Good Work Index Wales report suggests one in two people are struggling to keep up with monthly bills
The CIPD is calling for the Welsh government and employers to review their commitment to good work
![](/globalassets/media/comms/news/2023-images/2023-good-work-wales.png?width=10&height=6&quality=80&rxy=0.5%2c0.5&rmode=crop)
The CIPD is calling for the Welsh government and employers to review their commitment to good work
Our new research reveals that satisfaction with pay is low in Wales, with just 42% of workers feeling they are paid appropriately given their job responsibilities. The figures also suggest that 35% of workers are struggling to pay their bills from time to time, with 14% of workers constantly struggling to keep up with paying them.
However, overall job satisfaction shows that Wales is on par with the rest of the UK, with results showing that two-thirds of workers are satisfied with their job.
The first CIPD Good Work Index 2023 – Wales report gives valuable insights from 545 people across Wales reporting on the seven dimensions of job quality.
While most people have a reasonable work-life balance, significant minorities do not – more than a quarter (28%) of workers in Wales said they found it difficult to meet commitments in their personal life because of the time they spend at work, with carers in the UK struggling the most.
“Despite the upheaval of recent years, the labour market has remained remarkably resilient, but our report highlights a concern over dissatisfaction with pay in Wales. We know that Wales had the lowest average weekly earnings of all UK nations, reflected by the economy and cost-of-living compared to other nations and regions”.
However, the report has highlighted a concern over dissatisfaction with pay. Based on the latest statistics, we know that Wales had the lowest average weekly earnings of all UK nations, reflected by the economy and cost of living compared to other nations and regions.
Aside from pay, there is a more mixed experience of job quality between workers in the public and private sectors. Headlines include:
Looking across both private and public sector in Wales, employees report mixed feelings on the effect of work on their health, with only one-third of respondents saying work affects their mental (36%) and physical health (30%) positively.
The report also gives some practical recommendations for employers, people professionals and line managers on how to improve job quality, including:
"People are, overall, satisfied with their job and there are aspects of job quality that are clearly showing signs of positivity. Work can and should be good for us. It’s vital that our government and employers renew their commitment to good work”.
Are you a journalist looking for expert commentary and insights on the world of work?
The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives
How we’re championing better work and working lives across Wales
Working with our 6,000 members to champion better work and working lives across Wales
18 Jun, 2024
A recap of our busiest Festival of Work to date