any segment of the construction industry, which has an average of £587.70. The latest figure for rail is also 74% more than the figure recorded in 2012, when the average weekly salary was £492.40.
The analysis was by NoPalaver, which provides accountancy services to contractors.
It was noted that as work on Crossrail progresses and HS2 contracts are being put out to tender, demand for experienced workers and highly skilled contractors is increasing.
“After a tough few years for construction generally during the recession, earnings in the rail segment specifically are rebounding strongly as new multi-billion pound infrastructure projects come on stream,” said Graham Jenner, director at NoPalaver.
“Assuming HS2 gets the go-ahead, and with the possibility of Crossrail 2 in the pipeline, working on these kinds of high-level infrastructure schemes should provide fantastic career development opportunities as well as remuneration for those involved in this sector.”
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