Pay rates fall for civil engineers

Civil engineers' pay has fallen for the first time in seven years.

The latest salary survey from the Institution of Civil Engineers showed basic average income in the UK dropped by 0.3 percent to £47,282 in the 2008 tax year - breaking a steady run of increases since the survey started in 2003.

Total salary, which includes secondary income and bonuses, fell by 1.7 percent to £51,899. This was due to significant drops in additional income: secondary income (21.5%), overtime income (7.6%) and bonuses (13.2%).
 
The survey showed those on lower salaries have been affected more severely, with the bottom ten percent of earners seeing significant falls in basic income (6%) while the top ten percent of earners saw moderate increases (1.2 %).

 
ICE Director General Tom Foulkes said: "This year’s survey reflects the impact on the sector of the most challenging economic climate we have experienced for decades.

"The recession has had an obvious impact on civil engineering and the next twelve months will be significant in determining how the sector bounces back. It is crucial that any future Government ensures investment in infrastructure is continued and prioritised."

Other findings included:
         
Increase in starting salary for 2008 graduates, as compared to 2007 graduates, up 2.6% to £23,965

Redundancies, pay freezes and hiring freezes were the most common methods used by civil engineering employers to mitigate the impact of the recession.

Employment benefits stayed relatively steady across the board despite the recession, with minimal change year on year.